Star Crunch Cookies
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My homemade star crunch cookies are the ultimate Little Debbie dupe. Made with crispy rice cereal and melted chocolate, they’ll transport you back to childhood!
Why I love this Star Crunch recipe
Whenever my family would go on road trips, the moment we’d pull into a gas station, I’d run in to get Little Debbie Star Crunch cookies. If you know, you know.
Of course, I had no idea what was actually in them. So, when I set out to make a copycat version, I recreated it using a short list of pantry staples while keeping that addictive, crispy, chewy, chocolate texture. Here’s why I love them:
- Even better than the original. I hate to say this, but I bought a Star Crunch cookie not too long ago, and the quality isn’t what I remember. My homemade cookies taste infinitely better and are WAY bigger, too!
- Quick to make. Once you melt the chocolate, everything comes together in one bowl. The most time-consuming task is waiting for them to firm up in the fridge.
- Easy to customize. Each of the 5 ingredients (yes, only 5!) can be customized to suit your dietary needs or make do with whatever’s in your pantry.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Very delicious! I love how it was recreated to be a healthier version. Thank you!” – Regina
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
- Crispy rice cereal. I used regular old Rice Krispies cereal, but brown rice cereal or any crispy cereal works just as well. If you need these to be gluten-free, use gluten-free Rice Krispies.
- Peanut butter. To add richness to the chocolate mixture. I sometimes use almond butter or seed butter to keep it nut-free.
- Maple syrup. My preferred sticky sweetener for this recipe. Honey and agave syrup will also work, though I find honey a little overpowering.
- Coconut oil. Helps keep the cookies from being too crumbly and adds to the creaminess. I tested these with butter, and while it worked, I found it a little greasy around the edges.
- Chocolate chips. The starring ingredient. Use chocolate chips or a chopped-up chocolate bar. You can also use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a mixture of semi-sweet chocolate chips and caramel chips.
Can I add caramel?
Traditional Star Crunch has a swirl of caramel in the center, so I tested these to include that as an option. Once the cookies are shaped, drizzle 1/4 cup of jarred caramel sauce on top, then chill. I’ve also had success using vegan caramel.
How to make star crunch cookies
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the crispy rice cereal to a large bowl.
Step 2- Melt chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
Step 3- Assemble. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and whisk to combine.
Using a large cookie scoop, drop cookie batter onto the baking sheet 2-3 inches apart. Press on each cookie and refrigerate until firm. If desired, add caramel first.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Grease the cookie scoop with nonstick cooking spray to reduce stickiness.
- Use fresh cereal. If the crispy rice cereal has gone stale, the cookies won’t have the signature crunch.
- Cut the carbs. Use keto maple syrup and sugar-free chocolate chips.
Star Crunch Cookies
Video
Ingredients
- 5 cups Crispy Rice Cereal 140g
- 1 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips 255g
- 1 cup Peanut Butter can use any nut or seed butter, 250g
- 1/4 cup coconut oil 55g
- 1/2 cup maple syrup 160mL
Instructions
- Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy rice cereal and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or stove top, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Melt until fully combined. If you use a microwave, melt on medium power in 30-second spurts to avoid over-heating.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the crispy rice cereal and mix until fully incorporated. Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop crunch cookie batter on the lined baking sheet, about 2-3 inches apart. Press each cookie and refrigerate until firm. If adding caramel, drizzle on top and chill.
Hello Arman! I am curious if I may add the marshmallow product Jett-Puffed Marshmallow creme to this recipe. If so, should I remove 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and use 1/2 cup of the creme? Would that ratio work?
Hi Tammy, sounds like a great flavor combo! I wouldn’t reduce the amount of chocolate though because that does a lot of the binding for the cookies as it chills. You would be better off spreading the creme on top, or stuffing it in between 2 cookie halves than adding it to the mix, as it won’t set firm like the rest of the cookie and could make them fall apart, unfortunately.
Super easy….very tasty….grandkids loved them!!
I 1/2 the recipe because I didn’t need a full batch, and my have added a little too much crispy cereal….so were’t as smooth and creamy as it shows in the pic. BUT still a hit.
Hi Annamarie- oh no worries. It’s easy to go a little heavy on the cereal. Just cut back next time for creamier and thinner texture.
Just wondering if you could use cacao powder in place of the choc?
Hi Tina, that won’t work to achieve the desired texture and flavor. You need you use meltable chocolate for them.
Don’t bother with this recipe. I wasted a 16 oz bag of chocolate chips and an entire jar of peanut butter…tried it twice. Ratios are way off!
Sorry to hear that, Rhonda! The ratios are correct and tested, so something likely went wrong during melting. Chocolate can seize up if it gets too hot or any moisture gets in. I recommend melting it in 30-second spurts and make sure to pour over the cereal while still warm and liquid. Hope that helps!
These were definitely tasty, but only giving 3 stars because they don’t really taste like a star crunch. I added extra caramel but still just tasted like a chocolate pb no bake cookie. Will try mixing the caramel in with the other ingredients next time.
Hi Jocelyn- totally understand. I appreciate your feedback. It won’t taste identical, but better ingredients!
OMG Easy to make and great to eat!!!
I love to hear that, Isaac. Thanks for taking the time to leave a lovely review and rating.
Have you substituted the coconut oil for something else. I’m extremely allergic to coconut.
Hi Christie- butter works! 🙂
Hi how we can keep rice crispy cearal crunchy while I put the combination it became uncrunchi
Hi Nisreen! Firstly, I’d check that the cereal is fresh, otherwise it can go soggy. Also, work quickly once added to the chocolate mixture to prevent it softening and chill straight away 🙂
Can this be done with corn flakes by any chance? Just wondering or if you have any recipes using corn flakes.
Hi Olga! I do have cornflake bars– these will work with cornflakes too, especially if partially crushed first 🙂
Can I use honey instead of maple?
Yes you can, Becca. I’d just be wary that honey is way more overpowering than maple syrup, so you’ll likely be able to taste it. Not an issue if you enjoy the flavor though 🙂
Great. Really quick and easy to do
Thanks for the lovely feedback and star rating, Gloria!
So good
Thanks for the feedback, Martina. I just made a batch with a drizzle of caramel on top to really replicate the authentic star crunch- try it out next time 🙂
What kind of chocolate chips? The recipe doesn’t specify dark, milk, or semisweet and that’s an important piece of information to leave out.
Hi Trevor, you can use whichever kind of chocolate chips you prefer. Semi-sweet chips will give you a nice balanced flavor, milk chocolate chips will give you a creamier finish. You could even do 50/50 semisweet and milk chocolate. I would avoid dark chocolate for this recipe if you’re trying to recreate the original star crunch cookies 🙂
Can you taste the maple syrup once mixed together? I’m not a fan.
Hey Melissa, it’s a very subtle maple taste in the final product. If you want to avoid that all together though you could use an agave or allulose syrup, which would be a little more neutral.
This recipe did not work the cookies would not stick together at all. Any suggestions?
Hi! Hmm, that usually happens if the chocolate mixture cooled too much before mixing with the cereal- it needs to still be warm and pourable so it coats everything and binds together. If you find the mixture is already starting to firm up, just pop it back in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to loosen it.
Wow looks so crispy and not difficult to make. Can I also make with different cereals or this one only?
I tried this recipe twice but the chocolate chips, peanut butter, coconut oil and maple syrup just turned into a lump. It was not a liquid at all and would not mix with the rice. I thought maybe I scorched the chocolate the first time but it turned out the same the 2nd time around. The lump had good flavor but definitely could not be mixed with the rice.
Hi Laura, it does sound like you might have overcooked the chocolate mix. Are you using medium power on your microwave? You can also use a double boiler on the stove which is a little more gentle if you want to be extra careful. Just remember to melt slowly so that you end up with a pourable mix. Hope this helps!
Instead of rice cereals I will mash some rice cakes. You think its the same?
These don’t taste like star crunch cookies. They taste like puppy chow without the powdered sugar.
Sorry to hear that, Candice- they won’t taste exactly like star crunch, but a more wholesome option that still turns out crispy and crunchy.
