Get the secret tips and tricks to making the most PERFECT Rice Krispie Treats recipe. Kid and adult friendly! THICK AND CHEWY!
I spend days and days trying to come up with the perfect cake. Or the most beautiful cupcakes. Or to create the fudgiest brownies.
But, it’s no secret, Rice Krispie Treats have always been the key to my heart. Knowing how to make rice krispie treats has gotten me far in life.
I have no willpower. The lure of marshmallow is too powerful. I am weak.
The Original Rice Krispies Treat Recipe
I love crispy treats so much that I’ve created over a dozen flavors….from Fluffernutter, or Cherry, or Pistachio….to Peppermint, Cinnamon Roll, and PayDay.
I’ve even got these adorable TURKEY Krispie Treats for Thanksgiving! And of course, easy Halloween Dessert Recipes too!
But, in the end, it’s the classic, original, homemade RICE KRISPIE TREAT that draws me in.
The biggest question is how to spell it. Some people say Rice Crispy, Some say Crispy Rice, some say Rice Crispies. Either way, you get the point!
Step 1: Line an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large sauce pan, on medium heat, melt butter. Once melted, turn heat to low and add in all but 1 cup of the mini marshmallows.
Stir constantly until marshmallows are completely melted.
Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Add cereal and the remaining mini marshmallows.
Step 4: Pour into prepared baking dish. Press gently with fingertips until spread. Set one hour. Cut and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This way you don’t have to worry about extra butter on your fingertips, or the other extreme of your bars sticking to the pan! Use binder clips to help the parchment paper stay in place.
- Use fresh marshmallows. Seriously, they make a difference. Don’t grab that bag that’s been in your pantry for months and months thinking it will be okay since you are melting them. It won’t be okay.
- Add my secret ingredient. VANILLA EXTRACT. Not imitation vanilla, but PURE VANILLA extract. It makes a difference in creating the illusion that you’re using homemade marshmallows.
- Toss in some extra marshmallows with your cereal. This adds a whole dimension of chewiness!
- DO NOT (I repeat) DO NOT press these bars into your pan firmly. Using your fingertips, GENTLY press them in just until they are spread out. The harder you pack them in, the harder they are when it’s time to eat them!
- The trick to pressing them in your pan without sticking to your hands is to run your fingers in water, shake off the excess, and press. Voila. No sticking!
- Store in an airtight container for two days. If they last that long, I’d be shocked! ENJOY
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do my rice krispies treats get hard?
A: Could be many factors. Starting with stale marshmallows or cereal. Keep heat on low while adding marshmallows. And finally, do NOT press too firm when you’re adding the treats to the pan. - Do these treats need to be refrigerated?
A: Absolutely NOT. It actually could make them hard as well (see above question). Keep them covered at room temperature for best results. - Can I use other cereal?
A: Yes! Cocoa Krispies and Fruity Pebbles are both great options. You could also use Cheerios, Golden Grahams, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch! - Can you freeze them?
A: I would say no. While some people will tell you they have had success with this…I’m a purist when it comes to the rice crispy treat. I want it to taste amazing. And freezing it will result in a stale, less than stellar dessert.
More Easy Dessert Recipes:
Perfect Rice Krispie Treats
Get the secret tips and tricks to making the most PERFECT Rice Krispie Treats. Kid and adult friendly!
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 16 oz mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 6 cups rice krispies cereal
Instructions
- Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in all but 1 cup of the marshmallows. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Add the cereal and the remaining 1 cup of marshmallows.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish. Press GENTLY with your fingertips just until completely spread out (the harder you pack them in, the harder they are to eat).
- Allow to set, about 1 hour. Cut and enjoy!
Notes
- Why do my rice krispies treats get hard?A: Could be many factors. Starting with stale marshmallows or cereal. Keep heat on low while adding marshmallows. And finally, do NOT press too firm when you're adding the treats to the pan.
- Do these treats need to be refrigerated?A: Absolutely NOT. It actually could make them hard as well (see above question). Keep them covered at room temperature for best results.
- Can I use other cereal?A: Yes! Cocoa Krispies and Fruity Pebbles are both great options. You could also use Cheerios, Golden Grahams, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch!
- Can you freeze them?A: I would say no. While some people will tell you they have had success with this...I'm a purist when it comes to the rice crispy treat. I want it to taste amazing. And freezing it will result in a stale, less than stellar dessert.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
9Serving Size:
1 barAmount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 139mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 0gSugar: 31gProtein: 2g
Original Rice Krispie Treats recipe with all the tips and tricks for making them thick and chewy!
