Homemade Star Crunch

With just 5 ingredients you can make a batch of chewy, no-bake Little Debbie Star Crunch cookies! No stove-top needed – simply microwave and enjoy a caramel-y & chocolate treat in under 10 minutes!

Why I Love These Star Crunch Cookies:

1. You can microwave in ONE BOWL! No messy stove-top needed!
2. This recipe makes a small batch of 4 cookies, which makes them perfect for a quick after-school snack! You can also press the mixture into a loaf pan and cut into bars.
3. It’s the perfect 10 minute no bake dessert or snack when you are craving something sweet & salty but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen.
4. I will argue that the texture is better in this homemade version; chewier and softer than the drier packaged version (which I swear they changed the recipe over the years).

Tip! If you want to make a larger batch, you will need to use the stovetop and a large pot to melt the mixture. For a 9×9 pan, quadruple the recipe.

Ingredients to Make Star Crunch Cookies:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• Sea Salt Caramel Baking Chips (I highly recommend Hershey’s. The offbrand doesn’t taste as good).
• Mini Marshmallows
• Butter (unsalted or salted work, but not margarine)
• Crispy Rice Cereal

How to Make Homemade Star Crunch:

Step 1: Melt Chocolate/Caramel Chips

Add chocolate chips, caramel chips, and butter to a medium microwave-safe bowl (the bowl has to be big enough for the marshmallows to expand).

Microwave on 50% power (important!) for 1 minute. Mix, then microwave in 30 second increments at 50% power until mostly melted. My microwave takes 2 minutes total. It’s okay if a few of the chips aren’t fully melted, as they’ll finish melting in the next step.

Step 2: Add Marshmallows

Once melted & smooth, add marshmallows (do not stir them in) and microwave for 1 minute at full power. The marshmallows will expand. Mix chocolate/marshmallow mixture until smooth (again, it’s okay if there’s a few small unmelted chunks).

Step 3: Add Rice Cereal

Once smooth, stir in rice cereal until fully coated. Allow to cool for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Scoop & Shape

Once mixture is warm to the touch (i.e. not too hot to touch) scoop mixture into 1/2 cup scoops, roll into a ball (spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray first), and then flatten into discs. Place on parchment to harden.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do I find salted caramel chips?

I usually get the Hershey’s Sea Salt Chips at Target! During the holidays, they also have them in both the baking & seasonal aisle (back by the Halloween/Fall/Christmas stuff).

I’ve tried the Kroger off-brand kind and they don’t taste as good. You can use them, but Hershey’s is definitely better!

Can I double the batch?

If you want to double the batch you have two options:

1. Simply make the recipe twice in two separate bowls. You can’t double the recipe in the same bowl because the marshmallows would expand too much (also, I’ve found that doubling in the microwave increases your changes of burning the chocolate mixture).
2. If you want to double, triple, or quadruple the batch all at once you can make these on the stovetop using a large pot. For stovetop, follow the same instructions but melt the mixture on medium heat.

Storage Instructions:

Store in an airtight container. When properly stored, these will stay fresh for several days.

Did you make this Little Debbie star crunch recipe? Be sure to leave a comment below with how you liked them!