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Homemade Star Crunch Cookies

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Comments 64
Last Updated:June 25, 2022Published:November 15, 2020
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With just 5 ingredients you can make a batch of chewy, no-bake treats inspired by Little Debbie Star Crunch cookies! No stove-top needed – simply microwave and enjoy a caramel-y & chocolate treat in under 10 minutes!

Love this recipe? Try my Big Batch 9×13 Star Crunch Bar Recipe or TikTok viral Homemade Cosmic Brownies next!

Stack of homemade little debbie star crunch cookies

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 6 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).
  5. If nothing else, you’ll get that nostalgic feeling of childhood eating star crunches & Homemade Cosmic Brownies!

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.

Homemade little debbie star crunch with bite to show chewy and chocolately texture

Ingredients to Make Star Crunch Cookies:

This is just an overview, click here to jump down to the full recipe card for full instructions.

  • 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup Sea Salt Caramel Baking Chips (I highly recommend Hershey’s, which I can usually find at Target or regular grocery stores. The offbrand doesn’t taste as good and one reader reported that a different brand had a higher melting point and burned in the microwave).
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted work, but not margarine)
  • 2 cups crispy rice cereal
Bag of Hershey's Sea Salt Caramel Baking Chips
@designeatrepeat

Reply to @jessicalynnxo90 Homemade Star Crunch 🌟 Recipe linked in profile! #littledebbies #starcrunch #copycatrecipe #baking #recipes #treatyourself

♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

How to Make Homemade Star Crunch:

This is just a step-by-step photo overview, click here to jump down to full recipe card for condensed instructions or watch my TikTok viral video here!

Step 1: Melt Chocolate/Caramel Chips

Add chocolate chips (1/4 cup), caramel chips (1/2 cup), and butter (2 tablespoons) 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.

Important: If you’re not using the Hershey’s brand shown above, melt the caramel separate from the chocolate (or melt on low on the stove). One reader reported that they used a different brand (that had a higher melting point) and it burned quicker than the chocolate in the microwave.

Bowl of melted butter mixed with chocolate chips and caramel chips

Step 2: Add Marshmallows

Once melted & smooth, add the 2 cups of marshmallows (do not stir them in) and microwave for 1 minute at full power. The marshmallows will expand, so make sure you’re using a large bowl. Mix chocolate/marshmallow mixture until smooth (again, it’s okay if there are a few small unmelted chunks).

Bowl of homemade little debbie star crunch mixture

Step 3: Add Rice Cereal

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

Step by step photo showing how to mix and coat the rice krispy cereal with the chocolate mixture

Step 4: Scoop & Shape

Once the mixture is warm to the touch (i.e. not too hot to touch) scoop mixture into 1/4 cup scoops, roll into a ball (spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray first), and then flatten into discs. Do not pack together too tightly or your cookies may be too hard.

Place on parchment to harden.

Scooping the Homemade little debbie star crunch mixture in a 1/2 cup measuring cup, then rolling and flattening into a thick disc

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do I find salted caramel chips?

I usually get the Hershey’s Sea Salt Chips at Target but I’ve also gotten them at grocery stores or Amazon. 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 tasting and has a more glossy, chewy texture. If you’re not using the Hershey’s brand, melt the caramel separately from the chocolate (or melt on the stove on low heat). One reader reported that they used a different brand (that had a higher melting point) and it burned quicker than the chocolate in the microwave.

What if I don’t have a microwave?

For the stovetop, follow the same instructions but melt the mixture on low heat.

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 a 9×13 pan of bars (or 24 cookies!) use my larger-batch recipe for 5-Ingredient Star Crunch Bars!

Can I make these star crunch cookies gluten free?

Always be sure to check your exact ingredients but this recipe can easily be made gluten-free with certain brands of rice crispy cereal.

Storage Instructions:

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

Stack of homemade little debbie star crunch sliced down the middle to show texture

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

Homemade Star Crunch Cookies

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

Author: Melissa Rose
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Category: American
Keyword: homemade star crunch, little debbie, cookies
Servings: 6 cookies
Print this Recipe
4.91 from 53 votes
Did you make this recipe?
Leave us a review

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup salted caramel chips Hershey brand (see notes section below if using a different brand)
  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted or salted work, just not margarine
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 2 cups rice krispy cereal

Before you begin! If you make this, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe? This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.

Instructions

  1. Add chocolate chips, caramel chips, and butter to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power (important!) for 1 minute. Stir, then microwave in 30 second increments at 50% power until melted (mine takes about 2 minutes total). Mix until mostly smooth (it's okay to have a few lumps).

  2. Once melted & smooth, add marshmallows (do not stir them in) and microwave for 1 minute.

  3. Mix chocolate mixture until smooth (it's okay if a few of the marshmallows aren't fully melted), then stir in rice cereal. Mix until coated and let cool for a few minutes.

  4. Once mixture is warm to the touch (i.e. not too hot to touch) scoop mixture in 1/4 cup scoops, spray hands with nonstick cooking spray, roll into a ball, and then flatten into discs (don't press together too firmly or your cookies may get too hard). Place on parchment to harden.

