How to Make Rice Krispies Treats

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References Tested

Rice Krispies treats are a classic, delicious dessert that’s super easy to make. You can make traditional Rice Krispies treats using original Rice Krispies cereal, or you can make a chocolate version if you’re craving something sweeter. You can even make Rice Krispies treats using different kinds of cereal. When you’re finished, eat the treats as is, or decorate them with frosting, melted chocolate, or sprinkles!

Ingredients

Original Rice Krispies Treats

3 tablespoons (45 grams) of butter
1 16 oz (450 g) package of marshmallows, 4 cups (100 grams) of mini marshmallows, or 1 7-ounce (200-gram) jar of marshmallow crème
6 cups (150 grams) of Rice Krispies cereal

Makes 12 Rice Krispies treats

Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

4 tablespoons (60 grams) of butter
1 16 oz (450 g) package of marshmallows, 4 cups (100 grams) of mini marshmallows, or 1 7-ounce (200-gram) jar of marshmallow crème
1/4 cup (25 grams) of cocoa powder
5 cups (125 grams) of Rice Krispies cereal
1/3 cup (60 grams) of chocolate chips

Makes 12 Rice Krispies treats

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Original Rice Krispies Treats

1
Melt 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of butter in a large saucepan. Add the butter to the saucepan, then place the saucepan on a burner over low heat.^{[1]
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- Avoid using diet margarine in place of butter since it will give the treats a greasy, unpleasant taste.
2
Add 1 package of marshmallows and cook them for 10-15 minutes. Empty the entire package into the pan, and stir the butter and marshmallows together until the marshmallows are completely melted. This should take 10-15 minutes.^{[2]
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- You can use 4 cups (100 grams) of miniature marshmallows instead of 1 package of big marshmallows. Or, you can use a 7-ounce (200-gram) jar of marshmallow crème instead.
Microwave Rice Krispies treats: To make the treats in the microwave, heat the butter and marshmallows on high for 2 minutes. Take the mixture out of the microwave and stir it with a spatula. Then, put it back in the microwave and heat it for 1 more minute.

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3
Stir in 6 cups (150 grams) of Rice Krispies cereal. After you add the cereal, stir the mixture with a spatula until the Rice Krispies are completely coated in butter and marshmallows. This should take about 5 minutes.^{[3]
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Variation: You can make Rice Krispies treats using any kind of cereal you like! Just swap out the Rice Krispies cereal with 6 cups (150 grams) of your favorite cereal, and stir it into the melted butter and marshmallows until it’s completely coated.
4
Press the mixture into a greased pan and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Take a 13 by 9 by 2 in (33.0 by 22.9 by 5.1 cm) pan and cover it in a layer of cooking spray. Then, rub some butter onto your spatula and use it to scoop the mixture into the pan. Press the mixture into the pan until the surface is flat and level. Once the mixture is in the pan, let the treats cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.^{[4]
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- Putting butter on the spatula will help the mixture slide off of it without sticking.
5
Cut the Rice Krispies treats into 2 in (5.1 cm) squares. After the treats have cooled for 10-15 minutes, they’re ready to be served! Rice Krispies treats taste best if you serve them the same day you make them.^{[5]
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- You can use a butter knife to cut the Rice Krispies treats.
6
Store the treats in an air-tight container at room temperature. Your Rice Krispies treats should stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, place them in an air-tight container, separating the layers of treats with wax paper, and freeze them for up to 6 weeks.^{[6]
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- If you freeze your Rice Krispies treats, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving them so they have time to thaw.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

1
Melt butter and marshmallows in a large saucepan. Add 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of unsalted butter to the saucepan and place the saucepan on a burner over medium-high heat. Then, add 1 16 oz (450 g) package of marshmallows to the saucepan and stir the mixture until everything has melted.^{[7]
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- You can also use 4 cups (100 grams) of mini marshmallows or 1 7-ounce (200-gram) jar of marshmallow crème.
2
Add 1/4 cup (25 grams) of cocoa powder to the saucepan. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth. If you want your Rice Krispies treats to be even more chocolatey, add another 1/4 cup (25 grams) of cocoa powder to the mixture.^{[8]
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3
Stir in Rice Krispies cereal and some chocolate chips. Use 5 cups (125 grams) of cereal and 1/3 cup (60 grams) of chocolate chips. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and use a spatula to mix everything together for 10 minutes.^{[9]
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- Coat the spatula in butter to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to it.
Variation: Try adding 1/2 cup (75 grams) of nuts, like peanuts or chopped walnuts, to the mixture to give your chocolate Rice Krispies treats a flavorful crunch.
4
Transfer the mixture to a baking pan and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Use an 8 by 8 in (20 by 20 cm) baking pan. Cover the pan in cooking spray and then spread the mixture out in it so the surface is flat and level.^{[10]
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- Use all of the remaining chocolate chips left in the bag.
5
Let the mixture cool for 15 minutes before cutting it into squares. When your Rice Krispies treats are finished cooling, cut them into 2 in (5.1 cm) squares so you can easily serve them.^{[11]
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- To store your chocolate Rice Krispies treats, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 6 weeks.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Decorating Rice Krispies Treats

1
Frost your Rice Krispies treats to give them a sweet, festive touch. Once your Rice Krispies are cool but before you cut them into squares, use a spatula to spread some frosting over the top of them. You can use colorful store-bought frosting, or you can make your own and mix it with food coloring depending on the occasion!^{[12]
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- To give your Rice Krispies treats even more pizzazz, mix sprinkles into the frosting before you spread it over them.
2
Dip your treats in melted chocolate or candy for a decadent dessert. First, melt some chocolate chips or candy melts in the microwave. Then, dip your individual Rice Krispies treats in the mixture, and lay them on some wax paper to dry. You can dip the whole treat in the mixture, or you can just dip half of it in so some of the Rice Krispies are exposed.
- For an extra decorative touch, sprinkle some edible glitter or candies over the melted chocolate or candy while it’s still wet.
3
Turn your Rice Krispies treats into lollipops using wooden skewers. Once the treats have cooled and you’ve cut them into individual squares, push a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into the bottom of each treat. You or your kids can eat the treats while holding onto the skewer like a lollipop!^{[13]
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- You can find wooden skewers or popsicle sticks at your local grocery store or craft store.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use jumbo marshmallows?

Community Answer

You can use them, of course. They might take a bit longer to melt and make sure to use less if they are big in size.
Question

Can I use Cocoa Krispies instead of Rice Krispies?

Community Answer

Yes, you can!
Question

Can I make this without marshmallows?

Vela0110

Community Answer

Try substituting 1/2 a cup of honey, and 1/2 a cup of peanut butter.