Can you use something else other than coconut oil? I have a friend allergic to anything coconut.
Hi Cherie- yes, unsalted butter works best as a coconut oil replacement. The edges may look a little greasy but it will firm up nicely.
Good flavor. However, as the recipe stands we found it too dry for “cookie” balls to form and stay together. We had to add melted marshmallows for them to stop crumbling. Kids thoroughly enjoyed.
I’m glad the kids loved them. The marshmallow addition sounds so good. The mixture being too dry is usually a sign the chocolate wasn’t fully melted before mixing- it should be smooth and pourable (unless you perhaps added more cereal?).
Is there a reason why the star crunch cookies are 5 cups vs. the bars 3 cups of rice cereal as all the other ingredients are the same quantity/measurements in both these recipes.
Because the crunch cookies are flat and have a greater surface area.
Can I use caramel instead of peanut butter
I wouldn’t, Madison- they won’t have the same effect. You can keep the peanut butter and drizzle the caramel on top 😉
Thanks for sharing your recipes.
I followed the recipe, but next time, might add (sugar free) Smuckers caramel to the center. For the chocolate, I used a combination of Hershey’s sugar free chocolate chips and Lily’s sugar free chocolate melting wafers. For my nut butter, I used sugar free almond butter. Of course there is some natural sugar in the pure maple syrup.
Very good! Definitely satisfies a sweet tooth.
Love to hear that, Tara- thanks for sharing your tweaks, that is super helpful for those wanting to cut back on the sugar 🙂
Delish! Tastes like a Nestles crunch bar!
What could be substituted for coconut oil? We have allergies in our family?
Butter works!
Could I use agave place of the maple syrup?
Hi Claire, that should be fine! The cookies might just be a little softer, and a little sweeter 🙂
Same. Thanks for asking. My hubby is allergic
What’s the sugar content??
Hi Amy! Sorry it isn’t showing up for you! There is 11 grams of sugar per serving.
Very delicious! I love how it was recreated to be a more healthier version. Thank you!
I’m not a maple fan. Is date syrup okay?
Yes, that is absolutely fine, Dee!
Very disappointed. It is not anything like the Little Debbie cookies.
Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy them Maureen- they aren’t an exact replica, as I don’t use corn syrup or multiple forms of sugar and butter, but a more wholesome substitute. Definitely not for everyone 🙂
Star crunch
Can anything be substituted in place of the maple syrup? Not a fan of maple syrup.
Hi Donna- yes, agave nectar or coconut syrup both work well.
These are delicious! My husband and I both think they taste better than actual starcrunch! Super easy to make and I used sugar free chocolate chips. Wonderful! Thank you!
These were the best homemade star crunch cookies ever. Yes, it’s missing the caramel but that wasn’t the best part of the cookies anyway.
Do you use real maple syrup or can the corn syrup based syrup be used?
You can use corn syrup. I’m not a fan of it, but it will yield the same result in these 🙂
What kind of chocolate chips and maple syrup did you use? Made these last night and don’t quite look like yours. They wanted to crumble and not stick together that much, however they did set up.
Hi! I always chop up a chocolate bar or use costco chocolate chips. The maple syrup is the Kirkland brand.
Could one use WOWBUTTER instead of peanut butter?
yes you can 🙂
I followed the recipe exactly as it said. Th flavor,texture and taste was perfect, the only thing was that after the cookies cooled and i was bagging them up they crumbled, I let them cool on the table. Is there anything I could have done to get them not to crumble? Cannot wait to make again they were delicious even though they crumbled. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Hi Laura! You can try using less rice crispie cereal next time 🙂
I have some men coming over to repair a screen sometime, I don’t know when; since one of their wives is a friend of mine, they did not give me a date. Will these stay fresh for a certain length of time or do I need to freeze them?
Thank you.
Hi Jeannette- yes, these do stay fresh for quite some time-
TO STORE: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresher longer, refrigerate them for up to one month.
TO FREEZE: Transfer cookies to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
There out of stock of the cereal on Amazon and might not restock. What could I use in place of that.
