Rice Krispie Treats

image of a gooey classic rice krispie treat being pulled apart

4.80 from 5 rating

These classic rice krispie treats will bring you right back to your childhood! With gooey marshmallows, airy cereal, and a splash of vanilla, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Additional Time15

Total Time25

Course: Brownies & Bars

Cuisine: American

Servings: 16

Calories: 147kcal

Author: Chelsey White

Equipment

Ingredients

Rice Krispie Treats

1/2 cup unsalted butter 113g
10 oz (5 1/2 cups) regular or mini marshmallows 285g
1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 12g
1/4 tsp fine salt 1g
6 cups puffed rice cereal 160g
1 cup mini marshmallows, optional
Non-stick cooking spray, as needed
flakey sea salt - garnish

Instructions

Grease and line a square, 8-inch pan with parchment paper.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 10 oz. of marshmallows with a rubber spatula. Once the marshmallows have melted and are smooth, turn the heat off. Mix in 1 Tbsp vanilla and 1/4 tsp salt.
Remove the pot from the stove and stir in 6 cups of puffed rice cereal in two additions. Stir until the cereal is fully coated.
If desired, mix in 1 cup of mini marshmallows at this stage. This will give these rice krispies an added bit of texture and a fun look when you cut in.
Quickly scoop the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently press the mixture into an even layer. Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a little extra pizazz.
Let the rice krispies cool for 15 minutes, then cut them into squares and enjoy.

Video

Notes

Making Thinner Rice Krispie Treats

If you want to make thinner treats, use a rectangular 13x9" cake pan. This will make 32 1x2" treats.

Tips for Making the Best Rice Krispie Treats

Prepare your pan before you melt the butter! Things will get sticky quickly.
Mini marshmallows melt down quicker! I recommend using them if you can find them.
Add in the rice krispies in two additions to make it easier to mix together.
Let your treats cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Rice Krispie Variations

There are so many ways to make these rice krispie treats your own! Here are a few ideas:

Add food coloring for different holidays! I recommend adding this to your melted marshmallow mixture before you add in the cereal.
Mix in different candies or cookie crumbs.
Brown your butter to add nutty-caramel notes to the treats.
Add extracts for extra flavoring- almond, lemon, peppermint, get crazy with it!

Making These Rice Krispie Treats in Advance & Storage Tips

You can make these treats in advance! Rice Krispie treats can sit at room temperature for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to six weeks.

Nutrition