S'mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

I absolutely adore making these S'mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe whenever I want a sweet, nostalgic snack that brings everyone to the table. The combination of gooey marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and that classic s’mores chocolate and graham flavor always hits the spot for me. It’s like camping in a pan, without the campfire! Every bite brings back that cozy, joyful feeling, and I love sharing this recipe with friends and family because it’s simple, fun, and irresistible.

Why You'll Love This S'mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

What truly makes this S'mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe stand out for me is how it captures the essence of s'mores in a handheld, crunchy, and chewy treat. You get that perfect mix of sweet marshmallows melting just right, the buttery crispness of the Rice Krispies and Golden Grahams, plus the rich, melty pockets of Hershey’s chocolate throughout. It’s like the best parts of a campfire dessert without any fuss over the fire itself.

I also appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the method is quick — just melting, mixing, and pressing into a pan. Even on a busy day, I find it manageable to whip up a batch that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Plus, the layering with extra chocolate and mini marshmallows on top gives it an extra visual and textural wow factor, which I think really impresses anyone you serve these to.

Whether it’s for a family movie night, a kid’s birthday party, or just a spontaneous after-dinner treat, this recipe always feels appropriate and festive. It’s those occasions where you want a treat that's slightly nostalgic but also fresh and exciting that I reach for this one without hesitation. To me, nothing says fun quite like s’mores, and having them reinvented as a Rice Krispies treat is pure magic.

Ingredients You'll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple yet essential — each one plays a key role to deliver the familiar s’mores taste with a delightful crunch and chew. From the salted butter that adds richness to the layers of marshmallows that create that ooey-gooey texture, every component works in harmony to make these treats unforgettable.

• 6 Tablespoons salted butter: Provides rich flavor and a smooth base for melting the marshmallows.
• 1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows: Creates that classic gooey texture that binds everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the marshmallow mixture.
• 4 cups Rice Krispies: The original crispy cereal that adds light crunch and structure.
• 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal: Gives a sweet, cinnamon-honey flavor and a bit of chewiness.
• 2 ½ cups mini marshmallows (divided): Used to sprinkle within layers and on top for extra marshmallowy goodness.
• 4 Hershey bars (broken into pieces): The quintessential chocolate element that melts inside and on top, completing the s’mores flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare your 9x9 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper shaped into a sling or lightly buttering it. This will make removing the treats so much easier once they set.

Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter completely until it’s bubbling gently but not browned.

Step 3: Add the jumbo marshmallows to the melted butter and stir gently but continuously. You’ll want to melt them slowly so the mixture becomes smooth and velvety without burning.

Step 4: Once the marshmallows are fully melted, immediately remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that extra hint of flavor.

Step 5: Add the Rice Krispies, Golden Grahams, and 1 ½ cups of the mini marshmallows to the melted mixture. Stir quickly and evenly until all the cereal and marshmallows are thoroughly coated with the gooey marshmallow mixture.

Step 6: Transfer half of this cereal mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly but gently. On top of this layer, sprinkle half of the chopped Hershey’s pieces and half of the remaining mini marshmallows for an extra s’mores surprise inside.

Step 7: Add the rest of the cereal mixture over this layer. Press down just lightly to compact the treats slightly, but don’t press too hard—you want them airy and chewy, not dense or hard.

Step 8: Finish by topping with the remaining Hershey’s chocolate pieces and mini marshmallows. These will toast slightly as the treats cool and give you that perfect s’mores look and flavor.

Step 9: Let the treats cool at room temperature until set, then use a sharp knife to cut into small squares perfect for sharing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 16 servings — perfect for sharing at a party or keeping on hand for week-long snacks. The total prep and cook time is incredibly efficient: around 15 minutes from start to finish. No oven necessary, which means you can have these treats ready almost instantly. After preparing, it’s best to let the treats rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes so they firm up nicely for cutting.

How to Serve This S'mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

When I serve these treats, I love to keep things simple but fun. They’re fantastic on their own as a sweet snack, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or cocoa really enhances the s’mores experience. For kids' parties, I like displaying them on a colorful platter with fun liners so they feel extra special.

For an adult twist, serving these treats alongside a glass of dessert wine or a rich chocolate stout can be surprisingly delicious — the pairing amplifies the chocolate and marshmallow flavors. I also enjoy sprinkling a few sea salt flakes on top when they’re still warm to balance the sweetness and add a hint of sophistication.

If you’re making these for a camping-themed event or an informal family gathering, feel free to serve them slightly warm so the chocolate is still melty and soft, or at room temperature for cleaner, easy-to-eat squares. I usually cut the treats into smaller bite-sized portions when serving around a crowd to make sharing effortless and mess-free.

Variations

I’ve played around with this S'mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe in so many fun ways that I’m excited to share some favorites with you. If you want a gluten-free version, just make sure to use gluten-free cereals (many Rice Krispies brands now offer gluten-free options), and you’re all set. For a vegan twist, swap the butter for coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows — it’s just as gooey and sweet but dairy-free.

If you’re craving different flavor combinations, try swapping the Hershey bars out for peanut butter cups or white chocolate chips for an interesting change. I’ve also sprinkled crushed graham cracker crumbs on top after pressing the treats for some nice texture contrast.

Finally, for a toasty finish, pop the top under a broiler for just 30 seconds to lightly brown the marshmallows — just keep a close eye on them! Or, if you want an extra indulgent layer, drizzle melted chocolate over the top once cooled. These small tweaks can make the treat feel brand new and keep it exciting every time you make it.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftover S'mores Rice Krispies Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I like using a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or wrapping them well with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to 3 days — perfect for quick snacking between meals.

Freezing

These treats can be frozen if you want to make them ahead. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for about an hour. Freezing slightly changes the texture, making them a bit firmer but still tasty.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm them up to re-capture that melty chocolate and soft marshmallow appeal, I suggest microwaving individual squares for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating or heating large batches in the microwave, as this can make the treats chewy or tough. Warming just enough to soften the chocolate but not melt it entirely is the perfect balance.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of jumbo marshmallows in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular marshmallows for the jumbo ones; just be sure to measure an equivalent amount by volume or weight. The texture will be just as gooey, but melting regular marshmallows may take slightly less time, so watch closely to prevent burning.

Is it possible to make these treats without Golden Grahams cereal?

Yes, if you don’t have Golden Grahams on hand, you can use all Rice Krispies or swap in another crunchy cereal like Cheerios or Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a different flavor twist. The Golden Grahams add a nice touch of honey and cinnamon, but the treats will still turn out delicious without them.

How do I prevent the treats from becoming too dense and hard?

The key is not pressing down the cereal mixture too firmly into the pan. When you gently press to compact, it helps the treats hold together without making them overly dense. Over-compressing can make them tough instead of chewy, so I always use light hands and press just enough to even out the surface.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! These treats hold up well when made a day or two in advance. Just keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out. Bring them out to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What is the best way to cut these treats without making a mess?

I find using a long serrated knife or a sharp chef’s knife works best. To prevent sticking, lightly grease your knife or warm the blade under hot water, then dry it off before cutting. Cutting the treats while they’ve fully set but are still fresh ensures cleaner edges and less crumbling.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this S'mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe enough—it’s a surefire way to bring smiles and nostalgia to any gathering or simple snack time. The perfect blend of crunch, gooeyness, and chocolatey goodness makes it one of my go-to recipes whenever I crave something sweet and comforting. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe box just like it has in mine!

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