Scotcheroos! The name itself brings a smile, and these delightful Scotcheroo Pinwheels are an even more exciting variation. They pack all the beloved flavors of classic Scotcheroos—rich butterscotch, creamy peanut butter, smooth chocolate, and satisfyingly crispy rice cereal—into an irresistible, eye-catching pinwheel shape. This recipe elevates a nostalgic favorite into a festive treat perfect for any gathering.
As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts turn to festive treats, and these no-bake Scotcheroo Pinwheels deserve a top spot on your list. This innovative spin on a classic Scotcheroo recipe offers a convenient and delicious dessert option, ideal for cookie exchanges, potlucks, and your holiday buffet table. Their vibrant appearance and irresistible taste make them an instant crowd-pleaser.
Whether you spell it “scotcharoos” or “scotcheroos,” the result is always a delightful no-bake sweet treat. The secret? You guessed it—the iconic flavor of butterscotch combined with peanut butter and chocolate. The original Scotcheroo recipe, a simple yet brilliant creation, first appeared on Rice Krispies boxes shortly after World War II and has been an American household favorite ever since. These pinwheels pay homage to that tradition while adding a touch of modern flair.
Why You Will Love These Easy Scotcheroo Pinwheels
These Scotcheroo Pinwheels are more than just a dessert; they’re a fun and festive take on traditional Scotcheroo bars, making them perfect for holiday celebrations. Unlike standard Rice Krispie treats, these pinwheels offer a richer, more complex flavor profile, thanks to the absence of overly sweet marshmallows. Instead, the creamy blend of peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate takes center stage, creating a truly decadent experience.
Crafted with just six simple ingredients, this no-bake recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal time in the kitchen. This makes them an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules or whenever you crave a quick, satisfying sweet. Your guests will be captivated by their unique pinwheel design and delicious taste, undoubtedly asking for the recipe and coming back for more. They’re a fantastic way to impress without the stress!
If you’re a fan of no-bake desserts featuring crispy rice cereal, you’ll definitely want to explore other delightful options. Beyond these wonderful Scotcheroo Pinwheels, consider trying Whatchamacallit Bars or the adorable Cocoa Krispie Owls for more cereal-based deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Scotcheroo Pinwheels
Crafting these amazing Scotcheroo Pinwheels requires a few common pantry staples. You’ll find the precise measurements and detailed instructions in the complete recipe card located towards the bottom of this article.
- Crispy Rice Cereal: The foundation of our pinwheels. While generic brands work, classic Rice Krispies are my personal preference for their consistent crispiness and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and helps create the chewy, firm base when combined with corn syrup.
- Light Corn Syrup: Crucial for binding the cereal and sugar mixture, giving the Scotcheroos their signature chewy, yet firm, texture. Light corn syrup is preferred for its milder flavor and clear color.
- Peanut Butter: A key flavor component. Creamy peanut butter yields a smoother texture, but for those who enjoy a little extra crunch and nutty flavor, chunky peanut butter is a fantastic alternative.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These provide the rich chocolatey layer that balances the sweetness. Semi-sweet offers a perfect counterpoint without being overly sugary.
- Butterscotch Chips: The star of the show! You simply can’t have Scotcheroos without the distinctive, buttery, and caramel-like flavor of butterscotch chips. They are non-negotiable for that authentic taste.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Scotcheroo Pinwheels
Creating these delicious no-bake Scotcheroo Pinwheels is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan. Begin by preparing a jelly roll pan (approximately 15×10 inches). Spray it generously with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Lightly butter the parchment paper for easy removal later. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Create the Syrup Base. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just comes to a boil. It’s crucial not to overcook this mixture, as it can lead to dry bars. As soon as it reaches a gentle boil, remove the saucepan immediately from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until it is completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine with Cereal. Place the crispy rice cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture evenly over the cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or rubber spatula until all the cereal is coated.
Step 4: Press into Pan. Lightly butter your hands to prevent sticking. Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared jelly roll pan. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. This step is important for creating a solid base that will hold its shape when rolled.
