If you love chewy, chocolatey, caramel-loaded treats, then these No-Bake Star Crunch Cookies are about to become your new obsession! They taste just like the classic Little Debbie version, but homemade and even better—with gooey caramel, crispy rice cereal, and rich chocolate in every bite. The best part? No oven required!
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Whether you need a quick sweet fix, an easy dessert for a party, or a fun recipe to make with kids, these cookies come together in minutes and set up beautifully with just a little patience.
Why You’ll Love No-Bake Star Crunch Cookies
No-Bake & Easy: No oven, no fuss—just melt, mix, and set!
Tastes Like the Original: The same chewy caramel crunch as the store-bought kind.
Only a Few Ingredients: Simple pantry staples make this recipe super accessible.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, lunchboxes, or an anytime treat.
Customizable: Add extra chocolate, a pinch of sea salt, or even peanut butter!
Ingredients in No-Bake Star Crunch Cookies
Caramel Bits or Soft Caramels: The secret to that chewy, gooey texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
Butter: A little bit of butter makes these extra luscious.
Milk Chocolate Chips: The chocolatey coating that brings everything together.
Crispy Rice Cereal: Gives the cookies their signature crunch.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm sweetness.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Melt the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the caramel bits with the butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
Add the Chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until completely melted and combined.
Mix in the Cereal: Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until fully coated in the caramel-chocolate mixture.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping them into mounds.
Let Them Set: Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until firm. For faster setting, refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Enjoy! Once set, dig in and enjoy the chewy, crispy goodness.
How to Serve No-Bake Star Crunch Cookies
As a Snack: Perfect for a quick sweet bite any time of day.
With Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies over vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Dipped in Chocolate: For an even richer version, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
With a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt takes these cookies to the next level.
Gift-Worthy: Package them in cute boxes or bags for homemade gifts.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Cereal: Stale rice cereal won’t give you the signature crunch!
Keep Stirring: Caramel can burn easily, so stir constantly while melting.
Let Them Set Properly: Don’t rush—give them time to firm up before eating.
Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Make Them Extra Chewy: Add a tablespoon of corn syrup or honey for a stickier texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
A1: Yes! Dark chocolate will make them slightly less sweet but still delicious.
Q2: What if I don’t have caramel bits?
A2: You can use individually wrapped soft caramels—just unwrap and melt them with a splash of milk.
Q3: Can I make these dairy-free?
A3: Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut condensed milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Q5: Can I freeze these cookies?
A5: Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Q6: My cookies aren’t setting—what went wrong?
A6: Make sure your caramel mixture was thick enough before mixing in the cereal. Refrigerating can help them firm up faster.
Q7: Can I add peanut butter?
A7: Yes! Stir in ¼ cup of peanut butter for a fun flavor twist.
Q8: Can I make them gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Just use gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
Q9: Can I double the batch?
A9: Definitely! Just make sure you have enough space for them to set properly.
Q10: Do these taste exactly like Little Debbie Star Crunch?
A10: They’re super close but even fresher and more delicious!
Final Thoughts
These No-Bake Star Crunch Cookies are easy, nostalgic, and absolutely addictive! Whether you’re making them for a sweet snack, a homemade gift, or a fun baking project, they’re a guaranteed hit. Try them once, and trust me you’ll be making them on repeat!
Print
No-Bake Star Crunch Cookies
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you love Little Debbie’s Star Crunch cookies, this homemade no-bake version will be your new favorite! These chewy, crunchy, and gooey treats combine crispy Rice Krispies with caramel, chocolate, and marshmallows for the ultimate snack. Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick, 4 oz) unsalted butter
- 11 oz package caramel bits
- 10 oz package mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup milk
- 10 oz package mini marshmallows
- 6 cups (170g) Rice Krispies
Instructions
- Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt butter, caramel bits, chocolate chips, and milk, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes until smooth.
- Add mini marshmallows and continue cooking over low heat, stirring occasionally, until fully melted and smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies, gently mixing until well coated.
- Scoop ¼ cup portions of the mixture onto prepared sheet pans. Let cool for 5 minutes, then press each portion into a disc shape, smoothing the edges.
- Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- Butter Substitute: If using salted butter, reduce additional salt in the recipe if modifying.
- Caramel Bits Alternative: You can use soft caramel candies, unwrapped and melted with 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
- Chocolate Chips: Regular semi-sweet chocolate chips work if mini chips are unavailable.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate and let come to room temperature before eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 237
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg