If you’re craving a treat that brings together the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies and the chewy, gooey delight of marshmallows in one delightful bite, this Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies capture that iconic cereal dessert feel but with a cookie twist that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or indulging whenever the craving hits. They’re simple to make, impossibly delicious, and sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe is a breeze because they’re all basics you might already have on hand. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the perfect chew, adding sweetness, or delivering that signature crispy texture.
- Butter: Using room temperature butter helps achieve a creamy base that binds all the flavors flawlessly.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s classic texture when creamed with butter.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar lends a slight caramel note and keeps the cookies delightfully moist.
- Egg: Binds ingredients while providing the perfect chewy consistency.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth that enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Flour: The foundation for the dough that keeps everything together.
- Baking powder: Gives a subtle lift, ensuring your cookies are tender yet substantial.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The star ingredient, contributing that unmistakable light crunch and a playful texture.
- Marshmallows: Small bursts of gooey sweetness that surprise you in every bite.
How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup quick and easy. This simple prep step sets you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a tender structure with just the right amount of chew.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. These ingredients add richness, moisture, and that lovely classic warmth you expect in a great cookie.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the flour and baking powder. This brings your dough together into a soft, cohesive mass without overworking it, which is key to tender cookies that aren’t tough.
Step 5: Fold in Rice Krispies
Gently fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the dough, being careful to maintain their crispiness. These crispy bits offer the signature crunch that makes this Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe truly special.
Step 6: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and flatten each ball slightly. Place a marshmallow in the center, then carefully roll the dough around it—enclosing the marshmallow completely. Afterward, give each cookie ball a light coat of additional Rice Krispies to create an irresistible outer crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers remain a little gooey. This balance of textures gives the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. This lets the marshmallows settle so you get those luscious pockets of melted sweetness with every bite.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies to add a little extra wow factor. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt also pairs beautifully with the sweetness, creating a sophisticated balance.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy vanilla latte. For a fun party snack, try serving alongside fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt dip to contrast the sweet and crunchy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Stack the cookies into towers tied with twine for a rustic look, or arrange them on a colorful platter with edible flowers. Wrapping a few in cellophane with a ribbon makes an adorable homemade gift perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Rice Krispie Treat Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect to bake in advance for a party or snack stash.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy warm, gooey cookies, pop one or two in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This briefly softens the marshmallow center and refreshes the overall texture, giving you that just-baked feeling any time.
FAQs
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of regular ones?
Absolutely! Mini marshmallows work just as well and can be easier to enclose within the cookie dough. They melt perfectly, creating those lovely gooey pockets you want.
Will these cookies be crunchy or chewy?
They have a delightful combination of both textures: crunchy from the Rice Krispies coating and crispy edges, and chewy in the center thanks to the marshmallow and soft dough.
Can I substitute Rice Krispies with a different cereal?
While you can experiment with similar puffed rice cereals, Rice Krispies give the ideal light crunch and sweetness balance. Using a different cereal might change the texture and flavor slightly.
Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?
Refrigeration is not necessary and can make cookies harder. It’s best to store them at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Try substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with a similar protein content. Be sure to check your Rice Krispies cereal brand to confirm it’s gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that brings childhood memories to life with every bite, this Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe is the answer. It’s easy, fun to make, and simply irresistible. Next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and nostalgic, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be so happy you did!
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Rice Krispie Treat Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these crunchy and chewy Rice Krispie Treat Cookies that combine the nostalgic flavors of classic Rice Krispie treats with the convenience of cookies. These treats feature a buttery, sweet dough filled with gooey marshmallows and crunchy cereal, baked to golden perfection for a deliciously satisfying snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick butter, room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sugars
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Add-ins
- ½ cup Rice Krispies cereal, plus extra for coating
- 1 cup marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring even texture in your cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until all are fully combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the flour and baking powder, mixing continuously until the dough comes together and is well-formed.
- Fold in Cereal: Gently fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the dough so that it retains its crunch without getting crushed.
- Shape Cookies with Marshmallow Center: 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. Finally, coat each dough ball with additional Rice Krispies cereal for extra texture.
- Bake: Arrange the prepared dough balls on the baking sheet spaced apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and slightly gooey in the center to maintain marshmallow softness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or serving plate to ensure they hold their shape and are safe to eat.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh marshmallows to maintain gooey centers.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, bake a few minutes longer but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ease creaming with sugars.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for effortless cookie removal and cleanup.
- Variations: you can add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