Step 5: Melt the Topping. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Add the Coating. Pour the warm melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture evenly over the pressed cereal base in the pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate mixture smoothly across the entire surface.
Step 7: Let it Set. Allow the coated Scotcheroo bars to set for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This will allow the chocolate to firm up slightly, making it easier to roll.
Step 8: Roll the Pinwheels. Now for the fun part! Lightly butter your hands again. Starting from one short side of the pan, carefully begin to roll the Scotcheroo mixture into a tight log. Don’t worry if a little chocolate oozes out; this is normal and adds to the rustic charm. Continue rolling until you have a large log.
Step 9: Final Setting. Let the rolled log set again for another 30 minutes at room temperature, or if you’re short on time, place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until it is firm enough to slice cleanly.
Step 10: Slice and Store. Once the log is firm, use a sharp knife to slice it into approximately 15 beautiful pinwheels. Store the Scotcheroo pinwheels in an airtight container, ideally in the refrigerator, with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
Important Note: For the best texture, pull the Scotcheroo Pinwheels out of the refrigerator about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows them to soften slightly and become wonderfully chewy, rather than overly firm.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re already envisioning these delightful SCOTCHEROO PINWHEELS on your next dessert platter, make sure you don’t lose this fantastic recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so it’s always easy to find when you’re ready to bake (or, in this case, no-bake!).
Why Choose Scotcheroo Pinwheels Over Classic Bars?
While we adore a pan of classic Scotcheroos in any form, the pinwheel presentation offers a uniquely appealing experience. In the traditional bar format, the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture is spread as a top layer. With the pinwheel design, however, that rich chocolatey goodness is swirled throughout the crispy cereal base. This means every single bite delivers a perfect combination of all the flavors and textures, ensuring a more consistent and satisfying indulgence. It’s a simple twist that makes a big difference in both presentation and enjoyment!
We can’t take full credit for this brilliant no-bake treat concept, though. We owe a huge thank you to Sue from Sue Bee Homemaker for sharing this easy and innovative recipe that inspired our delicious pinwheels.
Celebrating with Freaky Friday: Our Holiday Cookie Exchange
Today marks our final Freaky Friday event of the year, and it’s undoubtedly one of our favorites: our annual virtual cookie exchange! For those unfamiliar, Freaky Friday is a delightful old-fashioned blog hop that I host five times a year. A group of my wonderful blogger friends and I secretly get assigned another blog to cook or bake from. Then, on a designated Friday (which is today!), we all simultaneously reveal our chosen recipes to the world.
What makes this particular Freaky Friday special is its theme: a holiday cookie exchange. This means every recipe shared today is perfectly suited for adding to your holiday cookie trays, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying with family during the festive season. You’ll find a wide array of inspiring ideas, including these Scotcheroo Pinwheels, designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your celebrations.
A Spotlight on Sue Bee Homemaker
For this special round, I had the pleasure of being assigned to Sue from Sue Bee Homemaker! Sue, who resides in Texas, shares her life with her high school sweetheart (whom she’s known since third grade!) and their two sons, along with a dog named Theo. Coincidentally, I also have a dog named Theo, though I suspect my Theo might outweigh hers by about 60 pounds—ha!
Sue embarked on her blogging journey on her 50th birthday, seeking a new creative outlet for this exciting phase of her life. And she is absolutely excelling! Her blog, Sue Bee Homemaker, boasts a fantastic assortment of recipes, covering everything from delectable main dishes and tempting desserts to a wide variety of bread, with a particular specialty in sourdough creations. It’s a treasure trove for home cooks and bakers alike.
More Inspiring Holiday Recipes from Sue Bee Homemaker
Choosing just one recipe from Sue Bee Homemaker for this round was quite a challenge; I initially narrowed it down to about ten! However, I kept gravitating back to her Scotcheroo Pinwheels. Knowing how much my own kids love Scotcheroos, I was confident these would be devoured—and I was absolutely right! My son-in-law even sent a text, playfully claiming he was hiding the bag I sent home from my daughter because they were so incredibly delicious. (I’m sure he didn’t, but I bet they polished them off in record time!)