These came out absolutely amazing! Everyone wondered how I got them so soft and chewy with marshmallow pockets mixed in without melting! Perfect recipe!!!
also how much of everything would you put in if i only have a 10 oz bag of marshmallows? thank you!
Hi! I was wondering if you needed to let the butter, marshmallow, and vanilla mixture sit for a bit before adding the rice krispies in or is it okay to do while it’s still hot? thank you!
They are soooo good
I never leave a review BUT I literally just made these with my son and OMG!! So easy, so simple and SO DELICIOUS!! I don’t think these are going to make it through the night. Thank you for sharing this recipe, definitely a keeper.
I’m so glad you all enjoyed them 🙂
Hi, can they be refrigerated?
No, they will get hard. They won’t last that long anyways lol.
I made it! & it’s delicious! I put a 20 oz. bag of marshmallows instead of a 16 oz. bag. I also put 10oz. Of unsalted butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. It revived so many childhood memories of homemade rice crispy treats.
A different twist, melt 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of butterscotch chips, mix together and pour over the rice crispy treats. Delicious!
With this recipe you gave, you stated a 9×9 pan, can we use a 13×9 pan?
Yes, they will be much thinner.
Hello Aimee,
I was wondering how easy it would be to mold them into heart shapes. Should I do it was I put them in the pan or cut them after? Also, would topping them with sprinkles add flavor or ruin the texture?
Nick,
I have made these a few times (they are amazing!) and I bake them in the pan and use heart shaped cookie cutters after they are set. They are gooey enough you can mold back the excess and keep stamping out hearts. It is a bit over board, but I’ve also melted down white chocolate with a tad of red food coloring to drizzle over the top. This gives them an elevated appearance. Just sharing how I utilize Aimee’s recipe.
Happy Heart Day!
I made these about 8 weeks ago and they are by far the best! My go to from now on. They didn’t last but going to double ingredients and put in 13×9 pan this time. Thanks for sharing.
So glad you loved them!!
Hi Aimee! In the ingredients, you list 16 oz mini marshmallows. Do you mean a 16 oz bag? I used 2 cups of marshmallows and the cereal barely held together. My apologies if you state this in the description! New mom over here trying to put together a quick treat! 🙂
Yep, 16 oz bag of marshmallows.
A 16oz bag of mini marshmallows is the same amount as a 16oz bag of large marshmallows. Just different shapes because 16oz is the same amount regardless of shape.
Hey! I only have large marshmallows. How many of those would I use instead?
16 oz 🙂
A 16oz bag of marshmallows is measured in weighted oz. 2 cups or 16oz in a measuring cup is a liquid measure.
I’ve made these treats twice in the last week. Oops, this IS a judgment free zone, right? LoL, seriously though, I add almost an extra cup at the end though because some of them melt right away. Best krispy treat recipe ever! Thanks! My son & hubby love them, and so do I! It’s hard to find any dish I can say that about. But, alas, shugary sweets did it big!
Awww love to hear it 🙂 And no judgement from me!
this recipe was so good thank you for sharing it with me
Oh my gosh! We just made these for the school bake sale tomorrow and I hope that I will have enough left to bring. They are ridiculously good! Thanks for the easy recipe.
Perfect Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is great! To be honest, I’m not good at cooking but I like them, they give me joy and excitement every time I finish the dishes, which is a great thing. With your recipe, I just need to follow the instructions and the rest is simple.Thanks for sharing!
Try turning off the heat and putting the melted marshmallows and butter in a bowl to mix. I found this was the trick I wish I had been told years ago! Also try 8TBS of butter not 6. Hope this helps!
I KNEW my Mom added more butter than what the current recipe calls for! These are so much better than what is on the box today.
Adding vanilla and mini marshmallows at the end? GENIUS. These were the best. Thank you!
Oh my gosh! We just made these for the school bake sale tomorrow and I hope that I will have enough left to bring. They are ridiculously good! Thanks for the easy recipe.
I guess everyone else just assumes marshmallows is your exception to a volumetric measurement, despite holding back a cup? I’ve ruined it. 🙁
Made these before and they were a hit, thank you for your awesome and simple recipe.
Will these still be good if I don’t have an hour to wait, like I only have about 20 min to let them cool..? Thanks!
