Get the secret tips and tricks to making the most PERFECT Rice Krispies Treats recipe. From using fresh butter and marshmallows to adding vanilla extract, this is our favorite dessert.
Love easy cereal treats? Try our recipes for homemade puppy chow (muddy buddies)! Or make a savory snack like this Taco Chex mix!
Table of Contents
The Original Rice Krispie Treats
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 love crispy treats so much that I’ve created over a dozen flavors….from Fluffernutter Krispie Treats to Cinnamon Roll Krispie Treats.
- I’ve even got these adorable TURKEY Krispie Treats and this Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treat for Thanksgiving!
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!
Why My Recipe Is Best
There are thousands of recipes for making this classic treat, and I’m putting it out there that my recipe is BEST. Why?
- Only 4 ingredients
- Thick and chewy
- Vanilla flavor
- Perfect ratio of cereal to marshmallows
We love that this classic treat can be changed up using different cereals too!
- Chocolate– Cocoa Krispie Treats
- Fruity– Fruity Pebbles Treats
- S’mores– Golden Grahams Treats
- Cheerios– Cheerio Treats
Ingredient Notes
- Butter- use salted butter for this recipe. Just trust me! Don’t have any on hand? Use unsalted butter and a pinch of salt while melting. DO NOT use margarine.
- Marshmallows- you’ll need 9 cups of mini marshmallows, keeping about 1 cup aside to add in at the end!
- Rice Krispies Cereal- any brand of crispy rice cereal will work, just make sure it’s FRESH.
Aimee’s Secret Ingredient
Adding my homemade vanilla extract or any pure vanilla extract takes this recipe over the top.
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
- Make these gluten free by choosing a crispy rice cereal labeled Gluten Free (and check your marshmallow labels too just in case).
Recipe FAQs
Your krispies treats could be getting hard if you press the treats too firmly into the pan. Also, be sure to start with fresh marshmallows and cereal, not stale!
Do NOT refrigerate rice krispie treats, as it can make the marshmallow very hard. Instead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for best results.
I do not advise freezing rice krispie treats. Fresh is best.
You can choose a 13×9 dish instead of a square dish if prefered for rice crispy treats. Just know that they will be thinner.
More Rice Krispie Treat Flavors
Add in some flavored gelatin (or pudding mix) to the melted marshmallow for a unique twist! Cherry Krispie Treats!
Make Lucky Charms Treats for a St.Paddy’s Day dessert idea.
- For best results, name brand cereal stays fresher longer and can hold up to the melted butter and marshmallows better
- Always start with fresh marshmallows. If you use stale marshmallows in hopes that melting them will give you good results, you’ll be disappointed!
- More mix-ins: fold in some m&m’s or Reese’s peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert idea.
More Easy Dessert Recipes:
- Scotcheroos
- Peanut Butter Rice Crispies Treat
- Easter Krispie Treats
- Biscoff Rice Crispy Squares
- No Bake Cookies
Rice Krispie Treat Recipes
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Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
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Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
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Froot Loop Treats
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Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter
- 16 ounce bag mini marshmallows divided
- 1 teaspoon 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 and gently stir until combined.
- 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
- How many marshmallows do I need? One 16 ounce bag of marshmallows is about 8-9 cups. You’ll melt all but one cup of the marshmallows in the butter, reserving the last cup for adding with the cereal.
- 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.
- 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!
- Make these gluten free by choosing a crispy rice cereal labeled Gluten Free (and check your marshmallow labels too just in case).
Video
Nutrition
Original Rice Krispie Treats recipe with all the tips and tricks for making them thick and chewy!
If I don’t have salted butter, how much salt should I use with regular butter?
Just a pinch is all you need.
A tip I got from my daughter is to add white baking chips when you add the Rice Krispies. They firm up a little better and add great flavor
This is a wonderful recipe, thank you!
The main thing I do differently, is that I brown the butter before I add the marshmallows. Talk about adding a depth of flavor! I Highly recommend giving brown butter crispies a try. They are amazing and it gives a grown-up feel to one of my favorite childhood treats.
I also add a touch of almond extract (maybe ⅛tsp), it just adds to the nuttiness of the brown butter.
Thank you again for posting this wonderful recipe ❤️
Another level up, vanilla bean paste! Game changer. If you want to be fancy, scrape a vanilla bean and toss it in… ♥️♥️
These were fantastic! I’ve always failed at these and your recipe did not disappoint. I will admit though I did use those old mini marshmallows from months ago, I took the chance and they were fine. Thank you for sharing your recipe. The cup of marshmallows added at the end was key!!!
So glad you loved them!
Hii in want to try this but I bought the normal marshmallows instead of the Minis us that okay?
Thank you!
I made these for my daughters birthday party and everyone love them I didn’t make enough for everyone so I would suggest doubling the recipe if making for a party
These are off the chain……I made 2 pans this evening. One for work and the other for home. My granddaughter cannot wait the hour she’s ready to eat NOW. Thank you for sharing such an Awesome rice crispy treat…..❤️😋
Thank you!! We love them too 🙂
If you brown the butter, it takes Rice Krispie treats to a whole new level..
I know people recommend this…but I”m not a fan 🙂
The vanilla makes all the difference!!!
Also, I made Coco Krispie treats with peanut butter and chocolate chips….. Rice Krispie treats with crumbled Heath Bar, banana chips and chocolate chips….. finally, plain Rice Krispie treats with vanilla (of course) and extra mini marshmallows….. My hubby and son gnashed happily!!! I absolutely love to feed my men…. It is my LOVE LANGUAGE! Thanks for the tips and tricks. —- Katrina
So happy to hear this, glad you all loved them as much as I do!
The vanilla, put them over the top delicious!
Thanks you!
Andrea
We can’t have real butter due to a dairy sensitivity. Could I use Country Crock sticks or what happens if you don’t use real butter?