Scotcheroo bites are a delightful miniature twist on the classic, nostalgic treat combining chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch. These mini bites are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or an easy sweet snack that brings back warm memories with every bite.
Crafted in a mini muffin pan, these treats are perfectly portioned and easy to serve. The crispy rice cereal base balances the rich, gooey coating of peanut butter and syrup, all topped with a luscious layer of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips.
- Quick and simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, perfect for last-minute treats.
- Mini muffin format makes for easy serving and portion control for kids and adults alike.
- The combination of buttery, nutty, and sweet flavors offers an irresistible taste experience.
Ingredients
- Corn Syrup: Provides a sticky, sweet base that helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.
- Peanut Butter: Adds creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor essential to this classic treat.
- Sugar: Balances the flavors with just the right amount of sweetness and helps in caramelizing.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Offers crunchy texture and lightness as the main crispy component of the bites.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Melted on top to give a smooth, sweet chocolate coating that complements the peanut butter.
- Butterscotch Chips: Adds a buttery, caramel-like sweetness enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Instructions
- Prepare the Mini Muffin Pan
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Start by spraying a mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the Scotcheroo bites release easily after setting. This step avoids any sticking and allows for neat presentation.
- Create the Peanut Butter Syrup Mixture
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In a saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, peanut butter, and sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved, creating a rich binder for the cereal.
- Mix the Cereal Base
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Remove the peanut butter syrup from heat and immediately pour over the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir quickly and thoroughly, ensuring each crisp is coated evenly for optimal texture and flavor in every bite.
- Scoop and Press into Muffin Pan
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Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons), portion the mixture into the prepared mini muffin pan. Press each scoop gently with the back of a spoon to compact and flatten, helping the bites hold their shape.
- Cool and Set
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Allow the Scotcheroo bites to cool for about 15 minutes in the pan so they firm up properly. Cooling helps them maintain their bite-sized shape and pleasant crunch.
- Remove and Arrange for Decoration
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Gently remove the set Scotcheroo bites from the muffin pan and transfer them onto a serving plate or tray, preparing for the chocolate and butterscotch toppings.
- Melt Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips
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In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the milk chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together until smooth. Stir regularly to avoid burning and achieve a uniform glossy finish.
- Top Each Bite with Melted Chocolate
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Spoon the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture over each Scotcheroo bite, covering them evenly. This final touch adds a rich, creamy layer that completes the flavor experience.
- This recipe yields approximately 30 mini bites or 15 regular muffin-sized treats.
- If your mini muffin pan has 24 cavities, consider making some regular-sized bites alongside the mini ones for variety.
- For a more pronounced chocolate flavor, substitute Rice Krispies with Cocoa Pebbles cereal.
Storage Tips
Store Scotcheroo bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate to maintain freshness and texture, especially in warmer climates.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bites as delightful finger foods at parties or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent treat.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the muffin pan ensures each bite holds together without crumbling.
- Melting chocolate and butterscotch chips gently prevents them from seizing or burning.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to keep portions uniform and baking time consistent.
FAQs
- Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
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Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may affect the texture due to its thinner consistency. Consider reducing syrup slightly or chilling the mixture longer.
- Can these bites be made gluten-free?
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Yes, by substituting Rice Krispies with a gluten-free crispy rice cereal, this recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets.
- How long do Scotcheroo bites last?
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Stored properly in an airtight container, these bites last about a week at room temperature, or longer if refrigerated.
- Can I substitute other cereals for Rice Krispies?
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Yes, cereals like Cocoa Pebbles add a chocolate twist. Other crispy cereals can work but may slightly change texture and taste.
- Is corn syrup necessary?
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Corn syrup helps bind and create the chewy texture. Alternatives like honey or maple syrup can be used but may alter consistency and sweetness.

Scotcheroo Bites
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 microwave-safe bowl
- 1 mini muffin pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Spray a mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Heat corn syrup, peanut butter, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until completely coated.
- Scoop the mixture into the mini muffin pan using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop and press down with a spoon to flatten.
- Allow the bites to cool for 15 minutes in the pan.
- Remove the bites from the muffin pan and place them on a serving dish.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together using a double boiler or microwave.
- Spoon the melted chocolate mixture over each Scotcheroo bite.
Notes
- Make 30 mini bites or 15 regular muffins by adjusting pan size.
- Use cocoa pebbles cereal for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.