Among the many other enticing recipes from Sue that were strong contenders were her Homemade Turtle Candy, luscious Brownie Crinkle Cookies, and delightful Lemon Sugar Cookies. I’m also eagerly looking forward to trying her homemade eggnog recipe very soon!
Serving Giant Scotcheroo Pinwheels
These Scotcheroo Pinwheels, as prepared, are quite generously sized (and we’re certainly not complaining!). However, if you plan to arrange them on a festive cookie tray alongside other treats, you might consider cutting them into smaller portions. For instance, I took a batch of these to my husband’s office, and to ensure there were “more to go around,” I opted to quarter each pinwheel. This made perfect sense for sharing and allowed everyone to enjoy a bite-sized piece of deliciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scotcheroo Pinwheels
What are Scotcheroos made of? Scotcheroos are a beloved no-bake treat primarily made from crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, and a rich topping of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips. They are often compared to traditional Rice Krispie treats but are distinguished by the absence of marshmallows and the distinct butterscotch flavor.
Why are my Scotcheroo bars dry? The most common reason for dry Scotcheroo bars is overheating the sugar and corn syrup mixture. To prevent this, only simmer the sugar and corn syrup long enough to warm through and dissolve the sugar. Bring the mixture to a bare, gentle bubble, then remove it from the heat immediately before stirring in the peanut butter. Additionally, ensure you measure your cereal accurately; too much cereal can also contribute to a drier texture. You can always start with slightly less cereal than the recipe calls for and add more if the mixture seems too wet.
Can I make Scotcheroos gluten-free? Yes, you can! Simply ensure you use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. All other core ingredients (sugar, corn syrup, peanut butter, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips) are typically gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be certain.
Creative Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Scotcheroo Pinwheels is how adaptable they are. Feel free to experiment with these substitutions to tailor the recipe to your taste!
- Crispy Rice Cereal: For a deliciously decadent and chocolatey version of Scotcheroos, swap out regular Rice Krispies for Cocoa Krispies. This adds an extra layer of chocolate flavor that kids and adults alike will love.
- Corn Syrup: While light corn syrup is recommended for its neutral flavor and clear color, you can use dark corn syrup in a pinch. Be aware that dark corn syrup has a more robust, molasses-like flavor and a darker hue, which may slightly alter the final taste and appearance of your pinwheels.
- Peanut Butter: This recipe calls for creamy peanut butter, which yields a smooth and consistent texture. However, if you enjoy a nuttier bite and extra texture, chunky peanut butter is a fantastic option that will add delightful crunch to each pinwheel.
- Chocolate Chips: My preference is semi-sweet chocolate chips, as they offer a balanced sweetness. However, milk chocolate chips can be used for a sweeter, creamier profile. For a unique, non-chocolate version, consider substituting white chocolate chips. This creates a visually stunning contrast with the butterscotch and peanut butter.
- Sweet & Salty Twist: To elevate the flavors and add a delightful contrast, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate and butterscotch layer before it sets. The hint of salt truly brings out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Nut Butter Alternatives: If you have peanut allergies or simply want to try something different, almond butter or cashew butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter. Ensure they are smooth and creamy for best results. Note that the flavor profile will change significantly.
- Add-ins: Consider folding in mini marshmallows (for a classic Rice Krispie treat feel), chopped nuts, or even some crushed pretzels for extra texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Scotcheroo Pinwheels
- Serving Temperature: Always remember to remove your Scotcheroo Pinwheels from the refrigerator about 15-30 minutes before serving. If eaten straight from the fridge, they will be very firm and hard to chew. Allowing them to come to a slightly warmer temperature ensures they are perfectly chewy and enjoyable.
- Storage: These delightful pinwheels store beautifully! Keep them in an airtight container for optimal freshness. They will last for up to 5 days at room temperature (in a cool, dry place) or up to one week when stored in the refrigerator.
