Regular Rice Krispy Treats—Chewy, Buttery, and Timeless
Rice Krispy treats are the ultimate nostalgic dessert—sweet, sticky, and full of crisp cereal crunch. With just three main ingredients, they come together in minutes and never go out of style. Whether you’re making a quick after-school snack, a bake sale favorite, or something easy for a potluck, these treats are simple, satisfying, and endlessly crowd-pleasing. The beauty of a good rice krispy treat lies in the balance: perfectly gooey marshmallow binding with just the right amount of crispness. Each bar should be soft but structured, buttery but not greasy, and sweet without being overwhelming. That’s exactly what this recipe delivers.
Why This Classic Recipe Stands Out
No tricks, no extras—just the perfect ratio of cereal, marshmallow, and butter for chewy bars that hold together without getting too stiff. It’s a base recipe you can always rely on and customize if you want to get creative. These treats slice cleanly, stay soft for days, and taste like childhood in every bite.
Ingredients
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows (plus 1 extra cup for added chew, optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows (reserving 1 cup if using) and stir constantly until melted and smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt, if using, for added flavor.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
- Stir in the reserved marshmallows now if you want some to stay whole for a chunkier texture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press down using a greased spatula or clean hands.
- Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Tips for the Best Texture
Don’t press the mixture too firmly into the pan—light pressure keeps the bars soft and chewy. Use fresh marshmallows for the smoothest melt and best flavor. If you’re doubling the recipe, use a larger pan so the treats don’t get too thick and hard to bite into.
Variations
Dip the bottoms in melted chocolate and let them set. Stir in mini M&M’s, rainbow sprinkles, or chopped candy bars. Use browned butter for a deeper, nutty flavor. Swap in Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles for a colorful twist.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, individually wrap and freeze for up to 1 month—just thaw at room temp for a few hours before eating.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Rice Krispy treats have stood the test of time—they’re simple, delicious, and nearly impossible to mess up. This classic recipe hits all the right notes and brings back all the right memories.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
