If there’s one sweet treat that can instantly spark a little nostalgia and pure delight, it’s Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats. Brimming with buttery goodness, a cloud of melted marshmallows, and just the right touch of vanilla, these bars strike the ultimate balance between gooey, crispy, and golden perfection. Whether you’re baking with kids or making a quick dessert for a crowd, this recipe delivers that universally beloved flavor and texture—snackable, fun, and endlessly comforting. Let’s bring some sticky joy into your kitchen.

Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats—all it takes is a little care with each step. Every item here plays a crucial part in creating the dreamy texture you crave, from the luscious butter to the essential marshmallows.

Rice Krispies cereal: Provides that signature crispy, airy texture—use fresh cereal for the best crunch in every bite.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and browns beautifully, creating a subtle nutty flavor foundation for the treats.
Mini marshmallows: The heart and soul of gooeyness—melted for the base and stirred in extra for irresistible pockets of chewiness.
Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors, adding a warm note that ties the buttery and sweet elements together.
Salt: Don’t skip it—a pinch sharpens the sweetness and balances every mouthful.
Extra mini marshmallows: Folded in at the end, these turn the treats from good to unforgettable with extra ooze in every bite.

How to Make Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by giving your 9×13-inch baking pan a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift out the treats later. A well-greased pan is key—no one wants to miss those golden corners!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Place the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Let it melt, then continue to gently cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until the butter turns a light golden brown and you catch a toasty, nutty aroma. Stir constantly to prevent burning—the difference this step makes is true magic for Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats.

Step 3: Melt the Marshmallows

Reduce the heat to low and add in the 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows. Stir with care until the marshmallows are completely melted and run silky-smooth. This gooey base will bind the cereal together and create that signature chewy bite.

Step 4: Season with Vanilla and Salt

Quickly remove the pot from the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These tiny additions transform the overall flavor, deepening the sweetness and giving every bite a cozy warmth.

Step 5: Combine Cereal and Extra Marshmallows

Pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until most of the cereal is coated. Next, fold in the remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows. This last step guarantees those lovely little marshmallow pockets that make Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats so ridiculously irresistible.

Step 6: Press and Cool

Scrape the mixture into your prepared pan. Using a spatula lightly coated in butter or a piece of wax paper, gently press it into an even layer—be careful not to compact it too firmly, as light pressure keeps it soft and chewy. Let the pan sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing into perfect squares.

How to Serve Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Want to take your treats up a notch? Drizzle them with melted white chocolate for an elegant finish, or sprinkle on some rainbow sprinkles for pure joy and color. A dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of flaky sea salt also works wonders for that sweet-and-salty bite.

Side Dishes

The beauty of Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats is their versatility. Pair them with fresh fruit for a bright contrast, serve alongside hot cocoa or chilled milk for classic comfort, or bring them to a party with platters of cookies and brownies for a satisfyingly sweet spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, festive twist, use cookie cutters to make shapes, serve them on lollipop sticks for a grab-and-go party snack, or stack them in little cellophane bags tied with ribbon as adorable edible gifts. You can even layer them with chocolate or peanut butter for a gourmet flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, staying soft, chewy, and sticky—just as they should be. Place wax paper between layers if stacking so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, feel free to freeze your treats. Cut them into squares, wrap each one tightly in plastic or wax paper, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for best texture.

Reheating

If your Rice Krispie treats get a little too firm, just give them 5 to 10 seconds in the microwave. They’ll soften right up and the marshmallow will get its dreamy gooiness back—perfect for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Why do my Rice Krispie treats turn out hard?

This usually happens if the marshmallow-butter mix gets cooked too long or if you press the mixture too firmly into the pan. For classic Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats, stop cooking as soon as the marshmallows melt and press gently (not tightly) when shaping in the pan.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of minis?

Absolutely! Just chop them up a bit so they melt faster and evenly, but minis lend themselves perfectly for folding in extra gooey pockets at the end.

What’s the best way to cut Rice Krispie treats cleanly?

For neat squares, let the treats cool completely, then use a sharp knife lightly coated with nonstick spray or butter. Wipe the blade between cuts for smooth, tidy edges every time.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, candies, or chopped toasted nuts make delicious additions. Just fold them in with the extra marshmallows, but avoid adding mix-ins while the mixture is super hot to prevent melting.

Are these gluten-free?

Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring (made from barley), so it’s not certified gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free crispy rice cereal and swap it in for perfectly safe Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste these Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats, you’ll understand why they’re a hands-down favorite for any occasion. The irresistible mix of buttery chew, melted marshmallow, and a hint of vanilla will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give this easy, joyful recipe a try—you’ll want to keep it in your dessert rotation forever!

Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: 12 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate gooey treat with these Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats. This easy, no-bake dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Extra Gooeyness:

1 cup extra mini marshmallows

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Instructions

Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat until golden brown.
Melt Marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in vanilla, salt, and Rice Krispies. Add extra marshmallows.
Transfer and Cool: Quickly press mixture into pan and let cool before slicing into squares.

Notes

For a fun twist, drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American