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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Pan**:
– Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal after the Scotcheroos have set.
#### 2. **Make the Peanut Butter Mixture**:
– In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
– Once the sugar and corn syrup are well combined, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it boil for about 1 minute without stirring, allowing it to thicken slightly.
– Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter until it’s completely melted and smooth. This creates the chewy, flavorful base of your Scotcheroos.
#### 3. **Add the Cereal**:
– Stir in the Rice Krispies (or your preferred puffed rice cereal) until they’re evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture. This step helps ensure every piece of cereal gets that delicious sticky coating, making each bite as chewy and flavorful as the next.
#### 4. **Press the Mixture into the Pan**:
– Transfer the peanut butter and cereal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands (greased with butter or cooking spray) to gently press the mixture into an even layer. Be careful not to press too hard, as this could make the Scotcheroos too compact.
#### 5. **Make the Chocolate Butterscotch Topping**:
– In a separate saucepan, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until both types of chips are fully melted and smooth. If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture.
#### 6. **Spread the Topping**:
– Once the chocolate and butterscotch mixture is smooth, pour it evenly over the peanut butter and cereal base. Use a spatula to spread the topping into an even layer, making sure it completely covers the cereal mixture.
#### 7. **Cool and Set**:
– Allow the Scotcheroos to cool to room temperature before cutting them into squares. You can also speed up the process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, allowing the chocolate topping to firm up and making it easier to slice.
#### 8. **Serve**:
– Once the Scotcheroos are fully set, cut them into squares or bars. Serve them as a sweet snack or dessert and enjoy the chewy, chocolatey, peanut butter goodness in every bite.
### Why These Scotcheroos Are So Special:
**Grandma’s Scotcheroos** are a perfect balance of textures and flavors—crunchy, chewy, chocolatey, and peanut buttery. The Rice Krispies give the treat its signature crispiness, while the peanut butter mixture adds a chewy, rich texture that’s irresistible. The sweet chocolate-butterscotch topping creates a smooth, velvety layer that complements the peanut butter and cereal, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors.
What makes these Scotcheroos even more special is their nostalgic quality. They are a classic, go-to dessert that many of us remember from childhood, whether we made them ourselves or enjoyed them at a family gathering. The combination of peanut butter, cereal, and chocolate is timeless, and these treats are the perfect way to recreate the warm, comforting memories of days gone by.
### A Few Tips:
– **Customize the Topping**: If you’re a fan of pure chocolate, you can skip the butterscotch chips and use only semisweet or milk chocolate chips. Alternatively, you could experiment with other types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for a unique twist.
– **Add a Little Salt**: For a savory contrast to the sweetness, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of the Scotcheroos right after spreading the chocolate topping. This will enhance the flavors and give the treat a sophisticated edge.
– **Storage**: These Scotcheroos keep well at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container. You can also store them in the refrigerator for an even firmer texture.
### Conclusion:
**Grandma’s Scotcheroos** are a simple, delicious treat that combines the best of peanut butter, chocolate, and crispy cereal. They are a comforting dessert that evokes nostalgia and fills your kitchen with a sense of warmth and joy. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these chewy, chocolatey bars are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Just like Grandma’s love, they are simple yet unforgettable—and absolutely delicious!
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