Rice Krispie Treats {5-Minute Microwave Recipe} (2024)

This Rice Krispie Treat recipe is foolproof! They never come out hard or dry, and it is less mess than making them over the stove!

Rice Krispie Treats are one of my kids’ favorite snacks, and I can’t blame them. I love this sweet treat too! However, sometimes they can be kind of a pain to make. When my friend Heidi told me about her easy method, I knew I had to try it! Now, she’s letting me share her secret with you– you can make them in the microwave! Not only is it easier than the stovetop method, they actually turn out BETTER. They are soft and chewy every time. Thanks Heidi!

Ingredients in Rice Krispie Treats

Even though there are only 3 ingredients in a homemade Rice Krispie treat, it is the perfect ratio and texture.

1. Salted butter– if using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the recipe
2. Mini marshmallows
3. Crispy rice cereal(i.e. Rice Krispies Cereal or puffed rice cereal)

Secret to Perfect Rice Krispie Treats

Is there anything worse than hard, dry, crunchy Rice Krispie Treats? Why does this happen? The answer is in how the marshmallows are cooked. When you melt the butter and marshmallows over the stove, the marshmallows have a tendency to get too hot. If the marshmallows cook too long, the texture of the sugar changes and your treats will turn out hard and dry. Cooking them in the microwave allows you to control the temperature better and cooks it at a low heat. Another tip for keeping your crispy rice treats soft and chewy is to use fresh bags of mini marshmallows. Don’t grab the bag that has been sitting in the back of your cupboard. Trust me, fresh marshmallows make a huge difference in the texture!

Gluten-Free Tips

With some newly discovered gluten allergies in our family, we are always trying to be aware of gluten-free foods. If you are wondering if Rice Krispie treats are gluten-free, it depends on the brand of cereal. There is barley present in Kellogg’s brand, which contains gluten. Years ago there was a gluten-free Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal but it has since been discontinued. You can find generic brands of “crispy rice cereal” that are gluten-free. Malt-O-Meal is a brand that makes a gluten-free crispy rice cereal, and it works great in this recipe.

Sweet Variations and Add-ins

This is a no-frills, basic recipe, but feel free to take them to the next level and add anything you would like to them including:

• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet, white, or dark chocolate chips can be mixed in for a gooey, chocolatey treat.
• Peanut Butter: Incorporate creamy or crunchy peanut butter for a classic peanut butter and cereal combination.
• M&Ms: Colorful M&M candies add a pop of color and sweetness to your treats.
• Reese’s Pieces and/or Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Try some different Reese’s candies for a crunchy chocolate & peanut butter combo
• Nuts: Chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or peanuts provide a satisfying crunch and extra protein.
• Candy sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles make your treats visually appealing and fun.
• Mini Marshmallows: Toss in some mini marshmallows to create pockets of gooey goodness.
• Caramel: Drizzle or swirl caramel sauce into your treats for a sweet and sticky addition.
• Cookie Pieces: Crushed Oreo cookies or other favorite cookies can be mixed in for a cookies-and-cream variation.
• Flavored Extracts: A few drops of vanilla, caramel, or butter extract can infuse your treats with extra flavor.
• Toffee Bits: Heath bar toffee bits or similar candies bring a buttery, toffee flavor and texture.
• Cereal Variations: Use different cereals like Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Krispies, Reese’s Puffs or Cheerios for unique flavors and colors.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add a tropical flair and a delightful crunch.
• Pretzels: Crushed pretzels can provide a salty contrast to the sweetness.
• Candy corn – A fun addition for Halloween
• Cadbury mini eggs – Our favorite add in around Easter

Tips for Making Microwave Rice Krispie Treats

Making Rice Krispie treats in the microwave is quick and easy. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your marshmallows and Rice Krispies are fresh and not stale for the best results.
2. Use a Microwave-Safe Bowl: Choose a large microwave-safe bowl to prevent overflowing and make stirring easier. If you don’t have a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the marshmallows and butter in a medium-sized bowl and place rice krispies in a large bowl.
3. Microwave in Short Intervals: Heat the marshmallows and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This prevents overheating and burning. Remove from microwave when the marshmallows are JUST melted.
4. Stir Well: Stir the marshmallows and butter mixture with a rubber spatula until it’s completely smooth before adding the cereal. This will help make sure your treats have a consistent texture.
5. Coat Your Utensils: Grease your spoon or spatula (or hands) with butter or cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking to them.
6. Work Quickly: Once you add the Rice Krispies, work quickly to combine everything. The mixture can set fast.
7. Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture to a pan, press it down firmly with a greased spatula or your hands to create dense, chewy bars.
8. Add Mix-Ins: If you want to add chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins, fold them in quickly after mixing in the cereal. See more add-in ideas above.
9. Let Them Cool: Allow the treats to cool and set in the pan for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares. This helps them hold their shape. Though these can be served immediately, they taste best when cooled to room temperature.
10. Store Properly: Once they’ve cooled, store the Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Remember that microwave wattages can vary, so be attentive to prevent overheating, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storage Tips

To keep your crispy treats fresh and chewy, you can cut them up and put them in an air-tight container, placing wax paper or parchment between each layer. This is the way we like to store them whenever we go camping or for a picnic, It cuts down on plastic wrap. You can also store them right in the pan with plastic wrap over the top, or you can cut them into squares and wrap each individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How to Make Rice Krispie Treats