These Soft Rice Krispie Treats are tender, chewy, and taste so much better than store bought!! Filled with extra marshmallows and a splash of vanilla to make them extra special!
I know, I know, what’s the big deal about a big rice crispy treat recipe??? Well, this one happens to be my favorite, and I have changed it a little over the years, so it was time for an update.
A few other great treat recipes you should check out are No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, S’more Cookie Bars, and Homemade Chewy Brownies.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Rice Krispie Treats
- Easy to follow steps
- Delicious every time
- Kid approved
- Only 15 minutes!
- Can be doubled
- Easy to add in extra goodies
Chewy Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
The perfect big rice crispy treat is soft and chewy. Not hard and hurting your mouth with every bite.
You know you’ve had one, and rock hard homemade rice krispie treats are a total letdown.
Most people take making soft rice krispie treats for granted and feel there is no possible way to mess up such an easy and basic recipe. Well, I’ve had some pretty bad treats in my time, so this post is a must!!
If you’ve never made homemade rice krispie treats before or maybe yours lacks just a little something, then be sure to save this recipe — it’s a keeper! People of all ages, both young and old, love a good chewy rice krispie treats recipe!
Ingredients
- Butter
- Marshmallows
- Crispy Rice Cereal
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
How To Make Soft Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Prep the pan
Layer a baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Coat it with butter and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the marshmallow mixture
Add the butter to a large pot and begin melting over low heat. Pour in the marshmallows and stir constantly until mostly melted. Add the vanilla and salt.
Step 3: Add cereal
Mix in the cereal and stir well to ensure it’s all coated.
Step 4: Let cool
Pour the soft rice krispie treats mixture into the pan using buttered hands so it doesn’t stick to your fingers. Press into an even layer and let cool for 30 minutes. Cut and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY DO MY RICE CRISPY TREATS GET HARD?
You are using too high of heat when you are melting the marshmallows. Keep that heat on low and be patient. It really doesn’t take that much longer, and I promise you will have soft and chewy treats.
Your marshmallows are not fresh. Don’t use old mallows!! If you want the most out of this chewy rice krispie treats recipe, fresh marshmallows are where it’s at.
You are pressing the treats too hard into the pan. Press and smooth just until they hold their shape. If you are crushing the cereal, you are probably pressing way too hard.
You have to eat these gooey rice krispie treats quickly enough. These don’t stay fresh for more than a few days. And no, they do not need to be refrigerated!
CAN I ADD ANYTHING TO THESE SOFT RICE KRISPIE TREATS?
Now, this is just a basic recipe so don’t be afraid to add in some extras like M&Ms, sprinkles, chocolate chips, cinnamon, or other candy.
Or maybe drizzle the top with a little melted chocolate!! YUM! So many possibilities!!
HOW LONG DO HOMEMADE RICE KRISPIE TREATS LAST?
They will last 2-3 days, but they always taste best during the first day or so. They will begin to become stale and harden after a few days, so while they are still safe to eat, they will be missing the best texture and flavors.
More Crowd Pleasing Desserts:
- Lemon Lush
- Scotcheroos
- Berry Coconut Trifle
- Oatmeal Cake
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Soft Rice Krispie Treats
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
These Chewy Rice Krispie Treats are soft, chewy, and taste so much better than store bought!!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chewy rice krispie treats, soft rice krispie treats
Servings: 12
Calories: 300 kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 2 (10oz)(283g) bags mini marshmallows
- 8 cups (240g) crispy rice cereal
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼-½ teaspoon salt (yes, salt. Just do it)
Instructions
Line a 9×13 baking pan with foil or parchment paper. Coat with extra butter; set aside.
In a large pot melt the 8 tablespoons butter over low heat. Stir in the marshmallows and continue stirring until most of the marshmallows are melted. (I like to leave plenty that aren’t fully melted for pockets of gooey marshmallow throughout the treats!)
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Stir in the cereal until completely coated.
Spoon into prepared pan and with well-buttered hands press into an even layer. Let cool at least 30 minutes before cutting.
Recipe Notes
- Use fresh marshmallows only.
- Please melt over low heat only!!
- Don’t pack the cereal too hard into the pan. If you are crushing the cereal you are pressing too hard.
- To use marshmallow fluff substitute almost 3 (7.5oz) jars for the mini marshmallows. Heat on low with the butter and proceed with the recipe.
- Store at room temperature for no more than 3 days or they will start to become hard and dry. Do not refrigerate.
- If you want bigger pockets of marshmallow in your treats, reserve 2 cups of the marshmallows and stir them in with the cereal.
- Nutrition Facts: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.
Nutrition Facts
Soft Rice Krispie Treats
Amount Per Serving (1 bar)
Calories 300 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 123mg5%
Carbohydrates 60g20%
Protein 1.5g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.