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Our gooey rice krispie treat recipe is made in minutes. This classic recipe is so scrumptious you can’t eat just one!!

Rice krispie treats are easy to change up and perfect for a last-minute dessert. Try our other versions like Brown Butter Rice Krispies, Crack Rice Krispies, or Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispie Treats.

A plate of stacked rice krispie treats.
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Our go-to Treat!

This rice krispie treats recipe is simple, with no fuss, and fail-proof. You can make these yummy treats in under 10 minutes – practically no time at all. I love a good quick dessert!

I grew up making and eating rice krispie treats all the time. They’re perfect for bringing to family dinners, school functions, or dropping off to a friend in need.

We love that they can be changed up by using different flavored marshmallows, different kinds of cereal, or even adding toppings. Although, we think these classic ones are the BEST rice krispie treats.

Turn them into something special for any holiday or celebration (see below for more inspiration). They are classic and will always be our go-to treat.

Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients

Can we talk about how you only need THREE ingredients for this rice krispie treat recipe? I repeat, THREE ingredients for one of the best treats ever.

I bet you can guess what those three ingredients are. Yup, you’re right:

  • butter
  • marshmallows (we use regular size AND mini)
  • Rice Krispies

Something about the combination of those three ingredients is magical. Make sure to save 1-2 cups of mini marshmallows to mix in at the end.

I love the look of the non-melted marshmallows mixed throughout the rice krispie treats. You can never have too many marshmallows!

Combining rice krispies, melted butter, and marshmallows.

How to Make Rice Krispie Treats

These best rice krispie treats come together in minutes with only 3 ingredients. Because they are so easy, have the kids help create these gooey treats!

BUTTER. In a large bowl microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in the microwave for 30 seconds.

MARSHMALLOWS. Add large marshmallows to the butter and microwave for 3 minutes.

RICE KRISPIES. Stir well and slowly add rice krispies. When all combined, toss in 1-2 cups of mini marshmallows and pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Let it set and enjoy!

Marshmallow Tips

16 oz bag of large marshmallows. It’s easy to modify the recipe just a bit to make more and use a 16-ounce bag of marshmallows. Just use the larger bag and add 1 more tablespoon of butter, 1ยฝ – 2 cups more Rice Krispies, and 2 more cups of mini marshmallows.

4 oz of marshmallows = 16 large marshmallows, and 10 mini marshmallows is about 1 large marshmallow.

Adding mini marshmallows to a mixture of rice krispies.

Best way to make even cuts

To cut these homemade rice krispie treats perfectly every time, use these simple steps.

  1. Line the pan with parchment paper before pressing the treats inside.
  2. Allow them to cool. Warm treats donโ€™t cut as crisply.
  3. Once the rice krispies have set, remove the entire block by lifting them out with the parchment paper. 
  4. Use a large sharp kitchen knife to make even clean cuts. 
A white baking dish filled with with rice krispie treats recipe.

recipe Tips

Keep them soft.

  • Don’t use old marshmallows. Save that bag thatโ€™s been hiding in the back of the pantry for hot chocolate and use a fresh bag for this recipe.
  • Don’t overheat the marshmallows.
  • Press into an even layer but donโ€™t pack the rice krispies too tightly. 
  • Store them in airtight containers.

Gluten-free. Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Cereals uses malt flavoring, so they are not always gluten-free. I usually have success using generic brands, but always check the package for malt or wheat ingredients.

Stovetop directions. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the large marshmallows and use a rubber spatula to stir over medium-low heat until they have all melted. Remove from the heat and mix the crispy rice cereal in, then fold the miniature marshmallows into the mixture.

Texture. Keep the ratio of Rice Krispies and marshmallow mixture balanced for the best texture. If you add too many Rice Krispies they will turn out dry and hard. Too little Rice Krispies and they will be too gooey to hold together. 

Dairy-free. Whether you have a dairy allergy or avoid eating it, you can replace the butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil. The rice krispie treats still turn out well.

Variations

One of the things I like most about our Rice Krispie treat recipe is that there are so many different varieties you can make! And it only takes a couple of extra easy steps to change it up.