I’m in tears after trying this, I just want to eat the whole pan. I used salted butter (I actually think the salt might enhance the flavor a bit) and imitation vanilla (because that’s what I had) but my goodness… it was fluffy and had a couple pops as I bit into them..I thought it seemed like too much marshmallow as I was mixing it all together but it’s literal perfection. Thank you!
So glad you love it 🙂
We grew up using cookie sheets and rolled out the rice krispy treats, then put ice cream on one sheet and then flipped the other sheet on top and had ice cream sandwiches! They were the best!!
Made these tonight and WOW! I make my own vanilla extract using Tito’s Vodka… Used my homemade extract in this recipe and holy smokes. My husband tried to talk me out of using it and after eating a treat, he is convinced its the best ever.
Awww yay!
If RK treats are your passion, you really should include homemade marshmallow as the basis for them. It’s not difficult and a great economizer, especially for large batches.
Yeah then you can turn a 10 minute recipe in to more of an all day affair. 🙄 You know that bags of marshmallows are like $1.00 ?
Hi, my son is making rice crispie squares for the first time and following the recipe to the letter. You forgot the instruction “stir in the rice crispies until combined with the marshmallow mixture. Just an FYI. Thank you for posting!
Hmm…I see it there in the directions. Hope you enjoyed the treats.
Perfect! it’s a normal bag of the big marshmallows if you get the bigger size. I switched up 2 cups with golden grahams to give it a change.
There was someone above mentioning her RC Treats falling apart after making them. I’m not sure how altitude affects these,but I learned just a few years ago while working for a few weeks at around 8800ft. above sea level that most foods cook much differently once your altitude increases a few thousand feet. It was really quite surprising how differently cooking and baking must be done at higher altitudes. So,if the person asking about her RC Treats falling apart after baked,made them at higher elevation that may be the problem.
I hope this helps.
These were absolutely DELICIOUS and probably the best Rice Krispie treats I have ever made!!!! I think the 1 tsp of vanilla extract was key. Thank you for an amazing recipe! Will use this every time I make Rice Krispie treats 🙂
So glad you loved them 🙂
My marshmallows come in a 10 ounce bag…with whole marshmallows. Should I cut them up and use a bag and a half?
Cooking is an art, I love it, learning and updating new recipes has always motivated and loved me. Today was a lucky day, Perfect Rice Krispie Treats Recipe was great, just follow the instructions and everything else is simple, I know something new, I love that. Thanks for your sharing
I have a sweet tooth but hav not thought about making rice krispies for ages. Thanks for the inspiration
I brown my butter and add a pinch of kosher salt to the cereal before stirring in – seriously delicious!
HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE FOR THE TOP
Thank you, Aimee!! I am totally in love with this recipe for Rice Krispie Treats!! This is definitely the best recipe I’ve ever tasted!! ???
I absolutely loved this recipe! So moist and didn’t change anything except added red and blue sprinkles for 4th of July!!!
I’ve made a 4x batch a few times in one of the large catering aluminum pans. SAVE THE BUTTER WRAPPERS!
4 bags of 16oz mini marshmallows
1Tbs of vanilla
4 sticks of butter
24 cups of Rice Krispies
I line the aluminum pans with foil then butter it, usually takes 3 Tbs to coat. I reserve half a bag of the marshmallows to add with the Rice Krispies.
Pat it into the pan using the butter wrappers, they are wax paper covered in butter, nonstick.
Last batch I sprinkled 2 cups of Coco Krispies for a layer of chocolate rice. Press into the still warm and sticky treats. Pour off excess Coco Krispies.
In that large pan I usually make about 3″ thick Krispies. I end up cutting in a grid 6×12 making 72 – 2″x2″x3″ squares
Great crowd pleaser
Made a half batch – perfect quantity. Thx!
Could I use the regular size marshmallows
During fall/winter, I make these using pumpkin or ginger flavored marshmallows. Then I add in some white chocolate chips when I mix in the rice krispies. Soooo goood.
I love this recipe! Made it 2 times already! Thank you so much!
I have always bought it made. This time I’m going to make it!!
I made these and they fell apart because the ingredients say 16oz of marshmallows but the actual recipe says only 2 cups, which is not enough to hold them together. So divide the marshmallows into two parts, not 2 cups.
It’s look so tasty! I love this and i want to eat it….
No Rice Krispies, but did have air toasted Kinua, no small marshmellows, so chopped up a bag of large colored ones we found…diferent grain taste, but same love at first bite and of course they were short lived…didn’t know how, or even had the recipe for them, THANK YOU FROM CAJAMARCA, PERU in High Andes.
