Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate nostalgic treat, look no further—this Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is absolutely irresistible! Each chewy, buttery square bursts with sweet marshmallow bliss and that signature crispy crunch.

These bars are the stuff of childhood dreams: super quick, gooey-but-not-sticky, and just the right amount of sweet. You only need a few simple ingredients and less than 15 minutes to whip up a batch.

What makes this recipe a must-try? It’s entirely no-bake, foolproof for beginners, and always a hit at birthday parties, bake sales, or after-school snack time.

This recipe’s a family favorite in our house—we’ve made countless batches for holidays and celebrations. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this classic!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in minutes with no baking required—perfect for busy days
• Ideal for parties, potlucks, or lunchbox treats
• Delightfully chewy, gooey texture with crispy pops in every bite
• Kid-approved and endlessly customizable with fun mix-ins

Key Ingredients for Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Rice Krispies Cereal

This iconic puffed rice cereal gives Rice Krispie Treats their signature crispy texture and light crunch. For the best results, use the original brand or a similar crisped rice cereal. If you use multigrain or flavored cereals, your treats will have a slightly different taste and bite.

Mini Marshmallows

Marshmallows are the gooey glue that holds these treats together. I recommend using mini marshmallows for quick, even melting. You can swap in large marshmallows—just cut them into small pieces first for faster melting. If you love extra gooey bars, add an extra handful of unmelted marshmallows when you mix everything together.

Unsalted Butter

Butter enriches the treats and adds wonderful flavor, preventing them from being too dry. I love unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness, but salted butter works if you prefer a more pronounced savory note. For a browned butter twist, cook the butter a minute or two longer until golden!

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla extract adds depth and highlights the marshmallow flavor. You can skip this ingredient if needed, but I find it adds something special. If you’re out, almond extract creates a fun, nutty flavor swap.

Instructions for Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Pan

Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. This makes for easy removal and tidy squares later.

Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add all but 1 cup of the mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are fully melted, smooth, and glossy. Remove the pot from the heat.

Add Vanilla and Salt

Quickly stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This boosts flavor and balances the sweetness.

Fold in Cereal and Extra Marshmallows

Working quickly, pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and the remaining cup of mini marshmallows. Gently fold with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated and the mix looks gooey and chunky.

Press Into the Pan

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Lightly press it into an even layer using a buttered spatula or wax paper. Don’t press too hard or the bars can turn out hard—just firm enough to hold their shape.

Let Cool and Slice

Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once set, lift from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Add Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an even more decadent treat. If using chips, let the mixture cool for a minute before folding them in or they’ll melt completely.

Funfetti-Style

Mix in colorful sprinkles for birthday parties or celebrations. Rainbow sprinkles add major kid appeal to each chewy bite!

Peanut Butter Twist

Stir in 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter with the melted butter and marshmallows for an irresistible nutty flavor. You can also swirl in Nutella or almond butter.

Vegan & Dairy-Free

Use plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows to turn this classic treat totally vegan. Be sure to double-check cereal and marshmallow ingredient lists for non-animal products.

Gluten-Free Version

Choose certified gluten-free crisped rice cereal and marshmallows to make this recipe gluten-free. The texture and taste remain just as delightful!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Rice Krispie Treats as classic snack bars, or dress them up by cutting into fun shapes with cookie cutters for parties and holiday gatherings. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate. Pair with a cold glass of milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate nostalgic treat!

Storage and Reheating

Store Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature. To revive that fresh, gooey texture, you can microwave an individual bar for 5-10 seconds before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Krispie Treats Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Why do my Rice Krispie Treats turn out hard?
A: If your treats are hard, you may have cooked the marshmallow mixture too long or pressed the mixture too firmly into the pan. For best results, melt marshmallows over low heat and press the bars in gently.

Q: Can I make these treats ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Rice Krispie Treats keep well at room temperature for several days. Just cover them tightly or store in an airtight container so they stay soft and chewy.

Q: Can I use large marshmallows instead of minis?
A: Yes, you can substitute large marshmallows, just measure by weight (10 oz) and cut them into smaller pieces so they melt more evenly.

Ready to relive sweet memories or create new ones? This Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is the ultimate feel-good snack—simple, nostalgic, and pure comfort in every bite. If you give it a try, let me know how you like it! Leave a comment below or rate the recipe—I’d love to hear from you.