If you have a sweet tooth but also crave a little salty crunch, the Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These cookies strike the perfect balance between buttery richness, crispy Rice Krispies, and that unexpected pop of salty potato chips—all coming together to create a delightfully addictive treat. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering or to satisfy your own snacking urges, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in making these cookies taste out of this world. From the creamy butter that creates a tender base, to the crunchy potato chips and Rice Krispies that add irresistible texture, every item is essential.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy texture and a buttery base for the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp edge.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor for depth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, inviting notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, providing just the right chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a bit of extra lift for a perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors.
- 2 cups crushed potato chips: The star ingredient for salty crunch and a unique twist.
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Adds light, crispy texture and fun in every bite.
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For an extra nutty crunch if you like a bit more texture.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): Adds pockets of melty chocolate that complement the salty crunch.
How to Make Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cookie with a perfect crumb. Don’t rush it—taking time here pays off!
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and richness, making your cookies wonderfully soft inside.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents, which helps your cookies rise beautifully and bake to perfection.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
Step 6: Gently Fold in Crunchy Goodness
Fold in the crushed potato chips, Rice Krispies, and if you’re feeling fancy, toss in the nuts and chocolate chips. This step is where the magic happens, adding layers of flavor and crunch that make this Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe so unique and delicious.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the centers are just set. Resist the urge to overbake—these cookies soften as they cool!
Step 8: Cooling Time
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting step is crucial for the texture to settle perfectly.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on warm cookies just out of the oven for an extra pop of savory that enhances the sweet flavors even more. If you included chocolate chips, a drizzle of melted chocolate on top can add a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy vanilla iced coffee for a delightful treat. Their salty-sweet nature also makes them a fantastic companion to softer desserts like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment paper for gift-giving, or arrange them on a festive platter with some fresh fruit and nuts for a party spread. You can even sandwich softened cookie halves with vanilla frosting or peanut butter for an irresistible twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their delightful balance of crisp and chewy textures without drying out.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The salty crunch comes alive again, just like when they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular potato chips, or should they be a specific kind?
You can use any potato chips you love—classic salted, kettle-cooked, or even flavored chips add different nuances. Just crush them lightly for the best texture contrast without turning the cookies too salty.
Do I have to include nuts and chocolate chips?
Not at all! Nuts and chocolate chips are optional add-ins that offer extra texture and flavor. The cookies are delicious on their own with just the Potato Chips and Rice Krispies.
Will the cookies be too salty with potato chips?
Not when balanced properly! The sweetness from sugars and the buttery dough harmonizes with the salty crunch of the chips—creating a perfectly sweet-and-salty cookie experience.
Can I substitute the Rice Krispies with another cereal?
Rice Krispies are best for that classic light crunch, but you could experiment with similar puffed cereals. Just keep in mind that texture and flavor might shift slightly.
How do I crush the potato chips without them becoming powder?
Place the chips in a zip-top bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass to break them into bite-sized pieces. You want a mix of small chunks and a few crumbs for texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies Recipe is a must-try if you love cookies that surprise and delight with every bite. It’s simple, quick to make, and full of flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a cookie that’s anything but ordinary!
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
These Rice Krispie Potato Chip Cookies offer a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch. Featuring classic cookie dough combined with crushed potato chips, crispy Rice Krispies cereal, and optional nuts and chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for those who love a unique twist on traditional cookies. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a great treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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 butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a rich base for your cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then add the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Crunchy Add-Ins: Gently fold in the crushed potato chips, Rice Krispies cereal, and if using, the chopped nuts and chocolate chips to add texture and flavor complexity.
- Shape Cookies: Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
Notes
- Crush potato chips lightly to achieve a mix of crunchy and slightly chunky textures in your cookies.
- These cookies perfectly balance sweet and salty flavors, making them an ideal treat for fans of both tastes.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
