A stack of classic rice krispies treats on a white plate
Desserts

Classic Rice Krispies Treats

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One of my favorite things to eat, as a kid, were classic Rice Krispies treats. I couldn’t get enough of them. I didn’t realize how easy they were to make until I watched my mom make them. To say I was hooked is an understatement.

Enjoyed by kids and adults around the world classic Rice Krispies treats are a hit. Did you know they were invented way back in 1939 by two women named Malitta Jensen and Mildred Day who worked in the Kellogg Company Home economics department?

These treats are known by other names in other countries but they are all essentially the same thing. Rice Krispies or Crisped Rice cereal mixed with butter and marshmallows. It doesn’t get any easier than that. If I can do it, you can do it. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Gather the ingredients and tools

Large bowl full of Rice Krispies cereal along with marshmallows and butter and a large pot on a table.

In order to make these classic Rice Krispies treats you need just a few ingredients and tools:

  • Rice Krispies Cereal – Snap, crackle, and pop. Although pretty much any dry cereal can be used, you can have the classic ones with out that classic cereal.
  • Marshmallows – You can use the large or the mini ones, I prefer to use the mini ones because they melt quicker. Jarred marshmallow fluff can also be used.
  • Butter – Although margarine can be used as well, real butter makes these taste that much better.

Tools

  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • 13×9 baking pan
  • Parchment paper

Step 2: How to make classic Rice Krispies Treats

Begin by placing the butter or margarine in a large pot on the stovetop. Set the heat to medium-low. Stir the butter occasionally until it is completely melted. If you are in a hurry you may also just melt it in a large bowl along with the marshmallows in the microwave.

Step 3: Melt those marshmallows

Now it is time to melt the marshmallows. Add all of the marshmallows in with the melted butter. Stir constantly until the marshmallows completely melt and a nice smooth consistency is left. If using the microwave, us a microwave safe bowl, add the marshmallows and use bursts of 30 seconds then stir, 30 seconds, then stir, etc. Until the marshmallows are completely melted.

Step 4: Add in those Rice Krispies Cereal

Rice Krispies treats in a 13x9 pan on a stovetop

Next, add all the Rice Krispies or crisped rice cereal into the bowl or large bowl and mix the cereal until evenly coated. Spread them out evenly in a greased or sprayed 13×9 inch baking pan.

Smooshing down the rice krispies with parchment paper

Then, use a sheet of parchment paper and smash down the Rice Krispies until nice and level and compacted. Leave the parchment paper in place on the top, and place the whole thing in the fridge until set. This usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 5: Cut and Serve those amazing classic Rice Krispies Treats

Plate of classic rice krispies treats

Once they have cooled, remove them from the pan. You will have one giant Rice Krispies treat. I have been tempted to just make it one serving and bite into like that, but, you probably want to cut it up into smaller squares. But you do you. Serve and enjoy! Pretty darn simple, right?

How do you store Rice Krispies treats?

You can store them at room temperature by placing them in a pan or ziplock bag with sheets of wax paper or parchment paper in between the layers so they don’t stick. They will be good for up to 3 days. Rice Krispies treats always taste better when fresh, however.

A stack of classic rice krispies treats on a white plate
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4.89 from 9 votes

Classic Rice Krispies Treats

One of my childhood favorite desserts, Rice Krispies Treats are so delicious and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Adored by children and adults worldwide, these treats are fantastic. Let's get started!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Cooling Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cereal, children, crunchy, family, fun, kids, treats
Servings: 24 treats
Calories: 72kcal
Author: Matt Taylor

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • 13×9 pan
  • parchment paper
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  • 1 – 10 oz package of marshmallows 283g
  • 3 Tbsp of Butter 42g
  • 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal 150g

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large pot on medium-low heat. Or place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and use the microwave.
  • Add the marshmallows to the pot and stir until completely melted. It will take 10 to 15 minutes. Or if you add the marshmallows and butter all at once to a large bowl and melt them in the microwave on high in bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until melted.
  • Pour all the Rice Krispies cereal in the bowl or pot and mix them until evenly coated. Use a wooden spoon or spatula.
  • Place the coated Rice Krispies cereal in a 13×9 pan that has been sprayed with kitchen spray or buttered. Spread it out with a spatula. Then put a piece of parchment paper on top and smoosh it all down until level and compacted. Chill for 30 to 45 minutes until set.
  • Remove it from the pan and cut up into little squares. Enjoy!

Video

How to Make Rice Krispies Treats | Rice Crispy Treats Recipe

Notes

Classic rice krispies treats nutritional facts
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal

Do you like this recipe? Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it.  If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.

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Chocolate Pancakes

Classic Rice Krispies Treats pin for Pinterest

28 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This rice Krispies recipe brings me many great memories from my youth. It looks so colorful.

  2. 5 stars
    Classic Rice Krispies Treats are clear winners in kids’ hearts. I hope to make one on weekends. So yummy and colorful!

  3. 5 stars
    I haven’t realised that these are so super-easy to make, thanks for the recipe.

  4. These rice crispies look so colorful. We too have our version here in India they have jaggery added and thus look brown. Would love to try out your version sometime.

    • Thanks!! These are super popular here in the States. The only reason why these were colorful is that was a special Rice Kripies coloring for Christmas time. haha.

  5. Lavern Moore

    You are so right. This is a pretty classic treat. I like my rice crispie treats with a little peanut butter.

  6. 5 stars
    Sometimes an old classic is just what the doctor ordered

  7. CherishingFlo

    5 stars
    We made these in my home economics class and I started making them at home ALL the time!

  8. 5 stars
    Damn right simple!!! I guess I will have to figure it out with the butter or margarine.

  9. i love this! i wont mind learning this recipe just to give this to the people i love. it looks really delicious and would make a good treat. <3

  10. thanks for the tip about the parchment paper. definitely better than burning your fingers. ouch. i totally agree – one big giant krispie treat sounds fabulous. why divide and share? 😉

  11. I forget how much I love homemade rice krispie treats until I make them. It’s that warm ooey gooey-ness that takes me right back to my childhood.

  12. 5 stars
    There is no great treat in the universe that Rice Krispies Treats. We make them all the time. I love this variation.

  13. 5 stars
    I still love Rice Krispies Treats as a kid and adult! My son is allergic to dairy so I sub with margarine and it still tastes the same and has the same texture. Love!

  14. Carrie Robinson

    4 stars
    You definitely cannot go wrong with a classic sweet treat like this! 🙂

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