Is it possible to NOT melt the chocolate chips & stir them in at last moment so they remain whole? Or will the texture of the cookie be totally different?
I just thought visually they’d be more pleasing plus a wile chip is great to bite into
Many thanks
Kisi
Hi, i am wondering whether this will melt if i keep it only in room tempt for 1 week?
Hi Arini- Yes, one week is my reccomendation for room temperature storage.
Absolutely a piss poor substitute for actual star crunch. In no way do these taste like real star crunches because they do not contain caramel.
Hi Dave- I’m sorry to hear that. I have included an option to include caramel- I find they have the best texture when left without it.
I’m thinking I would add peanuts to this yummy sounding recipe. Love chocolate and peanuts and crisps too for that matter! Cant wait to try this easy recipe.
Adding crushed peanuts is such a good addition- they do go well together.
Oh yes I remember star crunch cakes! The originals had caramel in the middle 😋 I’m going to try these very soon!
These look like a good idea. As far as the coconut oil, do I use the same amount if using butter?
Yes 🙂
These are amazing! Just happen to come across this recipe on Instagram. Used all my chocolate chips and maple syrup but it was worth it. The kids are licking the bowl now. I have to admit I did lick the spoon. Made these bigger than suggested because they are my hubby’s favourite!
Wondering if anyone else had the problem of the chocolate mixture not melting but rather becoming a solid blob of chocolate that could not be used. Never had this problem before . I had to throw it all out .
Hi Joan- sorry to hear that. If that happened, I wonder if it was the brand of chocolate you used, or perhaps there was some liquid in the bowl you used that caused the chocolate to seize? The coconut oil and the syrup actually makes it even glossier and smooth.
Very crumbly. Not chewy at all. Def can not use any nut butter. I used tahini
Hi Kris- if it came out crumbly, it sounds like perhaps you used too much cereal. Tahini works really well, and it’s what I use when I make it for my niece who is allergic to nuts.
Ok but a star crunch has caramel and not peanut butter. I’m sure these are still good, but it’s not a star crunch copycat at all.
Hi Jolene- I’ve re-tested them with an option to swirl caramel before chilling 🙂
If you want these to be vegan, watch out for cripsed rice cereal that has any of the vitamin D’s in it, it may be animal derived.
These were delicious! However, does the original Little Debbie cake have caramel? If so, how could I alter the recipe? Thanks!
Hi Kirsty- I’ve recently retested the recipe to include caramel 🙂 Just swirl 1/4 cup over the cookies before chilling 🙂
I made these yesterday and they turned out great! I was surprised that they dried too. They seemed very not sticky when I mixed everything together and I was concerned I’d wind up with gooey blobs of crunchy chocolate, but I was wrong! I was also pleased that they didn’t taste like coconut at all!
My only gripe is a matter of personal taste, but these wound up not having much sweetness to them, which was shocking to me because of all the maple syrup and chocolate (I just used plain old semi-sweet baking chips). If I make them again, I would add in some additional sweetener like maybe a couple tablespoons of Truvia or maybe 1/4 cup regular sugar. I think some mini M&M’s might be a nice and colorful addition too.
Other than that, these were lovely! I also have half a box of Rice Krispies left from it, so I think I’ll be making your peanut butter rice cereal treats next. 🙂
Hi Elly- thanks so much for the detailed feedback. I’m very surprised you found them not sweet enough- I usually get the opposite response and also use semi-sweet chips. I wonder if the chocolate chips were maybe older or a brand that isn’t usually sweet.
Can I use dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet?
Of course! I recommend dark as the syrup is sweetened 🙂
These sound great! Do I measure the coconut oil before or after I melt it? My coconut oil is solid. Thanks!
Hi! Pre-melting 🙂
Just made these for myself and daughter … did 1/5 of the recipe. Amazing… soooo delish. I used to eat these little Debbie snacks when I was in school, haven’t had one in ages. Thank you for the recipe!
😀 LOVE IT!
Hey! Would you be able to substitute maple syrup for honey?
Hi! Sure can, but there will be a slight honey flavor 🙂
Hi! Can i not add the chocolate chips??
