I discovered Scotcheroos at my first Midwestern potluck, a golden, chocolate-butterscotch topped square that seemed to whisper promises of pure delight. The moment I took a bite in my own kitchen, the symphony of crisp cereal, rich peanut butter, and that uniquely sweet, butterscotch-kissed chocolate topping made my eyes widen. It was chewy, crunchy, and decadently sweet in the very best way. The smell of melting butterscotch chips is a warm, buttery aroma that feels like a hug, and creating these bars is a wonderfully straightforward process that yields something truly magical. They’re my not-so-secret weapon for bringing instant joy to any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this recipe because it delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort and no oven required. It’s a foolproof, one-pan wonder that combines beloved, pantry-staple flavors into a treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who gets nervous turning on the stove, Scotcheroos are forgiving, fun to make, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews. They’re the perfect combination of playful texture and serious flavor that appeals to kids and adults alike, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing bar cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
The magic of Scotcheroos lies in the specific alchemy of these six ingredients. I’ve tried this with both creamy and crunchy peanut butter, and while both work, creamy gives you a smoother, more cohesive base that’s easier to slice. The corn syrup is essential for that signature chewiness—don’t substitute it with honey or maple syrup, as they behave differently and can make the bars too hard or sticky. For the cereal, name-brand crispy rice cereal really does work best for maximum snap and structure. And that butterscotch chip and chocolate chip combo? It’s iconic for a reason. The butterscotch adds a complex, buttery depth that plain chocolate can’t match. Don’t skip it; it makes a huge difference.(See the next page below to continue…)