Add butterscotch chips. They make them to die for!
Perfect treats for kids, rice krispie. I think it is familiar to kids, but with this recipe it makes more fun to eat. Thanks Aimee for this great treat recipe of yours.
I ‘ve used the gooey concoction (no Rice Krispies added) over freshly popped corn for my 4 kids when they were little…now aged 49-59…loved getting to the bottom of the bowl where all the excess goodies remained!!!!!! Great Grandma Marty now
Rice Krispie is great, they look really attractive. I like the color as well as its taste, great. Thanks for your sharing
It looks so yummy! I love the step-by-step instructions, making it an easy recipe to follow!
I went with chocolate krispies 1.5 tap orange extract .5 tap vanilla perfection! Thanks for the base recipe (from your Midwestern modern man!)
Sounds delicious!
This sounds yummy! I would definitely make it again! Thanks for sharing the recipe
Aimee, this looks really good! I think I need to make these for myself and the kids. Love this idea!
Try adding 1/2 tsp of butter flavoring! Yum!!
I mixed in some Reese’s Pieces. Loved it.
I just made these for my son’s but used the new strawberry Rice Krispies – holy cow they are a hit! Thanks for the great recipe!
I had no idea that was a thing?!?. I must go find them now!
My grandkids love Rice Krispy treats, and they are easy and safe for our peanut allergy and gluten-Free diets. I microwave all ingredients (plus gel food coloring, if using), except the cereal, for 60-90 seconds (stir); microwave longer, if needed. Quicker that way and no burning! Make several batches in different colors, and layer; the combinations are endless. (Red and white; Santa hat. Blue and gold; Super Bowl).
Great tips 🙂
LOVE these tips!!!! I’m totally due to make some rice krispie treats too!
I add chopped pecans and dried cranberry’s yummy.
Great twist!!
I add fruity pebbles to my Rice Krispies. They are delicious.
My sons and I made this recipe yesterday. It was very easy to make with children. We added sprinkles to give a decorative look.
So fast and very easy to make this. I love krispie rice so much. Thank you for your instruction to make this treat!
These came out perfect!! My son lovessss them thank you. Ps..this was my first time ever making these..make sure will make it again again!!Thanks so much,
Hello, this recipe looks amazing. I was going to try and make a larger batch for work so I have a newbie baking question.. I don’t cook/bake often, so if I want to use a 9×13 like other people have said, would I double the amount of EVERY ingredient? Like, 12 cups krispies, 2 tsp extract, 32 oz marshmallows, 12 tbsp. butter? Would this be correct? Thank you in advance.
You could, if you like them super thick. Or, you can keep the same amount and they would be thinner. Personally, I would go a different route and make 1 1/2 times 🙂 LOL.
The marshmallow chunks in this recipe look AMAZING! Need to make a batch soon!
It has been far too long since I’ve had a good rice krispie treat. Nothing takes me back to childhood more than these!
I am loving all those chunks of marshmallows in your recipe. I need to try this version!
OMG it’s truly the best 🙂
Yay! For a yummy rice kripie recipe, these are ones that are actually kind of easy to screw up… So your tips are much needed! Thank you!
Thanks! I have managed to make a bit of a mess of these in the past.
These really are perfect! And I could most definitely eat an entire pan in one sitting. The more marshmallow, the better for me!!
This looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Nothing better than a rice krispy treat! I love all of these tips, I have never tried with the vanilla extract.
The vanilla extract really does make a difference – these are so yummy!
I haven’t had Rice Krispie Treats in forever! I think I may have to make a batch soon!
These look so good! I love Rice Krispie treats…I need to make these this weekend!
I absolutely concur! Rice Krispy Treats are the most deliscious self-indulgent treat. However, I have always used marshmallow fluff to make them. The combination of soft ewes-gooey marshmallow thinned with warm butter mixed with the krispy rice is pure heaven! Cannot stop eating them until they are gone.
You know if add a tablespoon of milk to your rice krispie treats they stay sort and taste amazing!!
For me, perfect is using browned butter!
Amiee you make Perfect Rice Krispie Treats very hard to resist.
Super and fast to make Thanks for all your great recipes Great MOM and all.
Seriously, I can not have Rice Krispie Treats in my house. They are my danger food. I can not eat just one. This recipe sounds wonderful. I think it is good that they are made in a smaller pan than a 9×13. Otherwise I would be eating the 9×13.
