There’s something magical about the perfect Rice Krispie treat—crispy, chewy, and irresistibly buttery all at once. This recipe delivers that nostalgic flavor with a golden balance of marshmallow gooiness and crunchy cereal, making every bite a delight. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the ultimate quick fix for sweet cravings or last-minute treats.
These squares are not just easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The soft, pillowy texture melts in your mouth, while the subtle vanilla aroma and rich buttery notes elevate the classic treat. Whether for a party, snack, or gift, these Rice Krispie treats are guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds.
What You’ll Need
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) European salted butter*, cut into 6 pieces (For a richer flavor, use high-quality butter. Unsalted butter can be used if you prefer less salt.)
- 15 oz (425 g) miniature marshmallows (This is generally 1 ½ bags. Reserve 5 oz for later.)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (For added depth of flavor.)
- 6 cups (175 g) Rice Krispies cereal (Ensure it’s fresh for the best crunch.)
- 3 Tablespoons colored sprinkles (Optional, for a festive touch.)
How to Make the Best Rice Krispie Treats
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 13×9 pan with wax paper and set aside.
- Melt the Butter: Place butter in the bottom of a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until butter is completely melted.
- Melt the Marshmallows: Add 10 oz (one bag) of marshmallows and stir until just melted. Keep your heat below medium and stir frequently. TIP: Too-high heat can cause your rice krispie treats to come out too hard, so be patient!
- Add Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in Cereal: Add Rice Krispies cereal and the remaining 5 oz of marshmallows. Stir until ingredients are combined and the additional marshmallows are just beginning to melt.
- Incorporate Sprinkles: Scatter sprinkles over the mixture and briefly stir to combine.
- Press into Pan: Immediately transfer mixture to the prepared 13×9 pan. Use a silicone spatula or your hands to gently pat the mixture down evenly. TIP: Don’t over-handle them, or this will also make them come out too hard.
- Cool and Serve: Allow Rice Krispie Treats to cool completely at room temperature before cutting and serving — about 30-60 minutes.
Fun Variations to Spice Up Your Treats
Why stick to the classic? Add a twist to your Rice Krispie Treats by mixing in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even peanut butter for a richer flavor. For a festive touch, swap the sprinkles with seasonal candies or drizzle melted chocolate on top. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect Serving Suggestions
These treats are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a sweet snack. Cut them into bite-sized squares for easy sharing or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for kids. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Tips to Keep Them Fresh
Store your Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Quick Time-Saving Hacks
To speed up the process, use pre-cut butter and pre-measured marshmallows. If you’re in a rush, skip the sprinkles or use a non-stick pan to avoid lining it with wax paper. These small tweaks can save you precious minutes without compromising the delicious results.
Common Questions Answered
Wondering why your treats turned out too hard?
Overheating the marshmallows or over-pressing the mixture can cause this. Stick to medium-low heat and handle the mixture gently. For a softer texture, add an extra tablespoon of butter or slightly reduce the cooking time.
The Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons European salted butter*, cut into 6 pieces
- 15 oz miniature marshmallows this is generally 1 ½ bags
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 Tablespoons colored sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Line a 13×9 pan with wax paper and set aside.
- Place butter in the bottom of a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until butter is completely melted.
- Add 10 oz (one bag) of marshmallows and stir until just melted. Keep your heat below medium and stir frequently, this will take a bit of time for the marshmallows to melt but too-high heat can cause your rice krispie treats to come out too hard.
- Stir in vanilla extract, and then add rice krispies cereal and remaining marshmallows. Stir until ingredients are combined and additional marshmallows are just beginning to melt.
- Scatter sprinkles over the mixture and briefly stir to combine. Immediately transfer mixture to prepared 13×9 pan and use a silicone spatula or your hands to gently pat rice krispie treats down evenly into pan (don’t over-handle them or this will also make them come out too hard).
- Allow Rice Krispie Treats to cool completely at room temperature before cutting and serving — about 30-60 minutes.