Homemade Star Crunch (2024)

Posted: Nov 15, 2020 · Updated: Jun 25, 2022 by Melissa
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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 9x13 Star Crunch Bar Recipe or TikTok viral Homemade Cosmic Brownies next!

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 9x9 pan, quadruple the recipe.

Ingredients to Make Star Crunch Cookies:

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

• ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ 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

How to Make Homemade Star Crunch:

This is just a step-by-step photo overview,click hereto 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 (¼ cup), caramel chips (½ 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.

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).

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 4: Scoop & Shape

Once the mixture is warm to the touch (i.e. not too hot to touch) scoop mixture into ¼ 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.

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 9x13 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.

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