  5. If desired, you can also press mixture into a loaf pan and make them into bars.

Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe! This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.

Recipe Notes

Brand of caramel chips: If you’re not using the Hershey’s brand shown in the post above, melt the caramel separately from the chocolate (or melt on the stove on low heat). One reader reported that they used a different brand (that had a higher melting point) and it burned quicker than the chocolate in the microwave.

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 a 9×13 pan of bars (or 24 cookies!) use my larger-batch recipe for 5-Ingredient Star Crunch Bars!

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

Nutrition

Nutrition facts per serving (1g)
Calories: 209kcal
Fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 4g
Trans fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated fat: 1g
Monounsaturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 12mg
Sodium: 152mg
Potassium: 57mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 755%
Vitamin C: 6%
Calcium: 7%
Iron: 3%
Did you make this?
Tag me on Instagram @designeatrepeat or leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out! I love seeing what you’ve made.
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Reader Interactions

64 Comments

  1. Keli says

    07/28/2022 at 11:35 am

    4 stars
    I made this 2 times once using semi sweet chocolate and once using milk chocolate chips, both times they were good the milk chocolate was a little sweeter. I also used cocoa rice crispys instead of plain rice crispys. Very good and super easy to make.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      07/29/2022 at 10:47 pm

      So glad that you were able to customize these and enjoy them Keli!
      Thank you for leaving your review.

      Reply
  2. Anna says

    07/14/2022 at 3:38 pm

    I can’t find Hersey sea salted caramel chips :( out of stock everywhere!!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      07/14/2022 at 6:54 pm

      Nooo so sad! I do find them more prevalent in the Fall. Some people have made these by melting down Kraft caramels on a double boiler, so you might try that! I’ve been meaning to test that but haven’t gotten around to it yet!

      Reply
  3. Susan says

    06/19/2022 at 3:14 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! I didn’t grow up with this treat, but this recipe makes up for it 😋

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      06/22/2022 at 6:34 pm

      I am glad that you enjoyed the recipe Susan!

      Reply
  4. MK says

    06/13/2022 at 1:51 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe – the REAL DEAL. So many folks posting for star crunch using peanut butter. YUK – i’m a true Little Debbie girl having grown up near the plant in Collegedale and there is zero peanut butter in them. Thank you for making a copy of the real original Starcrunch. LOVE LOVE

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      06/13/2022 at 2:28 pm

      So glad you love them, MK! I try to replicate them as close as possible while keeping the recipe easy to make, so it makes my day to hear you enjoyed them as much as the real deal!

      Reply
  5. Sherry says

    05/13/2022 at 8:49 am

    Can I use Kraft Caramel Bits?
    https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/YTKt55T7Rd-hZXDzLme2tg.q2ELrq4UE1X8po5Y82ajzD

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      05/15/2022 at 2:52 pm

      I haven’t tried them yet but some readers in the comments have used them with success! You just need to melt them down separately from the chocolate chips.

      Reply
  6. Sav says

    05/12/2022 at 6:28 pm

    4 stars
    The salted caramel chips were hard to find so i used caramel chips, which were harder to use. Other than that, these were easy and delicious!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      05/16/2022 at 10:01 pm

      Hi Sav! I have heard from others that these have been hard to find lately. I’m working to retest the recipe using caramel bits and will update the recipe soon. Thanks for trying them out!

      Reply
  7. Mary Anne says

    04/12/2022 at 2:53 pm

    No not yet .but was wondering if adding 1/4 c of
    Peanut butter..do u think that would make the mixture too mushy??

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      04/14/2022 at 10:23 am

      I think you could do it! It will probably affect the texture and make them a bit less shiny & gooey but I think 1/4 would be fine!

      Reply
  8. Justine says

    04/09/2022 at 11:46 am

    5 stars
    Omg lol before being dairy free, star crunches used to be a favorite. I used miyokos vegan butter, enjoy life rice milk chocolate and OhNuts! Caramel chips.. I did it over a double broiler. I had to add about half a teaspoon of coconut oil to the caramel to get it to loosen up but wow! This is quick, easy and delicious!

    Reply
  9. Michele says

    03/26/2022 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    Very good and super easy. My 10 yr old daughter just helped me. I used Werther’s chewy caramels that I had on hand, surprisingly worked well. You do need to warm separately though as the note suggests.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      03/28/2022 at 5:10 pm

      So glad you loved them, Michele! That’s a great tip to know the Werther’s chewy caramels worked for you!

      Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review – I appreciate it so much!

      Reply
  10. Tomma Marcincuk says

    03/25/2022 at 5:32 pm

    5 stars
    Even though I forgot the butter, there turned out fantastic! A quick and easy microwaveable treat that is completely nostalgic.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      03/28/2022 at 5:12 pm

      So glad you loved them, Tomma! They really are a bite of nostaligia!

      Thanks so much for always taking the time to leave a review – I see you & appreciate it so much!

      Reply
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