If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats with a delightful twist, then this Sugar Cookie Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is going to make your heart sing. Combining the buttery, sugary charm of classic sugar cookies with the crispy, chewy goodness of Rice Krispies treats, this recipe brings a magical blend of textures and flavors that’s pure joy in every bite. The addition of colorful sprinkles and mini marshmallows gives these bars a festive sparkle and irresistible appeal perfect for sharing at any occasion, or simply for indulging on a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential to achieving the perfect Sugar Cookie Rice Krispies Treats Recipe every time. Each one plays a vital role in creating that classic taste, light texture, and vibrant look that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- ½ cup butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly, forming the treat’s base.
- ½ cup sugar cookie mix (dry mix from the pouch): Brings that unmistakable sugar cookie flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
- 1 bag marshmallows (10 ounces, about 40 large): Provides the sticky, gooey texture that binds everything together.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal: The crispy cereal adds crunch and volume for perfect chewiness.
- 1/3 cup mini marshmallows: These add fun pockets of softness and chewiness inside the treats.
- 2 tbsp sprinkles (Christmas or other color): Brightens the treats with festive colors and a bit of sparkle.
- Extra sprinkles for decorating: The finishing touch for visual appeal and extra fun.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tray
Start by greasing a 9″x13″ baking tray with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your treats will come out cleanly and keep their perfect shape.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place a large pot over low heat and melt the ½ cup of butter gently. Taking it slow here will help avoid burning and create a silky base for your mix.
Step 3: Mix in the Sugar Cookie Mix
Once melted, stir in the ½ cup of sugar cookie mix. Keep stirring consistently and cook for about 1 minute so the flavors have a chance to meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 4: Melt the Marshmallows
Add the entire bag of large marshmallows to the pot. Stir continuously as they melt completely and blend with the butter and sugar cookie mix, creating a smooth, sticky dough.
Step 5: Combine with Rice Krispies Cereal
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal gently. Pro tip: spray your spatula with cooking spray to keep the mixture from sticking, making mixing much easier.
Step 6: Add Mini Marshmallows and Sprinkles
Stir in 1/3 cup mini marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of your choice of sprinkles. Some of the mini marshmallows will melt slightly, creating delightful gooey bites while others remain whole to contrast the crunch.
Step 7: Press into the Prepared Pan
Carefully spread the mixture in an even layer in your prepared pan. Press down gently, just enough to hold it together without squishing out the light texture.
Step 8: Decorate with Extra Sprinkles
Sprinkle more colorful sprinkles over the top to make the treats look as joyful as they taste. This final flourish will really bring out their festive charm.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Let the treats cool completely for about 30 minutes, then slice into 18 or 24 squares. Now you’re ready to dive into these sweet, crispy delights!
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Garnishes
For serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch, or drizzle melted white chocolate for a decadent finish. Fresh berries can add a tart contrast that brightens the sweet flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair these treats with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a fruity iced tea. Their sugary, crispy nature makes them the perfect companion to creamy or fresh beverages that balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting them into fun shapes with cookie cutters for parties or holidays. Wrapping individual squares in colorful cellophane and tying with ribbon makes charming gifts or party favors that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining that soft yet crunchy texture that makes this Sugar Cookie Rice Krispies Treats Recipe so addictive.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the treats tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they keep well for up to 4 weeks and thaw quickly to be enjoyed like new.
Reheating
No need to reheat sugar cookie Rice Krispies treats, but if you prefer them slightly warmed, just let them sit at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that soft, gooey magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sugar cookie mix with something else?
While sugar cookie mix gives a unique flavor, you can experiment with other baking mixes like vanilla cake or butter cookie mix for a twist, but expect slightly different results in taste and texture.
Why should I use mini marshmallows in addition to the large ones?
The mini marshmallows add little pockets of chewy softness that contrast delightfully with the crispy cereal and provide extra gooeyness in each bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and a gluten-free sugar cookie mix. This swap keeps the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive folks without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chips can be folded in to customize your Sugar Cookie Rice Krispies Treats Recipe and make it your own.
How do I prevent the treats from being too hard or too soft?
Be sure not to over-press the mixture into the pan, and don’t overcook the marshmallows. Pressing gently keeps them light and chewy rather than dense and hard.
Final Thoughts
This Sugar Cookie Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is one of those irresistible creations that instantly brightens any day. It’s simple to make, delightfully festive, and utterly delicious — perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging yourself when you need a sweet pick-me-up. I promise once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to treat that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Sugar Cookie Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus 30 minutes cooling
- Yield: 18 to 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive and chewy Sugar Cookie Rice Krispies treats bursting with the classic flavors of sugar cookies combined with the crispy crunch of Rice Krispies cereal and gooey marshmallows, topped with colorful sprinkles for a perfect holiday or anytime snack.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar cookie mix (dry mix from the pouch)
- 1 bag marshmallows (10 ounces, about 40 large marshmallows)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
Toppings
- 1/3 cup mini marshmallows
- 2 tbsp sprinkles (Christmas or other color)
- Additional sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the baking tray: Grease a 9″x13″ baking tray with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt the butter: Place a large pot on low heat and melt ½ cup butter carefully to avoid burning.
- Add sugar cookie mix: Stir in ½ cup sugar cookie mix continuously and cook for about 1 minute to blend flavors thoroughly.
- Melt marshmallows: Add the 10-ounce bag of large marshmallows to the pot, stirring continuously until they are fully melted and evenly combined with the butter and sugar cookie mixture.
- Mix in cereal: Remove the pot from heat and fold in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal gently using a spatula or wooden spoon. Lightly spray the spatula with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add mini marshmallows and sprinkles: Mix in 1/3 cup mini marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of sprinkles so that some marshmallows melt slightly while others remain whole, creating texture and color.
- Spread the mixture: Gently transfer and spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press lightly to form an even layer without compacting too much.
- Decorate top: Sprinkle additional sprinkles over the top for a festive look.
- Cool and serve: Allow the treats to cool for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, cut into 18 to 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use cooking spray on your spatula to prevent scraping difficulties while mixing sticky marshmallow mixture.
- Press the mixture gently; over-pressing can make the treats too dense and hard.
- Customize sprinkles with seasonal colors for holidays or any occasion.
- Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for freshness.
- Ensure low heat during marshmallow melting to prevent burning or scorching.

