This is the best Rice Krispie Treats recipe for a reason — they’re ooey-gooey, buttery, and full of marshmallowy goodness. They take under 20 minutes to prepare, need at least 1 hour to set, and then they’re ready to enjoy.
I know everyone claims their rice krispie treats are the best, but these truly are. They’re a favorite with my family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers — perfectly balanced with butter and plenty of marshmallows.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Recommended Tools
- Helpful Tips
- Alternative Holiday Version
- More Easy Dessert Recipes
- Perfect Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Ingredients
Use the ingredients below to make these easy rice krispie treats. Key items with notes are shown in the list.
- Unsalted Butter — preferred. If using salted butter, omit the added salt.
- Vanilla Extract — vanilla paste also works. Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for a subtle extra flavor.
- Mini Marshmallows — use fresh bags. Stale marshmallows won’t melt properly; mini marshmallows are recommended over large ones.
- Rice Krispies Cereal — name-brand or generic both work fine; choose what’s available or on sale.
Recommended Tools
Tools that make the process easier and produce consistent results:
- 9″ x 13″ Rectangular Baking Pan — lining it makes removal simple.
- Aluminum Foil, Parchment Paper, or Wax Paper — use to line the pan for easier lifting and cutting.
- Large Pot or Saucepan — big enough to melt butter and marshmallows and hold the cereal.
- Wooden Spoon — preferred for stirring, but any heatproof spoon is fine.
- Spatula — to transfer the mixture to the pan and press it evenly into the corners.
Helpful Tips
A few simple tips to ensure perfect texture and easy handling:
- Line the pan with foil, parchment, or wax paper and lightly spray the lining. This helps remove the treats cleanly once set.
- To prevent sticking while pressing the mixture, lightly spray the bottom of your spatula with a flour-based baking spray or rub with a little butter.
- Let the treats set at room temperature for at least one hour before removing and cutting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Avoid refrigerating or freezing, which can make them hard.
Alternative Holiday Version
Swap standard Rice Krispies for seasonal or themed versions (for example, red-white-blue cereal for July 4th) and add extra mini marshmallows for a festive twist.
More Easy Dessert Recipes to Enjoy!
Easy Blender Chocolate Mousse
Individual No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecakes
Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Lemon Meringue Ice Cream Pie
If you try this Rice Krispie Treats Recipe or any other recipe here, please leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Perfect Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 21 oz Mini Marshmallows (2, 10.5 oz bags), divided (1 1/2 bags for the initial mixture, remaining 1/2 bag at the end)
- 9 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
Instructions
- Line a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with aluminum foil, then butter or spray the inside. Set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt (1/8 tsp = a pinch).
- Reduce heat and stir in 1 1/2 bags (about 15.75 oz) of mini marshmallows until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring until fully combined.
- Add the remaining 1/2 bag of mini marshmallows and gently stir just until evenly distributed — do not fully melt them; you want visible mini marshmallows in the final squares.
- Scoop the mixture into the lined pan and use a spatula (lightly sprayed or greased to prevent sticking) to press it level and into the corners.
- Allow to set at room temperature for a minimum of 1 hour, then lift out with the lining and cut into squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Individually wrap for gifting if desired.
Video
Notes
- For a more buttery taste, reduce the cereal to 7 1/2–8 cups.
- Lightly spray the lined pan before pressing the mixture in to help lift the treats out later.
- Spray or butter the underside of your spatula to prevent sticking while pressing the mixture into the pan.
- Let the treats sit at room temperature for at least one hour before cutting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating or freezing to prevent them from becoming hard.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 29g
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Protein: 1g
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Fat: 4g
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients used.