Name: Classic Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (salted); 15 oz mini marshmallows (1 ½ 10 oz bags, reserve 1 cup of marshmallows); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal

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Introduction

Rice Krispies Treats are a timeless, sweet snack that’s quick to make and loved by all ages. Combining crispy cereal with gooey melted marshmallows creates a perfect balance of texture and flavor. This simple recipe is ideal for an easy homemade treat.

A close-up view of a square rice crispy treat with two visible layers: the bottom layer is light golden beige and made of puffed rice cereal tightly packed, while the top layer is a glossy, slightly creamy off-white made of melted marshmallow that binds the cereal together, creating a sticky and textured surface. The treat rests on a white marbled surface with soft lighting that highlights the puffed rice grains and the shiny marshmallow coating, giving a soft, inviting look. In the background, more rice crispy treats are slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter
15 oz mini marshmallows (about 1 ½ 10 oz bags, reserving 1 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
9 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions

Step 1: Butter a 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows (except for the reserved 1 cup) and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the Rice Krispies cereal along with the reserved 1 cup of marshmallows. Gently fold everything together until the cereal is evenly coated with the melted marshmallow mixture.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a buttered spatula, waxed paper, or your fingers dipped in water or butter to gently press the mixture into an even layer. Avoid packing it too firmly to keep the treats soft.
Step 5: Let the treats cool for at least one hour at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the cereal lightly before mixing in the marshmallow.
Try adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for variety.
If you prefer chewier treats, use fresh marshmallows and avoid over-pressing the mixture.

Storage

Store Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. They can also be wrapped individually in plastic wrap to maintain softness. Avoid refrigeration, which can make them hard. To refresh slightly hardened treats, microwave them for a few seconds before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square rice crispy treat showing its two layers: the top layer is a light golden, crunchy rice cereal bound by shiny, melted marshmallow, while the bottom layer is a thicker, white, soft marshmallow base, making it look fluffy and gooey. The treat sits on a slightly lined white marbled surface, with another similar piece blurred in the background. The texture of the cereal is bumpy and sticky from the marshmallow coating, giving it a glossy finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Yes, regular-sized marshmallows work well; just use the same total weight or volume. They may take a bit longer to melt evenly.

How do I make my Rice Krispies Treats less sticky?

Use slightly less marshmallow or add a small amount of cooking spray or butter to your spatula when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.