If you have a soft spot for both classic cookies and nostalgic cereal treats, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a crisp cookie shell that hides a gooey, melty marshmallow center surrounded by the irresistible crunch of Rice Krispies cereal. This delightful twist on your childhood favorite transforms a simple cookie into a fun, chewy, crunchy, and unbelievably tasty experience that is perfect for any cookie jar or party platter. Let me take you through this easy, playful recipe that makes the best of both worlds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, familiar ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a specific role: butter and sugars create that rich, tender cookie base; egg and vanilla extract bring moisture and depth; flour and baking powder provide structure and lift; while Rice Krispies and marshmallows add the signature delightful crunch and gooey surprise.
- Butter, 1 stick (room temperature): It offers a creamy richness that helps the cookies stay soft.
- Sugar, ½ cup: Adds sweetness and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar, ½ cup (packed): Its molasses content gives a subtle caramel flavor and chewiness.
- Egg, 1: Binds everything together while providing moisture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the cookie’s flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Flour, 1 ¾ cups: The sturdy foundation to hold all the yummy bits together.
- Baking powder, ½ teaspoon: Helps the dough rise slightly for a lighter texture.
- Rice Krispies cereal, ½ cup: Adds that beloved crisp crunch inside and on the outside of the cookie.
- Marshmallows, 1 cup: The star ingredient that melts to create a warm, gooey core.
How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both the white and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and velvety. This step is crucial—it creates that tender cookie texture you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. This adds moisture and a lovely sweet fragrance that will deepen as the cookies bake.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the flour and baking powder. Mix just until the dough comes together—overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want them soft and chewy!
Step 5: Fold in Rice Krispies
Carefully fold in the Rice Krispies cereal so they stay nice and crunchy. This little bit of careful folding keeps their signature snap alive in the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies with Marshmallows
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and flatten each ball slightly. Place a marshmallow in the center, then roll the dough around it so the marshmallow is completely enclosed. For an extra crunchy coating, roll the dough ball in some additional Rice Krispies cereal before placing it on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a beautiful golden color yet the centers stay soft and delightfully gooey from the melting marshmallow.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a little while so they set up just right. Then dig in and enjoy that unbeatable mix of crunchy, chewy, and melty that makes this Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of mini marshmallows or a dusting of powdered sugar makes these cookies extra special and visually inviting. For a fun twist, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a gorgeously sweet finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate to balance their sweetness. They also make a fantastic sweet treat alongside fresh fruit for a playful dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these cookies stacked on a tiered stand or wrapped individually in colorful wax paper tied with a ribbon. You can also sandwich two cookies together with marshmallow fluff or chocolate spread for a decadent take on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time for fresh, melt-in-your-mouth cookies whenever you want.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. This reawakens that wonderful gooey marshmallow center and soft cookie texture.
FAQs
Can I use puffed rice cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Puffed rice cereal can work but may alter the crunch and texture slightly since Rice Krispies are a bit crispier and hold up better during baking. For best results, stick with Rice Krispies.
What type of marshmallows work best in this recipe?
Regular mini marshmallows or the standard campfire-size marshmallows both work well. Just make sure the marshmallow is small enough to be completely wrapped by the dough for that gooey surprise inside.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Just check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Why are my cookies not gooey inside?
If your marshmallow centers don’t get gooey, try baking for a shorter time and using fresh marshmallows. Also, enclosing the marshmallow well so it doesn’t stick to the pan helps it retain that melty texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips add a luscious chocolate hit that pairs perfectly with the marshmallow and crispy cereal. Just fold in about half a cup along with the Rice Krispies in step 5.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe because it’s truly a magical mashup of textures and flavors that brings joy from the very first bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or treating yourself, these cookies are bound to become one of your favorite comfort sweets. So, gather those simple ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make some delicious memories with this fun and scrumptious recipe!
Print
Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Rice Krispie Treat Cookies are a delightful twist on classic treats, combining the gooey marshmallow center and crispy cereal texture into a soft, chewy cookie. Perfectly golden on the edges with a slightly gooey center, these cookies deliver a nostalgic flavor in a convenient cookie form, ideal for dessert lovers and snackers alike.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick butter, room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Add-ins
- ½ cup Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a fluffy base for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until well combined to enrich the dough with moisture and flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms, ensuring everything is blended well without overmixing.
- Fold in Rice Krispies: Gently fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the dough, distributing the crispy texture evenly throughout.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough. Flatten each ball, place a marshmallow in the center, then carefully roll the dough around the marshmallow and coat the entire dough ball in extra Rice Krispies cereal for added crunch.
- Bake Cookies: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center remains slightly gooey, indicating soft texture inside.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or serving, so they firm up slightly but keep their chewy interior.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to help with proper creaming and dough texture.
- You can substitute mini marshmallows to help them melt more evenly inside the cookie.
- Chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain cookie shape, but is optional.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