No, it is a key ingredient in the recipe.
Looking forward to trying these. I have coconut butter so I will try this. I really miss eating the nobake oatmeal cookies. These look very similar to those.
Let me know how you go, Rene! 🙂
These were AMAZING!!! I think i added too much coconut oil, so the mixture didn’t stick together very well. I put them in a muffin tin, froze them for 30 minutes and they turned out fine.
How do you store these?
The fridge is fine!
Can I use “puffed rice” the arrowhead mills brand. Sounds so yummy!!
You can, Cindi, but puffed rice softens, so you won’t get the crispness 🙂
I made these twice. Everyone loves them.
I just made these, and they are deeeeelicious!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!!! I used raw coconut nectar and pure maple syrup combination! ??❤
Hi! I’m not a fan of coconut, is there a strong taste of it in this cookie from the coconut oil?
Hi there, promise you won’t taste it- you can use butter if you like!
Can you use honey instead of pure maple syrup?
Absolutely! 🙂
What kind of peanut butter did you use? Would all- natural give you the same texture? Thanks!
Hi! It should, as long as it is well mixed 🙂
Can canola or veg oil be used in place of coconut? How about honey in place of syrup?
Hi there! Is avocado oil or butter accessible for you? Those are the only two I’ve tried successfully. Yes, honey works great!
Can I use organic coconut cooking oil?
Hi Lucy- yes, that will work, but the edges of the cookies will be a little greasy. It’s best to use coconut oil that is solid at room temperature.
What would you substitute for the coconut oil? My boyfriend is allergic to coconut and I don’t want to use coconut oil.
Hi Melissa! Butter is the only tested option I’ve tried. Some have used avocado oil, but I cannot personally vouch for it : )
What can I use in place of coconut oil
You can use butter.
any vegan replacements for coconut oil?
You could try vegan butter 🙂
What kind of oil can I use other than coconut?
I wouldn’t swap it out for another oil, but instead, use unsalted butter.
What’s the carb count on these cookies.
Feel free to calculate specific macros using an online calculator 🙂
Update: Actually I plugged in Armans ingredients and the calories were a bit higher but carbs were 1 gram less (29 g) and sugar was 3 grams less (16 guys). My BF loved these so I have to make more and soon.
Thank you!! I had no idea how to calculate this anywhere and was wondering about carbs!
star crunch by little debbie dont have peanut butter in them- theyre caramel, crispies and chocolate…not to say im not going to try this recipe out because it still sounds delicious
You are right, Lorraine- this is my spin on them, which helps keep them crisp and sweet, and a little more wholesome 🙂
Can you provide nutrition facts? I’m trying to see how these are healthy.
Feel free to calculate it using an online calculator 🙂
It says these are sugar free.. but isn’t there sugar in the chocolate? I buy those chocolate chips too but I’m pretty sure there is sugar. Can you recommend a good sugar free chocolate that is still dairy/soy/gluten free?
Hi there, Lily’s chocolate chips are stevia sweetened 🙂
I love the added crunch! Gots to make these!
I am also a total crunchy texture fan! Crispy cereals are no exception. Oh these cookies look delicious! You cannot go wrong with chocolate peanut butter treats!
I wish I could reach your crunchy crispy cookies through my computer screen! Sublime!
These are sooo good ! Just made a batch and they turned out great ! Nice light crunch with smooth chocolate flavor. Definitely will be making them again. Thank you for posting.
Can I make them without butter or coconut oil. I have high cholesterol.
Thank you
what Crispy Rice Cereal is Gluten Free? Rice Chex? Is that the only one?
Nope! This uses erewhorn brand, which is gluten-free.
Malt-O-Meal brand crisped rice cereal is also gluten free.
Cheers, Amy- Appreciate it!
These sound perfectly crunchy! Choc pb can’t be beat
My grandson is allergic to coconut.
Is there an alternative to coconut oil ?
Thank you
Pam
Butter works!
Could I use vegetable oil?
I wouldn’t Kristina- the best swap for coconut oil is butter. You want something that is stable at room temperature so the cookies won’t melt outside the fridge.