Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

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!

Thick rice krispie treat packed with marshmallows.


Why My Rice Krispies Treat 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. You may see some similar nowadays, but they all stem from my original add-ins. 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!

The Original Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats have always been the key to my heart. Knowing how to make rice krispie treats has gotten me far in life.

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!

Ingredient Notes

Only four ingredients needed for original rice krispie treats recipe.
  1. 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.
  2. Marshmallows- you’ll need 9 cups of mini marshmallows, keeping about 1 cup aside to add in at the end!
  3. 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.

Melted butter and marshmallow for rice krispie treats in a sauce pan with cereal and more marshmallows being added.

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.
Gooey rice krispie treat being pulled out of the baking dish.

Rice Krispie Treat Recipes

See all Rice Krispie Treats recipes

Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

4.76 from 594 votes
By: Aimee
Get the secret tips and tricks to making the most PERFECT Rice Krispie Treats recipe. From using fresh butter and marshmallows to adding vanilla extract, this is our favorite dessert.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 9 large bars

Ingredients 

  • 6 Tablespoons salted butter
  • 16 ounce bag mini marshmallows divided
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 6 cups rice krispies cereal
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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).
  • Can you freeze rice krispie treats? YES! I slide them on a parchment paper lined sheet into a ziploc freezer bag. Thaw on counter until soft again!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar, Calories: 300kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 139mg, Sugar: 31g
Course: Rice Krispie Treats
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Original Rice Krispie Treats recipe with all the tips and tricks for making them thick and chewy!



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About Aimee

Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator.

Learn more about Aimee.

Affiliate Disclosure:**There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I love! Thank you for supporting Shugary Sweets! See my disclosure policy for more info**

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Posted on September 26, 2023

Comments & Reviews

  1. Can I use this same recipe but in a different size pan? Was thinking of making bunny shaped ones for Easter

  2. 5 stars
    This is the end all be all of Rice Krispie treats base recipes! The ratio of cereal to marshmallows is perfect, and the pro tip to withhold a cup of mallows to be added in with the cereal makes all the difference.

    I use this one as my base recipe and experiment with all kinds of tasty additions… although as a Rice Krispie purest, this plain OG recipe will always be my favorite.

  3. 5 stars
    Discovered your recipe at Christmas and these were so delicious that I made a double batch for a Superbowl party tomorrow! They are just perfect! I’ll be saving this one in my physical recipe book just to make sure it never gets lost. Thanks for sharing!

  4. You Gotta Absolutely Love ❤️ Kellogs Rice Krispy Treats With Pink Butter 🧈 Cream Frosting On Top Of Your Rice Krispy Treats!!! I Have Never Ever Had Vanilla Flavoring On My Rice Krispy Treats!!! It Most Definitely Sounds Awesome & Delicious To Eat With Rice Krispy Treats!!! Thank.You Aimeee For Your Delicious Dessert Recipes Especially Rice Krispy Treats & Chocolate 🍫 Brownies!!! Absolutely Awesome & Delicious To Eat For Dessert After Dinner!!!

  5. Found your recipe years ago and then I forgot to save it! I was able to remember the recipe, but alas, I have found you again – to give proper credit. Your recipe has been my go-to for years and it’s always a hit with everyone. Occasionally, I add some ground cinnamon just to offer variety. Making some this week for the holidays! Thanks so much.

  6. So am I the only one who cant find the exact measurements of each ingredient? I got 8-9 cups of marshmallows or 16 oz but no other specific ratios. Am I just missing something or what is assumed here?? Jw

    1. If you click the jump to recipe button, it takes you straight to the recipe card with ingredient amounts and directions.

  7. 5 stars
    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

  8. 5 stars
    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 ❤️

  9. 5 stars
    Another level up, vanilla bean paste! Game changer. If you want to be fancy, scrape a vanilla bean and toss it in… ♥️♥️

  10. 5 stars
    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!!!

  11. Hii in want to try this but I bought the normal marshmallows instead of the Minis us that okay?

    Thank you!

    1. 5 stars
      Hi! I just made this recipe with the big marshmallows and everything turned out alright. May just take longer to melt and I would chop up the “remaining 1 cup” so you don’t have such big chunks.

  12. 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

  13. 5 stars
    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…..❤️😋

  14. 5 stars
    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

    1. 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?

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