You know how every time a storm comes through, the kids get a little wild? Are mine the only ones who seem to lose their minds when they are stuck inside the house for a couple of days?
The weather this week trapped us at home, and I did not realize how much I rely on our time outside each day. After a couple of days of bickering, snack requests, and restless energy, I was ready for an easy kitchen project that did not require turning on the oven.
We did manage to venture out to a summer reading program show at the public library. It was packed, so I’m guessing the other moms were also looking for a break from being cooped up inside!
That rainy-day restlessness made it the perfect time to experiment with a new version of our favorite peanut butter Cheerio balls. We already love making Banana Nut Cheerio Balls, so this time we tried a rocky road twist with Chocolate Cheerios, marshmallows, almonds, and a little chocolate drizzle.
I originally partnered with General Mills to share this recipe, and this little no-bake snack was a big hit with the entire family.
Rocky Road Cheerio Balls at a Glance
These rocky road Chocolate Cheerio balls are an easy no-bake snack made with Chocolate Cheerios, marshmallows, nut butter, almonds, and a chocolate drizzle. They are great for rainy days, summer snack time, lunchbox treats, or a simple kitchen activity when the kids are stuck inside.
Rocky Road Cheerio Balls
These Chocolate Cheerio balls are sweet, chewy, crunchy, and easy enough to make with the kids. They are especially fun for rainy days, movie afternoons, lunchbox treats, or those “we need something different” snack moments.
Prep time: About 15 minutes
Bake time: None
Best for: Rainy days, summer snacks, kids’ treats, lunchboxes, and easy no-bake desserts
Texture: Chewy, crunchy, chocolatey, and marshmallowy
Ingredients:
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- 1/2 cup pureed almonds with 1 tablespoon raw honey
or 1/2 cup almond butter
or 1/2 cup natural peanut butter - 5 cups Chocolate Cheerios
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup almond pieces, optional
- 1/2 of a 10-ounce bag mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup additional mini marshmallows, set aside
- Dark baking chocolate, optional, for drizzling
Directions:
Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted.
Add the almond butter, almond puree, or peanut butter to the melted butter and stir until smooth.
Add the mini marshmallows, reserving about 1/4 cup for later.
Stir until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth.
Turn off the heat.
Add the Chocolate Cheerios, almond pieces, and reserved marshmallows.
Stir until everything is coated.
Wet your hands before shaping the mixture. Trust me, you will regret skipping this step! Wet hands make it much easier to shape the mixture into bite-size balls. You can also spray your hands lightly with cooking spray.
Shape the mixture into small snack-size balls and place them on parchment paper.
Melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the finished Cheerio balls, if using.
Let them set, then enjoy!
Melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the finished Cheerio balls, if using.
Let them set, then enjoy!
Rainy Day Snack Tip
This is one of those snacks that feels like a treat but also gives the kids something to do when everyone is stuck inside. The stirring, shaping, and chocolate drizzling make it feel like a mini kitchen project without committing to a full baking session.
At the time I first made this recipe, General Mills had been expanding its gluten-free cereal options, including Cheerios and Chex varieties. As always, check the current cereal box and ingredient label if gluten-free ingredients matter for your family.
These rocky road Chocolate Cheerio balls were gone fast in our house, which is usually the best sign that a rainy-day experiment worked.
I’m kind of a miser when it come to sweet treats. These look really good. I also like the almond butter. I might sub the cereal and drizzle with dark chocolate. Makes me feel a little better and the kids would still LOVE it. Thanks for sharing EASY things to make. I agree that my kids are hungry non-stop in the summer.
The multi-grain cheerios would be perfect. I’m totally going to try this!
I love that these have almond butter for a richer flavor and some Moreno protein! I’d love to try them with other cereals, maybe quinoa puffs! Thanks as always for sharing!
These look really good and simple to make! I appreciate your tip on spraying your hands with cooking spray, or simply wetting them before forming the balls . That is really important to remember!