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There are some desserts that never go out of style — and Rice Krispie Treats sit right at the top of that list.
We make these constantly in our house because they check every box busy families need: fast, affordable, no baking required, and universally loved. Honestly, I rarely set the pan down before someone is sneaking a warm square.
After testing batches over the years, I’ve learned that the difference between good and unforgettable Rice Krispie Treats comes down to a few simple techniques — extra butter, the right marshmallow ratio, a splash of milk at just the right time, and never overheating the mixture.
The result? Perfectly soft, gooey bars that stay chewy for days instead of turning hard.
Once you make them this way, you won’t go back.
If you love how easy these come together, you’ll also want to try our Classic No Bake Cookies, No Bake Bird Nest Cookies or indulge in our other No Bake Dessert recipes! Browse all of our Dessert Recipes for more crowd-pleasing favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra soft and chewy — never dry
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- No oven required
- Perfect for parties, bake sales, and lunchboxes
- A guaranteed crowd favorite
If you love easy desserts like this, don’t miss our full collection of No Bake Desserts — perfect for when you need something fast without turning on the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salted butter – Adds richness and enhances the marshmallow flavor.
- Mini marshmallows – Melt faster and create a smoother mixture.
- Rice Krispies cereal – The classic crisp texture that makes these bars iconic.
- Vanilla extract – Adds a subtle bakery-style flavor boost.
- Milk – Keeps marshmallows creamy.
- Extra marshmallows (optional) – Fold in at the end for pockets of gooey texture.
Equipment Needed
Large Pot or Dutch Oven – Provides enough space to mix without crushing the cereal. A heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent scorching.
Silicone Spatula – Ideal for folding everything together gently while keeping the cereal intact.
9×13 Baking Dish – Creates that classic thickness everyone expects from a Rice Krispie Treat.
Parchment Paper – Makes removal effortless and prevents sticking.
How to Make Rice Krispie Treats
The key to truly great Rice Krispie Treats is controlling the heat.
Start by melting the butter slowly over medium-low heat. You never want the butter to brown or the sugars in the marshmallows to cook — high heat is what causes treats to become stiff instead of soft.
Once the marshmallows are added, stir continuously until they are just melted and smooth, then remove the pot from the heat immediately. Residual heat will finish the job without overcooking the mixture.
When folding in the cereal, work gently. Crushing the cereal compresses the bars and makes them dense rather than light and chewy.
Finally — and this is a mistake many people make — do not press the mixture firmly into the pan. Lightly guide it into place. Packing it down creates hard bars.
Let them cool completely before slicing so they set properly while staying perfectly gooey inside.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintBest Soft & Chewy Rice Krispie Treats
Soft, buttery, and perfectly chewy, these classic Rice Krispie Treats are made with the ideal marshmallow-to-cereal ratio for a gooey texture that stays tender for days. This easy no-bake dessert comes together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients and is guaranteed to be a family favorite for parties, lunchboxes, and everyday treats.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: about 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 8 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
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In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter slowly.
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Once melted, add the vanilla extract and 6 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are nearly melted.
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Add the milk and the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows. Stir until these additional marshmallows are partially melted, creating pockets of gooeyness.
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Remove from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×11-inch baking dish. Using a greased spatula, gently press the mixture into the dish without compacting it too much.
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Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
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Use Fresh Marshmallows: Ensure your marshmallows are fresh for optimal meltability and texture.
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Low Heat is Key: Melting the butter and marshmallows over low heat prevents hard treats.
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Grease Tools: Lightly grease your spatula or hands to prevent sticking when pressing the mixture into the pan.
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Avoid Overpacking: Gently press the mixture into the pan to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
STORAGE
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Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Wrap treats individually in wax paper and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
VARIATIONS
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
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Festive Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to match holidays or special occasions.
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Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
Looking for more quick desserts? Browse all of our No Bake Dessert Recipes here.
Tips for Success
• Use fresh marshmallows — stale ones don’t melt smoothly.
• Don’t skip the milk! This keeps your mixture from drying out!
• Stay on medium-low heat to prevent hard treats.
• Grease your spatula or hands lightly to avoid sticking.
• For bakery-style bars, add a handful of whole marshmallows right before pressing into the pan.
Storage & Reheating
Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Do Not Refrigerate: This makes them hard.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Rice Krispie Treats hard?
Overheating the marshmallows or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan are the most common causes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a large stockpot and a sheet pan for even thickness.
Can I use large marshmallows?
You can, but mini melt faster and more evenly. If using large marshmallows, be sure to cut them into small pieces.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Dip half the bars in melted chocolate
- Drizzle with peanut butter
- Add festive sprinkles for holidays
- Stir in mini chocolate chips once slightly cooled
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones families remember most. These Rice Krispie Treats are nostalgic, dependable, and incredibly easy — exactly the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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