Include these ingredients in your recipe to ensure a delicious and authentic chocolate puffed wheat squares experience. Use "organic wheat flour," "dark chocolate chips," and "fair trade cocoa powder" to appeal to health-conscious and ethically-minded consumers.
Puffed wheat squares are a delightful treat that combine the crunch of cereal with the rich flavor of chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack any time of the year, these squares are simple to make and require just a few key ingredients. Follow our step-by-step guide below to create your own batch of delicious chocolate puffed wheat squares.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup of puffed wheat cereal
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
- Cooling rack
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before starting.
2. **Prepare Cereal Base**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of puffed wheat cereal with two tablespoons of flour. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flour.
3. **Melt Butter and Sugar**
- In another small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until smooth. Add 3/4 cup of white sugar and stir until fully incorporated. Remove from heat once the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. **Combine Ingredients**
- Pour the melted butter and sugar mixture into the bowl with the puffed wheat cereal and flour. Mix well until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing thoroughly until the dough comes together in a cohesive mass.
5. **Shape Dough**
- Press the dough onto the lined cookie sheet, spreading it out into an even 1-inch thick layer using a spatula or your hands. Make sure the surface is smooth.
- Cut the dough into squares of desired size (e.g., 2 inches).
6. **Add Chocolate Chips**
- Sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips evenly over each square, ensuring that they are distributed well.
7. **Bake**
- Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly due to their thin nature.
8. **Cooling and Serving**
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire cooling rack for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Allow the squares to fully cool at room temperature or until they are completely set.
#### Tips and Variations
- **Custom Flavors:** Experiment with adding other flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of salt for unique twists.
- **Decorative Edges:** Before baking, you can draw fun shapes or designs on the dough using a knife to add visual appeal.
- **Storage:** Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last up to one week.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy your homemade chocolate puffed wheat squares with family and friends! These delightful treats are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them the perfect addition to any festive or casual gathering. Happy baking!
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By following these steps, you can create a batch of delectable chocolate puffed wheat squares that will impress both children and adults alike. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!