There’s something absolutely magical about the Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe: a confection that masterfully balances crispy, chewy, salty, and sweet in every bite. These cookies are the ultimate treat for snack lovers, combining the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with the irresistible salty snap of potato chips, all wrapped up in a buttery, golden dough. Whether you crave texture, flavor, or just a fun twist on classic cookies, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to for bake sales, parties, or simply indulging yourself at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for the Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe are simple pantry staples, but each one plays a starring role in building the cookie’s delightful texture and flavor. Don’t skip any—every element has a purpose!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle hint of caramel.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor and enhances the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, creating the perfect cookie base.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and get that tender chew.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra lift for a lighter bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweet and savory notes.
- Crushed potato chips (2 cups): Provides salty crunch and a unique, addictive flavor.
- Rice Krispies cereal (2 cups): Delivers airy crispness for a fun texture surprise.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1 cup, optional): Brings a nutty depth and extra crunch—completely optional but highly recommended.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): For chocolate lovers, these add gooey richness to every bite.
How to Make Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only keeps the cookies from sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Setting the stage properly ensures your cookies bake evenly with perfectly golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving that classic chewy cookie texture and getting a nice rise in the oven. It should only take a couple of minutes, but don’t rush—creaming well is worth it!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, pour in the vanilla extract. These wet ingredients bind everything together and infuse the dough with a comforting aroma that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, so you don’t get any unwelcome surprises in your cookies. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Crunchy Goodies
Here’s where the Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe really shines! Gently fold in the crushed potato chips, Rice Krispies, and, if you like, the chopped nuts and chocolate chips. Take care not to crush the cereal and chips too much—you want those signature pockets of crunch in every bite.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, keeping about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. The cookies might seem a little soft in the middle, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly and makes them easy to handle. Now, just try not to eat them all at once!
How to Serve Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or a few extra crushed potato chips on top of the warm cookies right after baking. If you want to go the extra mile, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can make them look even more tempting for guests.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk is a classic move, but they’re also delicious with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For parties, serve them alongside a platter of fresh fruit or other cookies for a sweet-and-salty dessert spread everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for gifting, or arrange them in a cookie tin lined with colorful parchment paper. You can even crumble them over ice cream or use them as a base for an over-the-top ice cream sandwich for a show-stopping dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to five days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week or stashing in lunchboxes.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also freeze the raw cookie dough—just scoop portions onto a tray, freeze until solid, and then store in a zip-top bag until you’re ready to bake. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked freshness, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm a batch in a low oven (300°F) for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives the texture and makes the chocolate chips (if you used them) perfectly gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chips in this recipe?
Absolutely! While classic potato chips are traditional for the Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe, feel free to experiment with kettle chips, ridged chips, or even flavored varieties for a new twist.
What’s the best way to crush the potato chips?
Place your chips in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin. Aim for a blend of small pieces and bigger chunks for the best texture in your cookies.
Can I skip the nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Both nuts and chocolate chips are optional. If you leave them out, the cookies will still have plenty of flavor and crunch, thanks to the cereal and potato chips.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and chill it in the fridge. Chilled dough often results in thicker, chewier cookies, so it’s a win-win!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten-free. However, you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your chips and Rice Krispies are gluten-free for an easy adaptation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, give the Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe a try. With their crunchy, chewy, salty, and sweet layers, they’re sure to win over everyone who tries them. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share—if you can resist keeping them all to yourself!
Print
Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully crunchy and sweet, Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies combine the salty crunch of potato chips with the crisp texture of Rice Krispies cereal for a uniquely addictive treat. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the sweet-and-salty flavor combination in a classic American dessert cookie.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 2 cups crushed potato chips
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and making the cookies tough.
- Fold in Crunchy Add-Ins: Gently fold in the crushed potato chips, Rice Krispies cereal, chopped nuts (if using), and chocolate chips (if using) to evenly distribute throughout the dough while preserving their texture.
- Shape Cookies: Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape and texture.
Notes
- Lightly crush potato chips for a balance of crunch and texture in each bite.
- These cookies are perfect for those who enjoy the combination of sweet and salty flavors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Optional ingredients like nuts and chocolate chips add extra texture and flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
