These Original Soft & Chewy Rice Krispie Treats are a classic no-bake dessert made with just three simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep!

Original Rice Krispie treats stacked on a plate

Original Rice Krispie Treats Recipe (Exactly How to Keep Them Soft & Chewy!)

Soft, gooey, and perfectly chewy, this timeless recipe delivers that nostalgic marshmallow flavor everyone loves! Whether you are making them for parties, bake sales, or an easy everyday treat, these homemade Rice Krispie Treats come together quickly and turn out perfect every time!

Why this Recipe Works:

3-Simple Ingredients – Butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies cereal create a classic combination that is easy, dependable, and timeless.
Perfect Marshmallow-to-Cereal Ratio – The balance ensures the treats are gooey and chewy without being overly sticky or dry.
Consistent Results Every Time – I have made these countless times! With minimal steps and ingredients, this recipe is reliable and easy to repeat!
No-Bake Convenience – Skipping the oven makes this recipe quick, foolproof, and ideal for all skill levels.
Sets Quickly Without Drying Out – The treats firm up just enough to slice cleanly while staying soft inside.

Need more Rice Krispie Treat ideas? Everyone loves Caramel Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallows, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats, and Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats, too!

Close‑up of gooey original Rice Krispie treat

Ingredients You’ll Need:

3 tbsp Butter (Melted) – Adds richness and flavor while helping the marshmallows melt smoothly and prevent sticking.
1 (10 oz) bag Marshmallows – A sweet, gooey binder that holds the cereal together and creates the classic chewy texture.
6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal – Provides a light, crispy crunch that balances the soft marshmallow mixture and gives the treats their structure.

Chewy original Rice Krispie treat showing marshmallow texture

How to Make the Original Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

NOTE: When measuring the marshmallows, you can alternatively use 40 large Jet-Puffed marshmallows or 5 1/2 cups mini Jet-Puffed marshmallows.

Spray 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large microwave safe bowl.
Pour 1 (10 oz) bag of marshmallows into the bowl and stir.
Place into microwave for 45 seconds, remove and stir.
Return to the microwave and heat for another 45 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir again.
Pour 6 cups Rice Krispies into the melted marshmallows and mix until well combined.
Distribute evenly and press gently into the pan.

Pro Tip: Place a Ziplock bag over your hand and spray the outside of the bag with non-stick spray before pressing down the Rice Krispie Treats. This helps to keep them from sticking to your hand!

Original Rice Krispie treats arranged on a serving tray

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the best way to press Rice Krispie Treats into the pan?

Place a Ziplock bag over your hand. Spray with non-stick spray and gently press mixture down without compacting too hard.

Why are my Rice Krispie Treats hard?

I have found that hard Rice Krispie Treats are usually caused by overheating the marshmallows or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. Gentle heat and a light touch help keep them soft.

Do Rice Krispie Treats need to be refrigerated?

No. They are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigerating them can cause them to be firm.

My Best Tips:

Low Heat Prevents Hard Treats – I have found that melting the marshmallows in the microwave gently keeps them smooth and stretchy, which leads to soft bars instead of hard ones.
Press Lightly – Gently pressing the mixture into the pan prevents dense, compact treats and keeps the texture light.
Fresh Marshmallows – Using fresh marshmallows creates gooey treats, while old or stale marshmallows can make bars tough or dry.
Use Non-Stick Spray on Tools – Greasing your tools with non-stick spray, including your hands, will prevent sticking and makes spreading easier without compressing the mixture.

Rice Krispie treats made with marshmallows and butter

More Rice Krispie Treats:

Yield: 12

Original Rice Krispie Treats Recipe (Soft, Chewy, Never Hard!)

Name: Original Rice Krispie Treats Recipe (Soft, Chewy, Never Hard!)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 3 tbsp Butter, Melted; 1 (10 oz) bag Marshmallows; 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

This original recipe for soft & chewy Rice Krispie Treats has been loved for generations! Make this easy treat with just 3-simple ingredients in minutes!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

3 tbsp Butter, Melted
1 (10 oz) bag Marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

Instructions

Spray 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
Melt butter in a large microwave safe bowl.
Pour marshmallows into the bowl and stir.
Place into microwave for 45 seconds, remove and stir.
Return to the microwave and heat for another 45 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir again.
Pour Rice Krispies into the melted marshmallows and mix until well combined.
Distribute evenly and press gently into the pan.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 501Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 670mgCarbohydrates: 105gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 9g

The nutrition facts were automated by the Nutritionix database. Because it's done by automation, it is best practice to double check for accuracy.