This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Treat your taste buds to these Hot Cheetos crispy treats, my new and creative take on the classic marshmallow treat! Made with just three ingredients, this is the easiest snack you can make, and it’s sure to impress. Plus, it is the perfect little treat when the munchies hit because IYKYK!!
I just had a post go viral on social media lately and for good reason. It was a variation of rice krispie treats made with Ruffles chips. It’s the perfect sweet-and-salty combo with an even stronger crunch. Everyone enjoyed it so much that I knew I had to bring you guys an even better version. So here we are!
This recipe combines the fiery kick of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos with the sweet vanilla taste of marshmallows. And don’t forget the unique crunch Cheetos bring. If you’re a fan of classic rice krispies treats (I have a whole lineup, from pumpkin rice krispie treats for fall to strawberry rice krispy treats for Valentine’s Day) and also love that iconic Flamin’ Hot flavor, this is a recipe you definitely need to try. I am honestly salivating just thinking about these. And yes, you might say that I just made them I should enjoy them as I write this, but guys, THEY’RE GONE! Finished, completely disappeared in less than 24 hours!!
Key Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this munchies dessert. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.
- Hot Cheetos: are the super fun substitution for the normal rice krispies. The spicy and cheesy flavor balances the sweetness of the marshmallows with a bold kick.
- Butter: helps melt the marshmallows smoothly while preventing the mixture from sticking to the pan.
- Bag Miniature Marshmallows: acts as the binder that holds the crushed Hot Cheetos together and creates that sticky, chewy texture. You will need about 4 cups, and they need to be fresh, just like in my peanut butter rice krispy treats, or the bars will set up hard.
- Cooking Spray or Additional Butter: is used to grease the pan and prevent the crispy treats from sticking.
How to Make Hot Cheetos Crispy Treats
- Melt the butter. Lightly butter or spray an 8×8-inch baking dish and set it aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then add the mini marshmallows.
- Melt the marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth. Pull the pan off the heat as soon as they melt so your treats stay soft and chewy.
- Add the Hot Cheetos. Take the saucepan off the heat and immediately pour in the whole bag of Hot Cheetos.
- Coat every chip. Stir quickly until the chips are evenly coated in the gooey marshmallow mixture. Some chips may break during mixing, which is perfectly fine.
- Press into the pan. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and press it down firmly with a buttered spatula or greased hands. Let it set at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Slice and enjoy! Once firm, lift it out of the pan with a spatula and slice into squares or rectangles. A little marshmallow may stay stuck to the pan, and that’s OK!
Hot Cheetos Marshmallow Krispie Treats Tips and Tricks
- Crush some of the Cheetos for a better texture balance.
- Use fresh marshmallows because stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and will yield a hard Krispie treat.
- Don’t overheat the marshmallows because it can make them hard and stiff when they set. Keep them on the heat just until they melt then remove from the heat.
- Want them shaped like cookies? Scoop and shape the mixture with greased hands, the same way I do for my Crumbl rice krispie bar cookies.
- Prefer something baked? My Costco marshmallow crispy cookies turn that same marshmallow crunch into a chewy oven-baked cookie.
Why make this Hot Cheetos Marshmallow Krispies Treats recipe?
- All you need is a bag of Cheetos, marshmallows, and some butter to transport yourself to snack heaven.
- It’s a spicy and salty twist on a classic sweet treat, the same way my chocolate rice krispie treats put a cocoa spin on the original and my CTC marshmallow bars add cinnamon sugar.
- It’s the perfect creative dessert to satisfy the late-night munchies.
- These are totally addictive and such a fun little treat to gift to a hot cheetos lover!
Hot Cheetos Crispy Treats FAQs
Yes! When I first thought of making this, I originally wanted to use the Limon Hot Cheetos but thought the citrus flavor would be weird with the marshmallows. But after making this recipe, I would totally try it next time, so if you’re a fan of the Lime Hot Cheetos, then go for it. And if you don’t like spicy and want to use regular Cheetos then that totally works as well.
I honestly thought that the marshmallows really toned down the spice of the Cheetos and really wanted to taste the heat more. If you’re like me, then sprinkle some Tajin (the same chili lime seasoning I use on my pineapple Tajin popsicles), cayenne pepper, or chili powder into the melted marshmallow mixture before adding the Hot Cheetos. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before they set! You can also use the xxtra hot cheetos instead of the regular ones for more of a kick.
Yes! They can be made a day in advance. Just avoid refrigerating them, as it can make them too hard. I like to store mine in a ziplock bag so they stay soft for longer.
These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 or 4 days.
Sure! Melt the butter and marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals while stirring in between until smooth. Then, mix in the Hot Cheetos and follow the rest of the steps as usual.
More Sweet and Salty Crispy Treats
If you made these Hot Cheetos crispy treats, I need to know how spicy you went! Leave a ⭐ star rating and a comment below, and tell me if they disappeared in less than 24 hours like mine did. Happy snacking!!
Hot Cheetos Marshmallow Crispy Treats
Ingredients
- 1 bag Hot Cheetos chips 8.5 oz bag
- 3 tbsp
Butter
- 4 cups Mini Marshmallows
- Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. Set aside.Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the pan
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.3 tbsp
Butter,
4 cups Mini Marshmallows - Remove the saucepan from heat and add in the Hot Cheetos. Stir quickly and thoroughly until the chips are fully coated with the marshmallow mixture. It's okay to break the chips as you go to coat them better.1 bag Hot Cheetos chips
- Transfer the mixture into the greased baking pan. Using a buttered spatula or your hands (lightly greased with butter or cooking spray), press the mixture into the pan.
- Allow the Hot Cheetos marshmallow treats to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Once cooled and set, remove from the mixture from the pan using a spatula. There is going to be some leftover marshmallow mixture stuck in the pan but that's ok. Cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