  • Chocolate. Use Cocoa Krispies and drizzle some melted chocolate on top.
  • S’mores. Fold in chocolate chips and graham crackers to make them s’mores flavored!
  • Sprinkles. Throw in rainbow sprinkles and call them birthday rice krispie treats.
  • Vanilla. For a little added flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the large marshmallows.

We have a TON of different variations on our website that you should check out. Here are some of our favorites:

Honestly, the possibilities are endless!! Also, think about all the different cereal combos you could make: Trix, Fruity Pebbles, and the varieties of Rice Krispies.

Rice krispie treats cut and stacked with on a white cake platter.

Storing info

STORE. These crispy treats will stay fresh for about 3 days if kept in an airtight container. Theyโ€™ll be edible longer, but they will begin to harden. 

Keep them in a container that will fit all of them just right, without much excess air. The more open space, the more likely they are to dry out faster. Wrap first in plastic wrap before storing to help them stay soft as long as possible.

Store them at room temperature and not in the fridge. 

FREEZE. Wrap each treat with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer Ziploc. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before eating. Freezing extends the shelf life, but it will not be soft and gooey like fresh treats.

Rows of cut rice krispie treats on parchment paper.

Recipe FAQ

Why are my homemade rice krispie treats hard?

There are a few reasons why rice krispie treats get hard including using old marshmallows, overheating the marshmallows, using too many rice krispies, packing them too tightly, and not storing them correctly.

How do I cut perfectly square rice krispie treats?

Allow the treats to set for about 30 minutes before cutting. Lift the entire block of treats out of the pan so the sides of the pan don’t get in the way. Spray a large kitchen knife with cooking spray and make even cuts.

For More Treat Bars, try:

5 from 34 votes

Rice Krispie Treat Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Gooey rice krispie treats are made in minutes. This classic recipe is so scrumptious you can't eat just one!!
Servings: 16 squares
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 (12-ounce) bag large marshmallows
  • 8-8ยฝ cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1ยฝ cups mini marshmallows

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, melt butter in the microwave for 30 seconds.
  • Add large marshmallows to the butter and microwave for 2โ€“3 minutes.
  • Stir well and slowly add Rice Krispies. When all combined, toss in mini marshmallows, stir to mix, and pour into a greased 9-x-13-inch pan.
  • Using wax paper or with greased hands, press the mixture gently to spread evenly into all corners of the pan. Allow them to set for at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving.

Video

Notes

Make ahead of time.ย Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations.ย To change it up, try substituting Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles for Rice Krispies, or use different flavored mallows to create different flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1square, Calories: 91kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 82mg, Potassium: 19mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1055IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

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5 from 34 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




25 Comments

  1. Jamie N says:

    5 stars
    Seriously the best rice krispy treats! So gooey and delicious!!

  2. Stacey says:

    Have a recipe to make them with peanut butter, corn syrup,& cornflakes. Found it in a book I was reading one time. I don’t care for marshmallows. So I make these instead. I add melted chocolate chips to the top of them. Doesn’t call for it but I do it anyway.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      That sounds delicious. I’m sure it is a good recipe! Thanks for sharing.

    2. Linda says:

      5 stars
      These are really good and with such little ingredients. Yummy

  3. Linda says:

    5 stars
    This is such an easy recipe to make. It also is a lot of fun for children because they can add their own special touch โค๏ธThanks for sharing ๐Ÿค—

  4. Melissa D in TX says:

    5 stars
    Try this and it will be the only way you make Rice Krispie treats from now on – so easy! They come out perfect every time.

  5. Suzanne says:

    5 stars
    Our favorite Rice Krispie treat recipe.

  6. Kristina says:

    5 stars
    So Good! I love the idea of keeping some of the marshmallows whole.

  7. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    Another great treat! Simple and always a favorite amongSt the grandkids.

  8. Julie Blanner says:

    5 stars
    The girls and I just made this over the weekend, and they loved helping! Microwaving the marshmallows instead of using the stove top made it so much easier! Thanks for the tip.

  9. Joy says:

    5 stars
    These are exactly the way I love rice krispies..they are thick & gooey & I love the whole marshmallow pieces in them.

  10. Krissy Allori says:

    5 stars
    Rice Krispie Treats are always a big hit at my house. The kids love to eat them and help to make them. I am going to try using the different sizes of marshmellows next time. That’s a great tip!