My mum used to make these when we were wee. II dont remember her putting marsh mallows.
What else do you think it could have been We loved them x
I was out of of mini marshmallows so cut up 1 cup of large ones, it worked perfectly. While growing up one of my brothers would buy the ingredients & BEG me to make ’em for him. Adding unmelted marshmallows & vanilla is an excellent idea, great recipe 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Hi There from Australia thank you for this recipe. I make these with a 3/4 cup of desicated coconut. I will try the PB version too. Love rice Krispy squares. Here the cereal is called Rice Bubbles 🙂
You should try substituting 1/2 of the rice krispies with cocoa krispies. They are simply amazing!
I added some chopped pecans to the last batch I made, so good! Definitely added the vanilla
Oooh, never thought about adding pecans!
I always use real vanilla and add 1/3 cup of dry white cake mix to the marshmallow/ butter mixture. I add another tablespoon of butter and a handful of marshmallow as “extra” to compensate for the dry mix. People go crazy for them..every time!
Yummy idea!
I add marshmallow cream to mine!????
My bars fall apart, what did I do wrong?
Mine did, too! Nobody would eat them because they constantly fell apart. I thought maybe the butter since the the recipe on the back of the box says only 3T.
They definitely do not fall apart, I would double check the ingredient measurements, we make these weekly with no issues!
How many cups of mini marshmallows? All I can buy are ten oz bags. Thank you!
Is it ok to use large marshmallows for this recipe and if so do you know the amount? I’m really excited to try out this recipe for Christmas treats this year!
Totally agree! I have had some terrible rice crispy treats. I’m such a crispy snob that I will only eat mine now lol. Another tip is to never ever EVER sub real butter for anything else. Just because it’s in stick form does not mean it’s butter! Real butter people!
Have never been a fan of RK treats, but that just changed! Thank you so much for the recipe and to everyone for the add in tips. I will try them all!
You’re welcome!
Made this last week. Omg! What a difference. I will never make it any other way again. Am gonna use cocoa crispies next time. CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!
So glad you love them as much as I do!!
How would I need to modify the recipe if I have a 9×13 pan? Thanks so much 🙂 I’m making a bunch of different baked goods for a charity bake sale and this recipe looks great but I just have the one pan. Appreciate you!
You can double the recipe 🙂 ENJOY!
Oh my Goodness! I just made these and I can barely contain myself, they barely made it to the pan to spread it out. I see my son running back and fourth and figured out he keeps getting little pieces then he runs back! That you so much for sharing this fabulous recipe, it is the best! I will always be making these. I so recommend everyone to make them. My family and I thank you!
You’re quite welcome!!
If you want to make a 9×13 would you just double the recipe?
Sure!
I love adding a 1/4 tsp of almond extract, in place of the vanilla..I think it brings out the marshmallow flavor better. :)))
Great tip!
If you would like to bump it up a notch try the following:
When melting the butter, brown it. Till it gets the little brown bits.
After placing in your pan, sprinkle with sea salt.
I’m telling you one thing. You will never go back to the standard RK treat !
Yum!
It’s my go to dessert because I can’t have gluten. And there is gluten in EVERYTHING!! Thanks! I surely will try this recipe!!
Love these so would love to have recipes on this line. Or any good ones as I love sweets.
LOVE these tips!!!! I’m totally due to make some rice krispie treats too!
Love your recipe! Turns out great every time. I used Lucky Charms for St Patrick’s Day. They were a hit! I didn’t get one.☹️
So much better if you add peanut butter better still make it crunchy peanut butter.
How much PB do you add? Is it a replacement for something else in the recipe?
You’re not alone in your love of Rice Krispie Treats!!! Every time I make them for a party, the adults always demolish them ???? Yours look like the perfect ooey gooey treat!!
Seriously I thought I was the only person on the planet that can not stay out of a pan of Rice Krispy treats. They are a trigger food. Yes, I have eaten enough until I am full and sick. I just can not stay out of them. These look wonderful. I like too that I would not need to eat the whole 9×13 just a 9×9.
Ha! It’s still the same amount just in a different pan. Good one though…
Hello, where I leave is hard to always find the jet puffed by kraft marshmallows, how about making homemade marshmallows recipe instead, with all your tips, have you tryed it?
Oh yes, vanilla adds so much to these. Yuck is right on the store bought ones. No comparison to the ones you can make.