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These classic rice krispie treats are a favorite with their gooey, buttery marshmallow mix combined with crunchy cereal. They’re easy to make in the microwave, then slice into bars, perfect for lunchboxes, snacking, and dessert!
Looking for more irresistible treats? Our chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies, homemade Baby Ruth and Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are all favorites!
Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients you will need:
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 bag mini marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 6 cups Rice Krispies
*Be sure to use fresh marshmallows for the best results!
Variations on this recipe:
Let me add: this is the original recipe — but one of the best parts of this homemade Rice Krispie treats recipe is that there are so many great variations.
CHANGE UP CEREAL: Use other cereal flavors like Fruity Pebbles or Cocoa Krispies. Or, you could add chocolate chips and Golden Grahams cereal, then top with mini marshmallows for s’mores treats.
MARSHMALLOW: You can also substitute a 7-ounce jar of marshmallow fluff instead of the mini marshmallows for this recipe.
ADD ONS: You can add mix-ins like peanut butter, M&M’S, sprinkles, or other candy. Or add caramel or chocolate drizzle on top.
THEME-SPECIFIC:
- You could make them pastel colored for a special unicorn treat.
- You could mix pumpkin puree in with the butter and marshmallows for an autumn treat.
- You could do food coloring or shapes galore to celebrate Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day or Halloween — think Frankenstein and add some green food coloring to the mix.
SEE ALSO: Carmelitas | Dr Pepper Brownies | Peanut Butter Brownies | 5 Star Bars
How to Make Rice Krispie Treats:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt marshmallows and butter for 1 minute.
PRO TIP: You can make this on the stovetop as well! In large saucepan melt butter over low heat, then add in the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat — it’s important to not overcook!
Remove from microwave and pour in vanilla. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth. Add 6 cups of Rice Krispies and stir until the cereal is well coated.
PRO TIP: You could add just a dash of salt to help enhance the sweet flavors even more.
Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper and pour the cereal mixture into the pan. Place a piece of parchment paper over the top and press the Krispies down into an even layer.
Press very gently, you don’t need to completely smoosh them! If you’re using your fingers or spatula to press the mixture down, run your hands/spatula under water and shake off the excess before starting. This will help prevent the sticky mixture from clinging to you!
Let sit on the counter for an hour or in the fridge for 30 minutes until set.
Lift the treats from the pan and slice into extra-thick, giant bars. Or you can make more reasonably-sized ones for an after lunch snack, it’s your call!
Why Are My Rice Krispie Treats Hard?
Getting the marshmallow and butter mixture too hot can lead to your rice krispie treats getting too hard. Also, if you don’t use fresh marshmallows or butter, it can impact your treats.
Finally, if you push down into the pan too much, they won’t be the light, fluffy treat you’re craving.
How Do You Keep Rice Krispies from Sticking Together?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or bag in between sheets of wax paper to help keep each square from sticking to the others.
Storing Your Treats
These treats will last for two days in an airtight container. You could also freeze for four to six weeks in a freezer-safe container with wax paper in between each treat.
PRO TIP: You can place a slice of bread in the container with your Rice Krispie treats to help soften them if they start to get too hard.
More recipes you will love:
- CHRISTMAS TREATS: Xmas Crunch | Candy Cane Pie | Turtles
- CHRISTMAS COOKIES: | Xmas Pinwheels | PB Balls | Cookie Cups
- COOKIES: Lemon Cookies | Doubletree Cookies
- NO BAKE DESSERTS: Oreo Pie | PB Pie | Eclair Cake
Rice Kripsy Treats
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 bag mini marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 6 cups rice crispies
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt marshmallows and butter for 1 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and pour in vanilla. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Add 6 cups of rice crispies and stir until the cereal is well coated.
- Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper and pour the cereal mixture into the pan. Place a piece of parchment paper over the top and press the crispies down into an even layer.
- Let sit on the counter for an hour or in the fridge for 30 minutes until set.
- Lift the treats from the pan and slice into 12 pieces.
Sooo delicious! My son love it.
Always a classic. Always a favorite.