Whether for sweet snacking or creating charming party favors, crispy rice treats are gooey pull-apart squares you can enjoy all year long. We loved them as a childhood snack and even found that adding different candies and colored marshmallows gives them an eye-catching pop of color (and, of course, flavor). While the classic recipe is always a hit, consider adding a twist by trying one of our variations.
How to Make Crispy Rice Treats
While indulging in these crispy rice treats can get messy, the prep work isn't. Using just a few simple ingredients, you can make them on the stove or in the microwave. This makes 12 squares.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 4 cups of mini marshmallows or one 10-ounce package of regular marshmallows
- 6 cups of your favorite crispy rice cereal
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray 9x13" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt butter or margarine in the saucepan over low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add marshmallows and stir until all are completely melted.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the crispy rice cereal to the pan.
- Stir the mixture until the cereal is coated with the marshmallows and butter.
- Spray a spatula with nonstick cooking spray and press the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into two-inch squares.
Microwave Instructions
You can use a microwave instead of your stovetop to melt the ingredients for this recipe.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat butter and marshmallows for 3 minutes on high.
- Remove the bowl after 2 minutes to stir and place back into the microwave for the remaining minute.
- Microwaves are all different, so be sure to keep an eye on your mixture and adjust the cooking time if needed. You will want your mixture to be smooth and melted throughout.
Lining your pan with parchment paper can help when pulling them out for cutting. For airy, crispy rice treats, avoid overpacking them into the pan.
Fun Crispy Rice Treat Variations
The classic crispy rice treats are always a hit, but consider adding a twist on the classic by using different types of cereals and topping mix-ins. Here are some of our favorite recipes for other occasions and cravings.
Holiday Crispy Rice Treats
Whether making these treats for Christmas, Valentine's Day, or even Halloween, you can make them festive with different food coloring and mix-ins. Drop green and red M&M's for Christmas or pink and white for Valentine's Day.
Instead of basic squares, you can cut the treats into festive shapes, such as wreaths or hearts. Use a metal cookie cutter sprayed with nonstick spray.
Birthday Crispy Rice Treats
Use colorful marshmallows and fruit-flavored cereal for your mix. Spread the top with some buttercream frosting and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
Girl Scouts Samoas Cookie Rice Treats
If you love Girl Scouts cookies, you're in for a treat with this recipe. To make a Samoas-inspired crispy rice treat, you only need 1 cup of chocolate chips, 1 cup of coconut flakes, and some caramel syrup for drizzle. Mix in 1 cup of coconut flakes to your crispy rice mixture. After the treats are cooled and cut into squares, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips and dip each square in the chocolate. Drizzle the top with caramel.
Crispy Rice Treats Are a Baker's Secret
Crispy rice treats are super versatile, and everyone loves them. Whether crafting whimsical shapes for a birthday celebration or adding festive colors for seasonal cheer, the options are endless. Turn this simple sweet treat into a centerpiece for a special occasion or cut into bite-sized squares for a simple snack.
