To make classic Rice Krispie Treats, follow these steps:

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
• 16 ounces mini marshmallows (about 10-12 cups), divided (6 cups + 2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Lightly butter a 9x9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add 6 cups of mini marshmallows and stir gently until completely melted. Be careful not to overheat, as marshmallows can harden if cooked too long or at too high a temperature.
3. Add flavoring: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
4. Mix in cereal and marshmallows: Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal and fold it into the marshmallow mixture until well coated. Then fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows, stirring until they just begin to melt but still remain a bit chunky. This adds gooey pockets in the treats.
5. Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a spatula or a piece of parchment paper/plastic wrap, press the mixture evenly but not too firmly to keep the treats soft.
6. Cool and cut: Let the treats cool at room temperature for about an hour until set. Then cut into squares and enjoy.

This method yields soft, chewy, and classic Rice Krispie Treats with a nice balance of gooey marshmallow and crispy cereal

. Optional tips:

• For extra flavor, you can brown the butter lightly before adding marshmallows, but be careful not to burn it as it may affect texture

• Adding some extra marshmallows at the end creates delightful gooey spots in the treats

• You can also add sprinkles for color or substitute cereals like Lucky Charms for a twist

This recipe comes together quickly and is a favorite for all ages.