Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos (Scotcheroos)

Name: Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 5 tablespooons butter (softened, divided); 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup peanut butter (creamy); 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup butterscotch chips

5 from 1 vote

Recipe by Danelle

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Posted September 9, 2024Last Updated October 23, 2024

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Scotcharoos are a classic no-bake treat, combining crispy rice cereal with a peanut butter base and a decadent chocolate-butterscotch topping. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Scotcharoos are one of those old-fashioned treats you probably ate as a kid. And they’re still incredibly popular. Why? Because they’re easy to make and they’re a heavenly combination of rice cereal, peanut butter, chocolate and butterscotch.

So soft. Perfect!

Christian

This is definitely a recipe that stands the test of time. That also means you’ll find many different recipes for Scotcharoos out there–or Schotcheroos–there seems to be some disagreement on the spelling of this popular dessert.

I’m biased, of course, but I think this is the best Scotcharoos recipe out there, because the bars are soft and chewy, and if properly stored, stay that way for days.

And with such a short and simple ingredient list, you’ll probably be making this tasty treat again and again.

If you’re looking for something quick and easy to make for a church potluck or the school’s fall bake sale, these soft and chewy Scotcharoos are a hit every time.

Even my friends and family who don’t typically enjoy peanut butter love these bars. Probably because there are so many other delightful flavors to enjoy.

You can definitely half the recipe if you don’t live in a house full of hungry boys–which is what I often do now that those boys have grown up and moved away. Because I definitely could and would eat an entire 9×13 pan by myself!

If you’re looking for a quick and easy, no-bake dessert recipe that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, look no further than these Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos.

Ingredients

Rice Krispies Cereal: Rice Krispies provide the perfect light and crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich, gooey peanut butter mixture. I find that the original Rice Krispies brand provides the best results
Butter: I use unsalted butter. Make sure it’s softened so it blends well with the sugar and corn syrup
Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup is the key in binding the Rice Krispies together, giving the Scotcharoos their chewy texture. It also prevents the sugar from crystallizing. Make sure to use light corn syrup, as dark corn syrup can alter the flavor of the bars.
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar not only sweetens the bars but also works with the corn syrup to create the right consistency for the peanut butter mixture
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best in this recipe. Avoid natural peanut butter, as the oil separation can affect the consistency of the bars
Milk and Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the milk chocolate and butterscotch
Butterscotch Chips: Essential for that authentic Scotcharoo taste!

How to Make Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos

Step 1

Prep Your Pan: Start by buttering a 9×13-inch baking pan. Use 1 tablespoon of softened butter to generously coat the pan, making sure to get into the corners. This step ensures your Scotcharoos won’t stick, making it easier to remove them once they’re set.

Step 2

Prepare the Rice Krispies: Measure out 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and place them in a large mixing bowl. Having this ready will make it easier to combine with the peanut butter mixture while it’s still warm.

Step 3

Make the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the remaining butter, light corn syrup, and granulated sugar. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Bring it to a gentle boil and boil for one minute, but be careful not to overcook. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4

Mix with Rice Krispies: Pour the warm peanut butter syrup over the Rice Krispies in your mixing bowl. Using a spatula, gently but thoroughly stir the mixture until all the cereal is evenly coated. Be sure to work quickly here, as the mixture can start to set up as it cools.

Scotcharoos rice cereal peanut butter mixture

Step 5

Press Into the Pan: Transfer the Rice Krispies mixture to your prepared baking pan. Using a piece of buttered parchment paper, press the mixture evenly into the pan.

Step 6

Make the Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, the milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips. Microwave the chips at 50% power for 2 minutes. Remove and stir until smooth. If the chips aren’t fully melted, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until everything is completely melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the Rice Krispies layer in your pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure the entire surface is covered.

Step 7

Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature until the topping is set. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to speed up the process. Just be sure not to leave them in too long, as they can become too firm and harder to cut.

Step 8

Cut, Serve and Enjoy: Once the topping is fully set, use a sharp knife to cut the Scotcharoos into squares or rectangles. For best results, warm the knife under hot water, then dry it off before cutting—this will help you get clean, neat slices.

Recipe Tips

When heating the corn syrup, sugar, and butter, bring it to a boil, but don’t let it boil for too long. Overcooking can make the mixture too hard, resulting in bars that are more brittle than chewy.
Once the peanut butter is added to the hot syrup, work quickly to mix it into the Rice Krispies. The mixture can set fast, so it’s important to combine everything while it’s still warm and pliable.
Use a piece of buttered parchment paper or wax paper to smooth the top of the rice cereal mixture. This prevents sticking and allows you to evenly distribute the mixture without getting your hands messy.
For cleaner cutting, warm your knife under hot water, then wipe it dry before slicing.

Be sure to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cereals like Corn Flakes, Cheerios, or even Cocoa Krispies for a chocolatey twist. The texture will vary slightly depending on the cereal, but the bars should still hold together well.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Scotcharoos are a great make-ahead treat. You can prepare them up to 2-3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze well—just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

You can, but I don’t recommended it. Natural peanut butter tends to have oil separation, which can affect the consistency of the bars and make them less cohesive. For best results, stick with regular creamy peanut butter.