Rice Krispie Treat Cookies combine the playful spirit of childhood treats with the irresistible comfort of a homemade cookie. Imagine all the gooey, crunchy, and marshmallow-y magic of classic Rice Krispie treats, but baked into soft, chewy cookies that are simply impossible to resist. Each bite is a delightful fusion of crispy Rice Krispies, melty marshmallows, and just the right touch of sweetness, making these cookies a favorite whether you’re sharing them at a party or sneaking one from the batch for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When you glance at the ingredient list for Rice Krispie Treat Cookies, you’ll notice there’s nothing fancy here—just tried-and-true baking staples and a couple of fun mix-ins. Each one serves a special purpose, contributing to the cookies’ wonderful texture, flavor, and appearance.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their tender bite and rich taste—make sure it’s nicely softened for best mixing.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps the cookies achieve those perfectly crisp edges.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Lends a hint of caramel flavor and keeps the cookies extra moist and chewy.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with that irresistible, warm bakery aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The base of your cookie; just enough to hold all the good stuff together.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures your cookies puff up beautifully in the oven.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Rice Krispies cereal (1 1/2 cups): Adds crunch and unmistakable nostalgia—don’t skimp here!
- Mini marshmallows (1 cup): Create gooey pockets throughout, just like your favorite Rice Krispie treats.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For a creamy, melty touch—totally worth adding if you ask me.
How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lining the sheet isn’t just about easy cleanup—it also helps prevent the cookies from sticking and allows those delightful marshmallows to stay where you want them.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step introduces air into your dough, giving the Rice Krispie Treat Cookies their lovely lift and chewy bite.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing just until they’re fully incorporated. The vanilla weaves a delicious aroma through every bite, while the egg helps bind everything together, ensuring the cookies bake up just right.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. This keeps your Rice Krispie Treat Cookies soft in the center and not tough.
Step 5: Add Rice Krispies, Marshmallows, and White Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, mini marshmallows, and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. You want to be careful here—mix just enough to distribute everything without crushing the cereal too much.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Slide them into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers look just set. Don’t worry if some marshmallows ooze out—while the cookies are still warm, you can nudge them back in with a spoon for that perfect look.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set up just enough so they’re easy to handle, but still stay irresistibly soft inside. Once cooled, grab a cookie—and prepare to taste pure joy!
How to Serve Rice Krispie Treat Cookies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of Rice Krispies on top just before baking can add an extra-special touch. If you’re feeling playful, drizzle with a bit of melted white chocolate for bakery-style flair. Colorful sprinkles on top also make these Rice Krispie Treat Cookies festive for parties or holidays.
Side Dishes
What do you serve with cookies? A cold glass of milk is the classic choice, letting those gooey marshmallows and sweet bites shine bright. For grown-ups, a robust coffee or creamy hot chocolate makes these cookies feel extra cozy and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Rice Krispie Treat Cookies high on a tiered dessert stand or tuck them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts. They make perfect additions to cookie platters or bake sales—and look adorable packed into lunchboxes for a surprise treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Rice Krispie Treat Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re happiest eaten within 3–4 days, but their chewiness holds up delightfully as long as they’re protected from air.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze, let them cool completely, then layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay at their best for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you get a craving.
Reheating
If you want that “just-baked” gooeyness, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. The marshmallows will soften right up, and your kitchen will fill with that dreamy sweet aroma again.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?
Mini marshmallows are best because they melt evenly and distribute nicely throughout each cookie. If all you have is regular marshmallows, chop them into small pieces to get the same gooey effect.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend, and double-check that your cereal is gluten free—most Rice Krispies cereals contain malt, but there are gluten-free varieties available.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Spreading can happen if your butter was too soft or your dough was too warm. For perfectly shaped Rice Krispie Treat Cookies, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking, especially on hot days.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to get creative—semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a handful of rainbow sprinkles work wonderfully in this dough. Just keep the total volume of mix-ins similar to what’s listed, so the cookies hold together well.
How do I keep marshmallows from melting everywhere?
Try to tuck any exposed marshmallows into the cookie dough before baking. If a few peek out and spread on the pan, simply use a spoon to nudge them back into place while the cookies are still warm for picture-perfect results.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like diving into a batch of Rice Krispie Treat Cookies—joyfully crisp, sweet, and nostalgic. Whether you’re looking for a bake sale hit or just a fun way to bring a smile to your kitchen, these cookies are a guaranteed winner. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a family favorite in no time!
