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–+ servings
Hands pulling apart a gooey Rice Krispie treat with melted marshmallow stretching between the cereal and soft marshmallow pockets visible throughout.

The Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

by Cassandra Morris
This Rice Krispie Treats Recipe makes thick, chewy squares with browned butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for richer homemade flavor. Melted marshmallows hold everything together, while a final fold of mini marshmallows creates soft pockets throughout. The key is gentle heat and a light hand when pressing them into the pan so they stay tender, gooey, and never hard.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 20

Ingredients

  • 14 tablespoons salted butter browned
  • 12 cups mini marshmallows divided (8 cups for melting + 4 cups for folding in)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions

  • Prepare the pan: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • Brown the butter: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the butter turns lightly golden and smells nutty. Remove from the heat immediately once browned so it does not burn.
  • Melt the marshmallows: Reduce the heat to just below medium and return the Dutch oven to the stove. Add 8 cups of the mini marshmallows and stir frequently until melted and smooth. This will take a little time, but keeping the heat gentle helps the butter and marshmallows melt together into one smooth, cohesive mixture, with no melted butter pooling at the bottom of the pot. Avoid high heat, which can cause the butter to separate and make the squares too firm.
  • Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully combined.
  • Add the cereal and remaining marshmallows: Reduce the heat to low. Add the Rice Krispies cereal in two additions, gently stirring with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. Fold in the remaining 4 cups mini marshmallows and keep over low heat just until they begin to soften and create gooey pockets.
  • Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Lightly press just enough to level the surface. Do not pack it down.
  • Cool and slice: Let the Rice Krispie treats cool at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes before slicing and serving.