This scotcharoos recipe creates the ultimate no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter, sweet butterscotch, rich chocolate, and crispy rice cereal.
These beloved bar cookies have been a family favorite for generations, delivering the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
With just seven simple ingredients and no oven required, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible treats in under an hour.
Essential Ingredients
Here are the seven ingredients you need to make perfect scotcharoos:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create delicious homemade scotcharoos:
- Prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by generously coating it with butter
- Combine peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar in a large heavy-bottomed pot
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly
- Remove from heat immediately once the mixture reaches a rolling boil
- Quickly stir in the rice cereal until every piece is completely coated
- Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan using buttered hands
- Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in a separate saucepan over low heat
- Spread the melted chip mixture evenly over the cereal base
- Allow bars to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before cutting
Pro Tips for Success
These expert tips ensure your scotcharoos turn out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh rice cereal for maximum crispiness and avoid stale texture
- Don’t overcook the sugar mixture or your bars will become too hard
- Work quickly when mixing in the cereal before the mixture starts to set
- Press the base firmly but don’t pack it too tightly
- Let the topping set completely before cutting for clean edges
- Store covered at room temperature for best texture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can ruin your batch:
- Cooking the peanut butter mixture too long creates rock-hard bars
- Adding cereal to overly hot mixture can make it soggy
- Skipping the pan preparation leads to stuck bars
- Cutting too soon results in messy, uneven pieces
- Using old or stale cereal affects the final texture
Storage and Serving
Proper storage keeps your scotcharoos fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week
- Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Cut into 24 even squares for perfect portion sizes
- Serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture
- Avoid refrigerating as it makes the bars too firm
Variations and Substitutions
Customize your scotcharoos with these simple swaps:
- Replace butterscotch chips with white chocolate chips for a different flavor
- Add chopped peanuts for extra crunch and nutty taste
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for more texture
- Try different cereals like Cocoa Krispies for chocolate lovers
- Drizzle with melted peanut butter for extra richness
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to perfect scotcharoos lies in the precise balance of ingredients and technique:
- Corn syrup creates the ideal binding consistency for perfect texture
- Sugar adds necessary sweetness without making bars too hard
- Cooking mixture just until it boils ensures proper setting without over-hardening
- Chocolate and butterscotch chips create that signature addictive flavor combination
- Rice cereal maintains its crunch when mixed at the right temperature
- Butter prevents sticking and adds richness to the base
I’ve been making this recipe for over fifteen years, and it never fails to impress at potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings.
My kids request these bars for every birthday party, and I’ve shared this recipe with countless friends who now make them regularly for their own families.
Nutritional Benefits
While scotcharoos are definitely a treat, they do offer some nutritional value:
- Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats
- Rice cereal is fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Portion control makes them a reasonable indulgence
- No artificial preservatives when made from scratch
This foolproof scotcharoos recipe delivers bakery-quality results every single time.
The no-bake convenience makes them perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a special treat for your family, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Perfect Scotcharoos Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by generously coating it with butter. Set aside.
- Combine peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly.
- Remove from heat immediately once the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Do not overcook or bars will become too hard.
- Quickly stir in the rice cereal until every piece is completely coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan using buttered hands. Work quickly before the mixture starts to set.
- Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in a separate saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the melted chip mixture evenly over the cereal base using a spatula.
- Allow bars to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before cutting into 24 even squares.