Name: Crispy Chocolate Cherry Treats
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: Makes 16 squares
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 10 ounces (283 grams) marshmallows; 1/2 cup (3 ounces/85 grams) white chocolate chips; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 1 cup dried cherries, chopped; 1/2 cup (3 ounces/85 grams) semisweet chocolate chips

Why This Recipe Works

We tweaked the cereal-to-marshmallow ratio of our Crispy Chocolate Cherry Treats to produce creamier, richer treats, and added a bit of vanilla extract and salt (both missing from the original recipe) for flavor. For thicker, more substantial squares, we patted the mixture into an 8-inch square pan instead of the usual 13- by 9-inch pan. To incorporate the seasonal flavors of chocolate and cherries, we stirred in chopped dried cherries. Dark chocolate gave the cereal an unattractive muddy look, so we melted white chocolate chips with the butter and marshmallows and drizzled melted semisweet chocolate on top.

Instructions

Line 8-inch square baking pan with foil, allowing excess foil to hang over pan edges. Grease foil. Melt butter in large pot over low heat. Add marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and salt and cook, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth, about 8 minutes; stir in vanilla.

Off heat, stir in Rice Krispies and cherries until incorporated. Scrape mixture into prepared pan and press into bottom and corners with greased spatula. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.

Microwave semisweet chocolate chips in a small bowl until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds. Drizzle melted semisweet chips over cooled treats. Allow chocolate to cool, about 15 minutes. Using foil overhang, lift treats from pan. Cut into squares. Serve.