Step 1: Prepare your pan. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This rice krispie treat recipe comes together quickly, so prep is key!
Step 2: Melt the butter. In a large non-stick pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over low heat. Low heat is crucial here; don't rush it to prevent burning the butter. This sets the foundation for a perfect rice krispie treat recipe.
Step 3: Add marshmallows. Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows to the pot. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until the marshmallows are almost entirely melted and smooth. Resist the urge to turn up the heat! For an extra gooey rice krispie treat recipe, you can reserve about 1 cup of mini marshmallows and add them in Step 5.
Step 4: Stir in vanilla and salt. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt (if using). The vanilla adds depth of flavor to your rice krispie treat recipe.
Step 5: Combine with cereal. Immediately add the crisp rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. If you reserved marshmallows, add them now. Stir gently but quickly until the cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, which can crush the cereal.
Step 6: Press into pan. Transfer the warm mixture to your prepared baking pan. Using a buttered spatula or your buttered hands, gently and evenly press the mixture into the pan. Do not press too firmly, as this can result in hard, dense treats. Light and even pressure makes for a perfectly chewy rice krispie treat recipe.
Step 7: Cool and cut. Let the treats cool completely at room temperature, about 30-60 minutes, before cutting into squares. For easy storage, place them in an airtight container. I love storing these in Basics Glass Food Storage containers to keep them fresh and visible!
Step 8: Enjoy! Serve your delicious, homemade rice krispie treat recipe and watch them disappear!