- Freezing for Later: For longer storage, Scotcheroo Pinwheels freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them in an airtight freezer-safe container, placing layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them to room temperature before serving.
- Clean Slices: To achieve perfectly neat pinwheels, use a very sharp knife. If the log is too sticky or soft, chilling it for an extra 10-15 minutes can help. You can also lightly butter your knife blade for an even cleaner cut.
More Delicious Holiday Recipes to Enjoy
Looking for even more sweet inspiration for your holiday festivities? These additional recipes are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in the festive spirit:
- Giant Butterscotch Cookies (pictured above)
- Oreo Bark
- Chocolate Orange Fudge
- Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
- Graham Cracker Toffee
- Aunt Vern’s Sugar Cookies
Are you hosting or attending a holiday cookie exchange this year? Or perhaps you simply want to expand your selection of treats for your holiday dessert trays? We have hundreds of inspiring ideas waiting for you! Explore our vast collections of Cookies, Bars, Candy, and Snack Mix recipes, all ready to make your celebrations extra special.
Don’t forget to visit Sue Bee Homemaker’s gorgeous website for even more holiday baking ideas and discover her many specialties. For a complete list of all the incredible recipes from our Freaky Friday Holiday Cookie Exchange, scroll down to the bottom of this post. You’ll find 13 fantastic recipes to choose from, guaranteeing plenty of sweet inspiration!
We wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Scotcheroo Pinwheels recipe today. This terrific, nostalgic recipe, with its fun modern twist, is sure to become a huge hit with your family and friends, bringing smiles and delicious memories for years to come.
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Print Recipe
Scotcheroo Pinwheels
Scotcheroos! Well, that’s just fun to say. And these Scotcheroo Pinwheels are fun to eat with all the flavors of butterscotch, peanut butter, chocolate, and crispy rice cereal you’d find in a classic Scotcheroo, rolled into a pretty pinwheel!
10 mins
10 mins
50 mins
1 hr 10 mins
Equipment
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Rubber Spatulas
- 15 x 10 x 1-Inch Cookie/Jelly Roll Pan
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Krispies
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 (12 ounce) package butterscotch chips (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Grease a jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. Lightly butter the parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then immediately remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
- Add Rice Krispies to a large mixing bowl. Pour the peanut butter mixture over top and stir to combine until all cereal is coated.
- Press the Rice Krispie mixture evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Butter your hands and press down firmly to create a compact layer.
- Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth after each, until fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture over the cereal base. Spread evenly. Let the Scotcheroos set for approximately 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Lightly butter your hands before rolling. Starting at one short side of the pan, carefully roll the Scotcheroo mixture into a large log, pressing as you roll. Some chocolate may seep out, which is normal.
- Let the rolled log sit at room temperature to set further, or place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until firm enough to slice.
- Once the log is set, use a sharp knife to slice it into approximately 15 pinwheels. Store them in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper if stacking.
- Store in the refrigerator to fully set up. For best texture, remove from the fridge 15-30 minutes before serving so they are not too firm.
Notes
Nutrition
|
Calories: 463kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 76g
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Protein: 7g
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Fat: 17g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
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Sodium: 242mg
|
Fiber: 2g
|
Sugar: 59g
See All Our 2022 Freaky Friday Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipes
Hosted by – An Affair from the Heart
- An Affair from the Heart – Scotcheroo Pinwheels
- Best Cookie Recipes – Christmas Magic Bars
- Family Around the Table – Snickerdoodle Bars
- Feast + West – Lemon Drop Cookies
- The Foodie Affair – Christmas Oreo Balls
- Fresh April Flours – Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Hostess at Heart – Chocolate Bark
- Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog – Cookies and Cream Cookie Recipe
- Life Currents – Almond Meltaways Cookies
- The Speckled Palate – Snowball Cookies
- Sue Bee Homemaker – Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies
- Take Two Tapas – Avalanche Cookies
- The Wimpy Vegetarian – Easy Christmas Butter Cookies