The BEST Rice Krispie Treats (roasted marshmallows!)

This is the BEST Rice Krispie Treat recipe ever. It is all about the roasted marshmallows that take these to a whole new level. They take 10 minutes to make and they’re so flavorful, addicting and a crowd pleaser.

I love rice krispie treats. They are my favorite dessert in the whole world. Which is shocking since they aren’t chocolate and peanut butter based, I know. But there is something about sweet and buttery marshmallows with crispy cereal that just gets me.

This recipe is the BEST rice krispie treat recipe ever. They are thick, gooey dessert bars and we are switching things up a bit by *roasting* the marshmallows before adding to the butter. They are like a bit charred and this adds so much flavor to the rice krispie treats.

When I made these for my book club, they all thought I had toasted cereal beforehand.  Which is also a fabulous idea I will have to try next time.

The idea for these all started when I wanted to bring a dessert for book club at my friend’s house who doesn’t like chocolate. Typically I am the chocolate queen, but I wanted to bring something I knew everyone would love.

I had a bag of marshmallows that was borderline stale. So I figured I’d roasted them instead to make them salvageable for rice krispie treats. My complaint with opening a bag of marshmallows is how fast they go bad! I needed just a few for another recipe and next thing you know, they’re chewy and kind of gross. But why broiling them in the oven before adding to the melted butter, it takes these rice krispies to a whole knew level.

I cannot wait to hear what you think of these! Let me know if you try them too.

What ingredients you need to make these rice krispie treats:

• Unsalted butter – I prefer unsalted butter over salted butter 
• Vanilla extract – I love adding this in for flavor 
• Large marshmallows – vegan if needed or use your go-to marshmallows 
• Mini marshmallows – I love adding in mini marshmallows to this for extra something! But can be optional 
• Brown rice crisp cereal – you can use rice crisp treats too if you prefer, I like to use the brown rice crisp cereal which has less sugar

How to make the best rice krispie treats:

1. Add the butter to a large pot and melt over medium heat, stirring frequently
2. Continue to melt the butter and stir often for about 5-6 minutes or until it browns a bit and is nutty in scent then add in splash of vanilla extract
3. While butter browns, add large marshmallows to line baking sheet and broil for about 3 minutes or until golden (like s’mores style)
4. Remove from oven and set aside
5. Add the marshmallows to the pot and mix all together with the butter so they melt
6. Fold in the cereal and mix all together making sure the cereal is coated with the melted marshmallows
7. Next fold in mini marshmallows and add to large baking dish and press down (I add parchment paper on top to make it easier to press down)
8. Allow the rice krispies to set and then slice and enjoy!

FAQs and tips on making these treats:

• Can I use another cereal? I love to use brown rice crisp cereal for these. If you want to spice things up and use another cereal, feel free. Anything can really work. I like finding healthier versions of things like this chocolate cereal or any of the flavors.
• What about other flavors? I like adding in vanilla extract. But you can use almond extract or peppermint extract to spice things up.
• This is recipe gluten-free? Yes! As long as your cereal and marshmallows are gluten-free, you are set.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely!! Use a large baking dish or use two 9×9 ones then.
• Use a piece parchment paper when you are pressing down the rice krispie treats to fit the baking dish. Makes it so much easier and less sticky!

What are some other variations for these rice krispie treats?

• Add in some peanut butter with the marshmallows and butter to make these a peanut butter-flavored version!
• Drizzle some melted chocolate chips on top for a chocolatey treat.
• Add sprinkles in the mix or on top if you want to make these more festive. You can do colored ones for holidays too if you want.
• Use another cereal you love instead of the crisp cereal.

A few other nostalgic desserts to try:

Gluten-free Lofthouse Cookies

The BEST Gluten-free Twix Bars!

Healthy Snickers Recipe (gluten-free)

Homemade Thin Mint Cookies (gluten-free)