This is the best Rice Krispie Treats recipe to make with the kids. They’re a childhood favorite, fun to make, and even more fun to eat!
Rice Krispie Treats have been around for decades. They are a favorite for millions and for good reason! They are not only super delicious with that crisp crunch of the rice cereal paired with the buttery melted marshmallow chewiness – but crazy easy to make too.
I love that they only require a handful of ingredients and I don’t even have to use the stovetop, let alone bake anything to enjoy these super fun treats. Check out how easy it is to make these in the microwave! This is truly the most delicious rice krispie treat recipe EVER!
**Be sure to check out our July 4th Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats and our cute Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats too!
NO Bake Treats
Now I know that there are literally thousands of versions of this classic treat floating around out there. But the key here is the butter to marshmallow to cereal ratio. You have to get it just right so they are super soft and chewy like the ones that come prepackaged from the cereal company.
So, what I’m saying is that not all of those recipes are created equal. I can definitely say I have tried dozens and each time I made a tweak here and there to make it better – until I created this version that is over the top amazing. It’s quick, easy and oh so addictingly delicious.
rice krispie treats
Here are some commonly asked questions
How to store rice krispie treats
These treats are best at room temperature. So I like to keep them in the pan that I press them into and them just pop the airtight lid on them.
If you use a metal baking pan – just a bit of foil or press-n-seal on the top works just fine. But I like this baking dish with the lid for ease. You can also wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to keep as much air out as possible.
Can you freeze krispie treats?
While I’m not a fan of freezing treats in general, I have plenty of friends that swear that these will do just fine in the freezer.
I recommend wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap. Then place them all in an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let sit at room temperature to thaw before serving again.
Can I change up the ingredients?
You bet – if you want to change it up a bit you can leave out the salt and add vanilla in it’s place. That is always delicious.
You can fold in some M&M’s or chocolate chips – just keep in mind that the warmth of the melted marshmallow will melt the chocolate just a bit – so you want to do it closer to when these are ready to transfer to the pan so the mixture isn’t quite as warm.
rice crispie treats
Can these be made with mini marshmallows?
Yes – you can make this recipe with any size of marshmallows – just be sure to check this marshmallow conversion table below to make sure you are keeping that ratio just perfect when making these bars.
Marshmallow Conversion Chart
- 1 jumbo marshmallow = 4 standard-size marshmallows = 1/2 cup mini-marshmallows
- 1 cup mini-marshmallows = 8 standard-size marshmallows = 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 7 ounces of marshmallow creme = 1.5 cups marshmallow fluff
- 10 ounce bag of mini-marshmallows = 6 cups = 40 standard-size marshmallows
- 1 standard-size marshmallow = 14 mini-marshmallows
- 8 standard-size marshmallows = 1 cup
- 16 ounce bag of mini-marshmallows = 8.5 cups
- 16 ounce bag of standard-size marshmallows = 63 marshmallows
recipe tips & tricks
For the best possible results – follow these tips so you can make THE BEST KRISPIE TREATS EVER!
- ALWAYS USE FRESH MARSHMALLOWS! Trust me on this – don’t take that old bag of sticky marshmallows from the back of the pantry. Stale marshmallows mean stale krispie treats. If you want them soft and chewy – always use the freshest marshmallows.
- USE REAL BUTTER – please don’t try to make this recipe with margarine. It just won’t turn out the same.
- Don’t pack the treats too tighly in the pan – this will make them too dense. You want them to be just tight enough so they don’t fall apart but not crushed.
- Don’t over cook the marshmallows – this will make them too firm once they cool.
- Keep the treats in an airtight container once cooled. Try to keep the container as close to the size of the treats as possible. A container that is too large will allow for too much air to be in the container with the treats and make them dry out faster.
- Dampen your hands with water before pressing the mixture into the pan – this will help to keep the marshmallow from sticking to your hands.
- Try making them gluten-free by swapping out the ingredients with gluten-free options.
rice krispies recipe
rice krispie ingredients
- marshmallows – standard size
- unsalted butter – cubed
- Rice Krispies cereal
- sea salt
Best Way to Cut Krispie Treats
When you make these krispie treats there are a few things to keep in mind when it is time to cut them. Here are some tips I have learned throughout the years.
