Gooey Rice Crispy Treats

Try making a batch of Gooey Rice Crispy Treats for a tasty treat. They're made with extra mini marshmallows to keep them soft and paired with crispy rice cereal for the perfect treat.

If you're craving more sweet and delicious rice krispie treats, then try making a batch of white chocolate covered Funfetti Rice Krispie Treats. For some Halloween-inspired treats try making Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats.

I had my first crispy rice treat at a school bake sale. It was wrapped in plastic wrap and purchased with loose change, probably a piggy bank.

Regardless, there is something nostalgic that happens when you mix crispy rice cereal with marshmallows. Wouldn't you agree?

Through the years I've fallen in love with rice crispy treats and find them totally irresistible. I'm not kidding! I make them often and when there's no one around, I will eat the whole entire pan.

I have it so bad for these treats that I'll make a single serving in the microwave by melting butter and marshmallows in a small bowl, before adding the cereal. Yea, I know that I could go to the store and purchase the packaged version, but to me, it's just not the same.

Even the recipe on the back of the box of cereal tells you to use a certain amount of marshmallows which doesn't make them gooey enough for me. I prefer to use way more marshmallows than required, the more gooey-er.

Let's get started!

Jump to:

• Ingredients You'll Need
• Step By Step Instructions
• Recipe Tips & Tricks
• Storage
• 📖 Recipe
• More Recipes You'll Love

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Crispy Rice Cereal - Use any brand of crispy rice cereal that you prefer. This is the main ingredient when it comes to rice krispie treats. Try to use fresh or recently opened cereal.
2. Mini Marshmallows - Two 10-ounce bags of mini marshmallows are needed to make this recipe. I prefer using mini marshmallows because they melt much easier. Be sure that you use fresh soft marshmallows as they work best and help make the treats ultra gooey.
3. Butter - You can use salted or unsalted butter whichever you prefer.
4. Vanilla Extract - Use regular pure vanilla extract or clear imitation vanilla extract in the same unit of measure.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Step By Step Instructions

Begin the recipe by lightly spraying an 8×8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large pot over medium-low heat, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until melted and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.

Carefully remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the crispy rice cereal until fully combined.

Add the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press evenly using a rubber spatula that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Be sure to press down lightly until you form an even layer in the pan.

Allow the rice krispie treats time to cool completely for about 10 to 15 minutes before cutting them into squares using a sharp knife to serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• When pressing them into the pan, to prevent sticking, dampen your hands a bit with water or lightly spray a rubber spatula with cooking spray and use that instead.
• Spread the rice krispie treat mixture evenly into the baking pan with damp hands, but try not to press down with a lot of pressure. You want to gently pat them down and then stop. This will keep the treats soft and chewy instead of hard and crispy.
• Don't be afraid to add more marshmallows, it will make them even gooier! This recipe says 1 ½ bags but feel free to use both bags (20 ounces) of mini marshmallows if you prefer.
• Try to use fresh cereal to get the most crispy version possible.

Storage

Store any leftover rice krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, if they last that long in your home. These treats do not have to be kept in the refrigerator.

📖 Recipe

Original post date 04/03/2015. Updated 03/03/2023.

More Recipes You'll Love

• Funfetti Rice Krispie Treats
• Chocolate Almond Butter Crispy Rice Treats
• Neapolitan Rice Krispie Treats
• Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats

Got any comments, questions, or other ideas about Gooey Rice Crispy Treats? Share them in the comments below!