If you adore the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies and the gooey delight of a chewy cookie, then these Rice Krispie Treat Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Combining the crispy, light texture of classic Rice Krispie treats with the rich, soft bite of freshly baked cookies, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds for a snack that’s irresistibly fun, flavorful, and easy to whip up any time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy meets chewy: Enjoy a unique texture that blends crisp Rice Krispies with a soft cookie base in every bite.
- Quick and simple: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for any skill level.
- Customizable treat: Easily tailored with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to suit your cravings.
- Perfect for all ages: These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike.
- Great for gatherings: A fun and portable snack ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient plays a key role in crafting these delightful Rice Krispie Treat Cookies. Each element balances flavor, texture, and color, turning simple pantry staples into a surprising and scrumptious recipe.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Provides the iconic crispy crunch and light texture.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base that holds your cookie together with a tender crumb.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
- Brown sugar: Brings sweetness and moisture for that irresistible chew.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie spread.
- Egg: Binds ingredients while adding tenderness.
- Baking soda: Leavens cookies for a perfect rise.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweetness notes.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Optional mix-ins: Such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows to customize your snack.
Variations for Rice Krispie Treat Cookies
The magic of Rice Krispie Treat Cookies lies in their adaptability. Whether you’re avoiding certain allergens or experimenting with flavors, these variations make it easy to put your own spin on the classic.
- Chocolate lovers’ twist: Add cocoa powder to the dough and toss in chocolate chips for a rich, chocolaty hit.
- Nutty delight: Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Marshmallow overload: Fold in mini marshmallows for gooey bursts amid your crispy bites.
- Gluten-free swap: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without losing texture.
- Spiced variation: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to embrace cozy seasonal vibes.
How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and help even baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening is distributed properly for uniform cookie rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth, fragrant cookie batter ready for dry ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
Step 6: Fold in Rice Krispies and Optional Mix-ins
Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and any other desired mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, ensuring even distribution without crushing the cereal.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each as these cookies spread slightly while baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden while keeping the centers soft and chewy. Let cookies cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring.
Pro Tips for Making Rice Krispie Treat Cookies
- Use fresh Rice Krispies: Crisp cereal gives you the best texture contrast in your cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients gently to avoid breaking your crispy cereal or toughening dough.
- Chill the dough: Cooling your dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.
- Watch baking time: Slightly underbaking keeps cookies chewy inside while crispy around edges.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Try marshmallows, but be mindful they may melt and alter texture slightly.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Treat Cookies
Garnishes
Brush your Rice Krispie Treat Cookies with melted white chocolate drizzle or sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for an elevated taste sensation that contrasts sweet and savory.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a warm cup of hot chocolate to build a comforting snack experience any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies with small layers of marshmallow fluff in between, or use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches for an unexpected yet delightful dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Rice Krispie Treat Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crisp edges and chewy centers for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Freeze cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag; they keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm frozen cookies briefly in a microwave or oven at low heat to revive their soft, freshly-baked texture without losing crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes! Puff rice or corn flakes can be a nice alternative, but they’ll change texture and flavor slightly, so adjust amount and baking time if needed.
Do Rice Krispie Treat Cookies need refrigeration?
These cookies store well at room temperature thanks to their dry cereal content; refrigeration can make them harder and less enjoyable.
How can I keep the Rice Krispies crispy after baking?
Handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to prevent crushing; store cookies in an airtight container to minimize moisture exposure.
Are these cookies allergy-friendly?
You can easily adapt the recipe for gluten or dairy allergies by swapping flour and butter for suitable alternatives.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking to deepen flavor and improve cookie shape during baking.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joyful contrast of crispy and chewy textures within one bite, and these Rice Krispie Treat Cookies deliver just that with a fun twist on tradition. Whether for a quick snack, party treat, or sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies bring smiles and satisfy cravings effortlessly. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly they disappear from your cookie jar!
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Rice Krispie Treat Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rice Krispie Treat Cookies combine the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies cereal with the soft, chewy texture of classic cookies. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful blend of crispy and chewy textures, customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, making it perfect for all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Main Mix-in
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- Optional spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice (optional)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate version
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth and fragrant cookie batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Rice Krispies and Optional Mix-ins: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal along with any optional mix-ins you choose, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or mini marshmallows, ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing the cereal.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart as the cookies will spread slightly during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft and chewy. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use fresh Rice Krispies for the best texture contrast in your cookies.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid crushing the crispy cereal and toughening the cookies.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
- Underbake slightly to keep the centers chewy and edges crispy.
- Experiment with mix-ins like marshmallows, but note they may melt and alter texture slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain texture.
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months and reheat briefly to refresh texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg