Name: Little Debbie Star Crunch Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter; 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon espresso powder; 5 cups Rice Krispy cereal; 20 soft caramels (such as Werther’s); 5 ½ cups mini marshmallows (about 1 10 oz. bag)

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Introduction

Little Debbie Star Crunch is a nostalgic treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel with the crunch of crispy cereal. These no-bake cookies are chewy, sweet, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the day.

The image shows a close-up of several chocolate-covered crispy rice treats stacked on a white plate. The top treat has a bite taken out, revealing a dense, crunchy inside with a mix of puffed rice and melted chocolate, giving it a textured surface. The treats are glossy and rich brown from the smooth layer of melted chocolate coating each piece. At the front edge of the plate, two small white marshmallows are placed. The background is blurred with soft colors, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon espresso powder
14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
20 soft caramels (such as Werther’s)
5 ½ cups mini marshmallows (about 1 10 oz. bag)
5 cups Rice Krispy cereal
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Melt over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.
Step 2: Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Add the caramel candies to the pot and stir constantly until the caramel is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Stir in the mini marshmallows and continue mixing until they are melted and the mixture is smooth again.
Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. Add the Rice Krispy cereal and fold gently until all the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate and caramel mixture.
Step 6: Line two baking pans with parchment paper. Use a large cookie scoop to drop scoops of the mixture onto the parchment.
Step 7: Place the pans in the refrigerator and let the cookies set for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 8: Serve the cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to three days.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder to 1 teaspoon.
For added texture, mix in chopped nuts or shredded coconut along with the cereal.
Substitute regular marshmallows if mini ones are unavailable, but adjust melting time accordingly.

Storage

Store the Star Crunch cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can be left at room temperature for a few hours, but refrigeration helps maintain their chewy texture. To enjoy them soft again, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows five round, chocolate-covered crispy treats arranged on a white marbled surface. Each treat has a rough texture made from puffed rice mixed with thick, glossy chocolate, giving them a rich brown color. One treat in the center has a bite taken out of it, revealing a porous, crunchy inside with a lighter brown color. In the background, there are two caramel-colored candies placed close together, and a small white marshmallow sits near the front of the image. A blurry cereal box and a blue and white checkered cloth can be seen in the far background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without the espresso powder?

Yes! The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste or have no coffee on hand.

Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Rice Krispies are best for the classic crunch, but you can experiment with other puffed cereals. Keep in mind that different cereals may change the texture and flavor slightly.