I looooove coconut so I HAD to make these. Had to. I am glad I did, too. This recipe is a keeper! I have coconut loving friends that are going to want to me to make these. I’ll offer to bring them to their parties.  I’ll get a lot of invitations to of parties! Maybe not grown-up cocktail parties (LOL), but that’s OK.  Down home, multi-generational, potluck parties are more my style anyway.

I found this recipe at the Craving Chronicles but had to change it up a bit.  I wish I had increased the recipe to fit into a 9×13 inch pan, but I wasn’t smart enough. You can though, just increase all the ingredients by 50% (don’t throw out the extra ounce of marshmallows, throw the whole pound bag in there).  One more thing, I’ve made these several times now.  I don’t think I will put a chocolate drizzle on the top again.  The coconut goodness does it for me.  I don’t need the chocolate.  It kind of gets in the way.  But you do what suits your palate best :).

One MORE thing, in the photo, I put the chocolate on top of the coconut. Ooops.  If you do use chocolate, don’t do this.  The chocolate and coconut fall off. Chocolate first, THEN coconut, K?

Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats

3 tablespoons butter
10 ounces mini marshmallows
½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 teaspoon coconut extract
5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
½ cup toasted shredded coconut*

3 ounces (about ½ cup) bittersweet chocolate chips, melted (optional)

* To toast coconut, spread shredded coconut in an even layer on a cookie sheet and bake at 300F, stirring every few minutes, for 10-15 minutes or until coconut is golden brown. Don’t walk away from the oven! The coconut will brown very quickly, so keep an eye on it. Set aside to cool.

Prepare an 8 or 9 inch square dish by either buttering or spraying with cooking spray.

In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows and heat over medium-low heat, stirring until melted. Stir in shredded coconut and coconut extract. Remove from heat. Add Rice Krispies and stir until thoroughly coated. Spread Rice Krispie mixture into prepared pan. With the back of a buttered spatula or using a sheet of waxed paper, press mixture firmly into an even layer. If desired melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the tops of the treats. Spread slightly, if desired. Sprinkle toasted coconut and press lightly to adhere to the chocolate and the top of the treats. Cool at room temperature until chocolate hardens. Once cool, cut into squares and enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today…, and don’t forget to send me that invitation to the party!