These Scotcharoos Pinwheels are a delightful twist on a classic treat, perfect for any occasion. Combining crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and a luscious layer of melted butterscotch and chocolate, these pinwheels are both easy to make and impressively delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these no-bake delights will surely stand out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation time, these pinwheels are perfect for busy schedules.
- No Baking Required: Enjoy the satisfaction of making a dessert without turning on the oven.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is a fun activity to make with kids, encouraging creativity and teamwork.
- Versatile Treats: Customize with your favorite toppings or fillings for unique variations.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, these treats are always a hit.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Scotcharoos Pinwheels, gather your tools first. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Microwaveable bowl
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Allows for even heating when combining peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar.
- Microwaveable bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate and butterscotch chips without burning.
- Parchment paper or wax paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to roll the pinwheels.
- Mixing spoon: Ensures all ingredients are well incorporated and mixed evenly.

Ingredients
These scotcharoos pinwheels combine the crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup for the base and then topped and rolled with melted butterscotch and chocolate.
For the Base
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 2 cups corn syrup
- 2 cups sugar
- 12 cups crispy rice cereal
For the Topping
- 1 bag chocolate chips, 12-ounce bag
- 1 bag butterscotch chips, 12-ounce bag
How to Make Scotcharoos Pinwheels
Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and not at all granular.
Step 2: Combine with Crispy Rice Cereal
- Add the crispy rice cereal, four cups at a time, stirring to combine until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Form Rectangles
- When completely combined, spread out in three piles on parchment or wax paper. Shape into thin rectangles.
- Allow to cool until set.
Step 4: Melt the Toppings
- In a microwaveable bowl, heat the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in 30-second intervals.
- Stir after each interval until completely melted.
Step 5: Assemble Pinwheels
- Pour the melted mixture over each of the three peanut butter crispy rice pieces.
- Spread evenly to cover all edges.
Step 6: Roll Up the Pinwheels
- Once cooled slightly, start rolling from one edge until completely rolled up into a log shape.
Step 7: Slice into Pieces
- Cut into half to one-inch slices for serving.
Enjoy your homemade Scotcharoos Pinwheels as an irresistible treat!
How to Serve Scotcharoos Pinwheels
Scotcharoos pinwheels are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a sweet treat at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.
As Individual Treats
- These pinwheels can be sliced into individual servings for easy sharing. Each slice offers a perfect bite of crispy sweetness.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pairing scotcharoos pinwheels with fresh fruit, like strawberries or banana slices, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dessert.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange slices on a colorful dessert platter alongside other treats. This creates an appealing visual display for any gathering.
With Whipped Topping
- Serve with a dollop of whipped topping or whipped coconut cream for an extra creamy texture that complements the flavors.
As Party Favors
- Wrap individual slices in clear plastic wrap and tie with ribbon. They make charming party favors that guests can take home.
How to Perfect Scotcharoos Pinwheels
Crafting the perfect scotcharoos pinwheels takes attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your treats turn out delicious every time.
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Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for smooth rolling. Chunky varieties may make it harder to create even rolls.
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Monitor Heat Carefully: When melting chocolate and butterscotch chips, heat slowly in 30-second intervals to avoid burning. Stir well after each interval.
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Allow Proper Cooling: Let the layered peanut butter mixture cool completely before rolling. This helps prevent sticking and maintains shape.
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Use Parchment Paper: Lining your workspace with parchment paper makes it easier to roll and cut the pinwheels without sticking.
Best Side Dishes for Scotcharoos Pinwheels
Scotcharoos pinwheels pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the pinwheels.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that complements the richness of the desserts.
- Veggie Sticks: Crisp carrot and cucumber sticks provide a crunchy contrast, making for a balanced snack table.
- Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses that provide savory notes, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: These salty-sweet treats echo the flavors of the pinwheels while adding an extra crunch.
- Nut Mix: A bowl of assorted nuts gives guests an option for a healthy yet satisfying crunch alongside their sweet treat.
- Ice Cream Scoops: Serve alongside scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent combination.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A light and nutritious pudding offers a refreshing option that enhances your dessert spread without overwhelming sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Scotcharoos Pinwheels, it’s easy to miss a step. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using too much heat: Cooking the peanut butter and sugar mixture on high heat can cause it to burn. Always use medium heat for a smooth blend.
- Not cooling properly: Rolling the mixture while it’s still warm can make it sticky and hard to handle. Allow it to cool completely before rolling.
- Skipping the layering step: Failing to spread the melted chocolate and butterscotch evenly can lead to uneven flavor. Take your time to cover every edge for a perfect finish.
- Cutting too soon: Cutting the pinwheels while they are still warm may cause them to lose shape. Wait until they have cooled completely for clean slices.
- Not using enough parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Make sure you have enough parchment or wax paper for all layers.
- Ignoring storage tips: Improper storage can lead to stale or hard pinwheels. Follow the storage instructions carefully for lasting freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Scotcharoos Pinwheels in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Scotcharoos Pinwheels
- Wrap each pinwheel tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep for up to three months.
Reheating Scotcharoos Pinwheels
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they stay soft.
- Microwave: Heat each slice on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid melting.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Scotcharoos Pinwheels that might help you out!
What are Scotcharoos Pinwheels?
Scotcharoos Pinwheels are no-bake treats made from crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, and layered with melted chocolate and butterscotch.
Can I customize my Scotcharoos Pinwheels?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even different types of chocolate chips based on your taste preferences.
How do I ensure my Scotcharoos Pinwheels don’t stick together?
Make sure each layer is well-cooled before stacking and always store them with parchment paper between layers.
How long do Scotcharoos Pinwheels last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these pinwheels last up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.
Can I make Scotcharoos Pinwheels gluten-free?
Yes! Be sure to use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and check other ingredients for gluten content.
Final Thoughts
Scotcharoos Pinwheels are a delightful treat that combines familiar flavors into a fun roll-up format. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on your preferences, whether you want extra crunch with nuts or additional sweetness with dried fruits. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a snack that’s perfect for any occasion!
Scotcharoos Pinwheels
Scotcharoos Pinwheels are a delightful no-bake treat that combines the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and sweet butterscotch with a crispy texture from rice cereal. This fun twist on the classic scotcharoo features layers of melted chocolate and butterscotch rolled into pinwheel shapes, making them perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family gathering, or just treating yourself to something sweet. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these pinwheels are sure to impress both kids and adults alike!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 24 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 2 cups corn syrup
- 2 cups sugar
- 12 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 bag (12 ounces) chocolate chips
- 1 bag (12 ounces) butterscotch chips
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, combine peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar. Stir until smooth.
- Gradually add crispy rice cereal, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Spread the mixture onto parchment paper in thin rectangles and let cool until set.
- Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips in a microwaveable bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cooled rectangles, spreading evenly.
- Roll each rectangle tightly into a log shape and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg




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