- Make sure to line the pan with the parchment – it allows you to lift the entire slab of treats out so you can cut them cleanly without the pan being in the way. Once they are sliced- you can always lift the parchment back up and pop them right back in the pan for storage.
- Let them cool completely before cutting. If they are still warm they will fall apart once they are separated from each other.
- Use a nice sharp knife to cut them OR I like to use a dough scraper because it’s nice and sturdy and does a great job.
Can this recipe be cut in half?
You bet – if you only need a couple of the best right krispie treats – you can definitely cut this recipe in half. Super easy and then you aren’t committed to eating the whole pan.
Not at all judging – I would do it if I had them here right now. Not at all sorry. This really is the best rice krispie treats recipe!
Love this recipe? Check out some other recipes to make with cereal…
- Sweet & Salty Snack Mix
- Party Snack Mix
- Peppermint Crunch Bites
- Homemade Crunch Bars
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Popcorn
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Mix
- Captain Crunch Bourbon Balls
- Easter Krispie Pops
homemade rice crispy treats
how to make rice krispie treats in the microwave
- Line a 9×13 pan with parchment – set aside.
- Combine the marshmallows and butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in the microwave for 1½ to 2 minutes. The marshmallows will puff up quite a bit.
- Stir until it becomes a nice, smooth consistency. If the marshmallows aren’t quite melted, you can cook an additional 10-15 seconds.
- Once smooth, stir in the cereal and salt. Stir well to coat all of the cereal evenly.
- Spread it out into the prepared pan. Press into an even layer – you want to press semi-firmly but not so much that it makes them hard once they cool. Just enough to let them hold together but still be soft and chewy.
how to make brown butter rice krispie treats
- Start by lining a pan with parchment paper. Set aside for now.
- In a large pot, begin to melt butter over medium heat. (Do not walk away from the pot. The butter can burn quickly). It should begin to melt, foam, then turn to a light brown color, with a very nutty, delicious aroma.
- Turn off heat and stir in ½ tsp of salt & the marshmallows. Keep stirring to melt the marshmallows.
- Once you have a smooth consistency and the marshmallows are completely melted. Stir in the cereal.
- Spread the mixture into your prepared pan, pressing down into an even layer. Take care to not press too firmly or they will be too firm and not soft and chewy.
- Top with remaining ½ tsp of sea salt. Let cool, then cut into squares.
marshmallow treats
If you love this Easy Rice Krispie Treats recipe, you’re going to love these other treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
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The Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Ingredients
Traditional Rice Krispie Treats
- 10 oz marshmallows – standard size
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – cubed
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
For Brown Butter Sea Salt Rice Krispie Treats
- 10 oz marshmallows – standard size
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – cubed
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 tsp sea salt divided in half
Instructions
Traditional Rice Krispie Treats
- Line a 9×13 pan with parchment – set aside.
- Combine the marshmallows and butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in the microwave for 1½ to 2 minutes. The marshmallows will puff up quite a bit.
- Stir until it becomes a nice, smooth consistency. If the marshmallows aren’t quite melted, you can cook an additional 10-15 seconds.
- Once smooth, stir in the cereal and salt. Stir well to coat all of the cereal evenly.
- Spread it out into the prepared pan. Press into an even layer – you want to press semi-firmly but not so much that it makes them hard once they cool. Just enough to let them hold together but still be soft and chewy.
For Brown Butter Sea Salt Rice Krispie Treats
- Start by lining a pan with parchment paper. Set aside for now.
- In a large pot, begin to melt butter over medium heat. (Do not walk away from the pot. The butter can burn quickly). It should begin to melt, foam, then turn to a light brown color, with a very nutty, delicious aroma.
- Turn off heat and stir in ½ tsp of salt & the marshmallows. Keep stirring to melt the marshmallows.
- Once you have a smooth consistency and the marshmallows are completely melted. Stir in the cereal.
- Spread the mixture into your prepared pan, pressing down into an even layer. Take care to not press too firmly or they will be too firm and not soft and chewy.
- Top with remaining ½ tsp of sea salt. Let cool, then cut into squares.
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Giftbasketworldwide says
Brilliant!! Thank you for the information.