Rice Krispie Treats
The original no-bake treat that never goes out of style. Butter, marshmallows, and cereal — that's all it takes. The secret to making them better than the back-of-the-box recipe is using more butter, not packing them down too hard, and adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 oz (about 40) large marshmallows or 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13-inch pan or line with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment as well.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the salt and vanilla (if using). Add the Rice Krispies cereal and fold gently until every piece is evenly coated. Work quickly — the mixture sets fast.
- Transfer to the prepared pan. Press into an even layer using a greased spatula or a piece of greased parchment paper. Press firmly enough to hold together, but don't compact them — lighter pressure means chewier treats.
- Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes until set. Cut into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips
- Use medium-low heat to melt the marshmallows. High heat makes them seize up and gives you hard, crunchy treats instead of chewy ones.
- Grease your hands or spatula when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
- Don't compact the treats too firmly — lighter pressure means chewier, better treats.
- Fresh marshmallows melt smoother. If yours are stale, add a tablespoon of water to the pot before melting.
Variations
- Brown butter treats: Brown the butter until nutty and golden before adding the marshmallows for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Chocolate-drizzled: Melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over the top before cutting.
- Sprinkle-topped: Add rainbow sprinkles when folding in the cereal for a fun, colorful twist.
- Peanut butter: Stir in 1/2 cup of peanut butter with the melted marshmallows for a PB twist.
Nutrition Facts
Per treat (1 of 16)
130
Calories
4g
Fat
24g
Carbs
1g
Protein
12g
Sugar
95mg
Sodium