Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful twist on a nostalgic classic, these Rice Krispie Treat Cookies are an absolute game changer. Combining the chewy, gooey texture of marshmallow with the crunchy snap of crisp rice cereal, these cookies are irresistibly fun and flavorful. Every bite brings that perfect balance of buttery cookie dough wrapped around a soft marshmallow center, then coated in a crispy Rice Krispie shell. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family treat, or just craving something sweet and unique, Rice Krispie Treat Cookies bring the perfect homemade charm that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully simple but every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor combination. From the richness of butter to the crunch of rice cereal, each addition makes these Rice Krispie Treat Cookies truly special.

• Butter (1 stick, room temperature): Adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy cookie base.
• Sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with browning for that golden cookie edge.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a deliciously deep caramel flavor.
• Egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s tender structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Flour (1 1/2 cups): The cookie’s backbone, providing structure—use all-purpose for best results.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift to keep the cookies perfectly soft.
• Rice cereal (1/2 cup): Adds a delightful crunch that’s signature to Rice Krispie Treat Cookies.
• Large marshmallows (1 cup): The gooey surprise hidden inside each cookie that makes every bite so fun.

How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and preparing a large mixing bowl. Beat the room temperature butter together with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is essential because it creates the soft texture we want for our cookie dough and ensures the sugars are evenly distributed for sweet, tender cookies.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Next, mix in one egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg helps bind the dough together while the vanilla adds that warm, inviting flavor signature to homemade cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Turn your mixer to low speed and gradually add in the flour and baking powder. Mixing on low prevents overworking the dough, which could make the cookies tough. This combination creates a tender cookie base that will envelope the marshmallows perfectly.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Flatten each portion into a disk, then place a large marshmallow on top. The marshmallow is what makes these Rice Krispie Treat Cookies spectacularly gooey on the inside.

Step 5: Encase the Marshmallow and Add Cereal

Carefully roll the cookie dough around the marshmallow to form a ball, making sure it’s completely covered. Then roll the ball in the rice cereal to coat the outside. This step is what adds the signature crispy texture that sets these cookies apart from traditional ones.

Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Place the cookies about 3 inches apart on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The cookie centers should remain slightly gooey, ensuring a soft bite that complements the crispy cereal crust. Let them cool a bit before digging in—you’ll want to give the marshmallow just a moment to set.

How to Serve Rice Krispie Treat Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate over the baked cookies. You can even toss some mini sprinkles onto the chocolate before it sets for a colorful, playful presentation perfect for kids’ parties or holiday treats.

Side Dishes

Rice Krispie Treat Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of warm vanilla coffee or hot cocoa. The creamy drinks balance the sweet, crunchy textures and make every bite feel like a cozy indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not create a dessert platter featuring these cookies alongside classic Rice Krispie treats or other marshmallow-based sweets? You can also stack the cookies on a cake stand or package them in colorful cellophane bags tied with a ribbon—ideal for gifting or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Rice Krispie Treat Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to three days, making them an easy treat to enjoy over time without losing their magic.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month—just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive the warm, gooey texture, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften the marshmallow center and bring back that freshly baked feeling without drying out the crunchy cereal coating.

FAQs

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

Using mini marshmallows won’t give you the same gooey surprise center inside the cookie. Large marshmallows are ideal because they remain soft and melty, creating that irresistible texture contrast.

Is it necessary to roll cookies in rice cereal?

The rice cereal coating is what defines Rice Krispie Treat Cookies’ unique crunch. You can skip it, but you’ll lose the trademark crispy exterior that balances the soft marshmallow inside.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter provides both flavor and texture that are key to these cookies. Margarine or oil may change the texture slightly and result in less depth of flavor, so butter is definitely recommended for best results.

How do I prevent the marshmallow from leaking during baking?

Make sure the marshmallow is completely encased in the cookie dough before rolling in the cereal. Pressing the dough firmly around the marshmallow helps keep it contained while baking.

Are Rice Krispie Treat Cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free, but be sure to select one suitable for cookies to retain the right texture.

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say that Rice Krispie Treat Cookies have become a fast favorite in my cookie rotation. They bring together everything we love about classic treats in one bite—crunch, chew, gooeyness, and buttery sweetness. If you love playing with textures and flavors, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your ingredients, enjoy the process, and get ready to fall head over heels for these irresistible cookies. Trust me, your kitchen and your taste buds will thank you!

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