This is my Grandma's original Scotcheroos recipe. These bars are rich and incredibly addictive, a family favorite for over 40 years!
If you like Scotcheroos, you'll love our Chex Scotcheroos, Scotcheroo Cookies, or Scotcheroo Truffles.
Scotcheroos are, hands down, my favorite treat and have been for 40 years. My grandma and I once made a batch and when she pulled them out of the refrigerator, she accidentally dropped the dish on the floor. I tried convincing her that we could pick off the glass shards and eat them anyway. Grandma didn't buy it. #truestory.
This is Grandma's original recipe card. It doesn't look like much, but it's incredible how many memories can fit into a single index card. I received this after she passed away and cherish it. It wasn't until I was an adult that I learned the recipe originated from the back of a 1960s box of Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. I had always assumed that it was an old family recipe!
I haven't shared this recipe until now, assuming everyone already had it. However, upon comparing Grandma's version to the original, I noticed a slight variation.
Why I Like This Recipe
- Less sugar. Let me start by saying that these are not a healthy treat in any shape or form, but I do like that Grandma's original recipe only called for ⅓ cup of sugar when most call for 1 cup. You don't need 1 cup.
- No-bake treat. These are a simple no-bake treat that comes together quickly. If you can make chewy Rice Krispies treats, you can make Scotcheroos.
- Unique flavor combination. Peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate are a unique blend of flavors and one of my favorites. I prefer it to chocolate and peanut butter. The butterscotch truly sets these treats apart.
What Others Are Saying
I just made these! I used 2 cups of butterscotch chips and 2 cups of chocolate chips...so good! ---Sandy on FB
I made a batch with honey instead of corn syrup. They were amazing. Thank you for sharing your Grandma's recipe.---Candace on FB
Addictive is the word for this family favorite! ---Debra on FB
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Tips and Tricks
- Do not boil the mixture. Other recipes say to bring the sugar, peanut butter, and corn syrup to a boil. I'm not sure why you'd do that, since you risk overheating it and getting hard scotcheroos instead of chewy ones. You only need to warm the ingredients until they are melted and smooth.
- Use less sugar. As stated above, you don't need the full cup of sugar that a lot of recipes call for. My grandma was a master baker. If ⅓ cup worked for her, it'll work for everyone.
Ingredients
- Rice cereal: Any brand will work.
- Sugar
- Corn syrup: Grandma's recipe calls for Karo. That is a brand of corn syrup. If you are outside of the United States, it is sometimes called Golden syrup. You can also use honey in place of corn syrup, but it will give the treats a distinct honey flavor.
- Peanut butter: I use creamy.
- Chocolate chips and butterscotch chips: Grandma's recipe calls for a small bag of each. I'm not sure what size bags of chocolate chips came in back then, and I don't remember what measurements she used. I use an 11-ounce bag of each, but you can use less if you prefer.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Scotcheroos
Step 1: Pour corn syrup, sugar, and peanut butter into a saucepan.
Step 2: Heat mixture until smooth and sugar is dissolved (just heat through, no need to boil). Remove from heat.
Step 3: Pour the peanut butter and syrup mixture over 6 c. of rice cereal. Stir until completely coated.
Step 4: Spread in buttered 9x13 baking dish. Pack down slightly.
Step 5: Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a double boiler or microwave.
Step 6: Spread over Scotcheroos and refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Cut into bars.
Scotcheroos FAQs
If you haven't had Scotcheroos before, you are in for a treat. Many claim them as a Midwest treat, but I grew up in California, and we had them there, too. Scotcheroos are a combination of peanut butter, sugar, Karo syrup, and Rice Krispies cereal. After combining those ingredients, you slather them with melted chocolate and butterscotch chips. PERFECTION, and oh so rich.
One batch makes 24 bars or 48 small squares. My calorie count is based on 48 small bars. Ready to make a batch? Let's get started!
You can use honey instead of corn syrup in scotcheroos. The honey will change the flavor of the treat because it has a stronger flavor than corn syrup.
More Scotcheroo Inspired Recipes To Make
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Grandma's Scotcheroos Recipe
Equipment
- saucepan
- 9x13 baking dish
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 6 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- 11 oz. pkg. milk chocolate chips
- 11 oz. pkg. butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Heat syrup, peanut butter and sugar over medium heat until smooth and sugar is dissolved (just heat through, no need to boil). Remove from heat.
- Pour peanut butter and syrup mixture over 6 c. of rice cereal. Stir until completely coated.
- Spread in buttered 9x13 baking dish. Pack down slightly.
- Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a double boiler or microwave.
- Spread over Scotcheroos and refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Cut into bars.
Brandy says
Literally the best recipe! Turns out perfect every time.
Caron Wipf says
I usually make little balls with a ice cream scoop and freeze and dip each one in the chocolate. Then freeze again in an airtight container. They are handy to just grab a few when company comes, and so pretty.
Linda says
Hi Brandy, I have a crazy question for you. I know the recipe states use a 9x13 pan, my question is - what is the thickness of the bars with icing. I was thinking about using a larger pan (10x15 or 16x12) to make more bars for a party. Thanks in dance for your response.
Brandy says
I’d say probably 2”.
Linda says
Thank you for your response, I think I will use the 15x10 pan to make for the party. Will be cutting in 2 inch squares and then pipe red hearts on them.
Trace says
Hey Brandy, we don't have Karo corn syrup in my country, is it like honey or golden syrup? Is the sugar granulated white or powdered? Could I reduce sugar to 1/4 cup without upsetting the crunch? Thanks
Brandy says
Hi! Karo syrup is corn syrup. You can use honey instead of the corn syrup! Reducing the white sugar to 1/4 cup would be fine!
MADELINE l NEWTON says
i have loved the rice krispy treats for lots of years ...wow never thought to ice them especially with chocolate ...thank you for sharing your families recipe ..grandmas are just great ...miss mine everyday ...
Brandy says
Thank you Madeline! Yes, they really are great!