Soft, chewy, and full of festive fun — these Quick Marshmallow Treats come together in minutes for a nostalgic holiday snack everyone loves. With buttery vanilla flavor and colorful sprinkles, they’re perfect for parties, cookie swaps, or gifting.
Tested three times: The secret to perfect chewy texture? Melt the marshmallows on low heat and press gently — not firmly — into the pan so the treats stay soft, not dense.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Set Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares or 10–12 shaped treats
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Method: Stovetop, no-bake
Ingredients
- 6 cups (150 g) crisp rice cereal
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
- 1 bag (10 oz / 283 g) mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp holiday sprinkles (optional, plus extra for topping)
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Use vegan butter or refined coconut oil | Flavor slightly nuttier |
| Gluten-free | Use certified gluten-free rice cereal | Avoid malt-flavored brands |
| Vegan | Use vegan marshmallows + plant-based butter | Slightly firmer texture |
| Nut-free | All ingredients safe; skip nut toppings | Ideal for school-friendly treats |
| Extra flavor | Add ¼ tsp almond or peppermint extract | Perfect for holidays |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the base.
In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt. - Mix and shape.
Remove from heat. Add rice cereal and fold gently until evenly coated. Quickly stir in half of the sprinkles before the mixture cools. - Press and decorate.
Press mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan using a buttered spatula or wax paper. Add remaining sprinkles on top. Cool for 30 minutes before cutting into squares or shapes with cookie cutters.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t rush melting: Low heat keeps the mixture soft and chewy.
- Use fresh marshmallows: Old ones melt unevenly and get stiff.
- Holiday twist: Drizzle cooled bars with melted chocolate or white chocolate, then sprinkle crushed candy canes.
- Festive shapes: Cut with tree, star, or snowflake cookie cutters.
- Add-ins: Try mini M&Ms, crushed cookies, or dried fruit for variety.
- Gift idea: Wrap individually in parchment and tie with ribbon.
Serving Suggestions
- Stack on a dessert tray with cookies and fudge.
- Wrap in cellophane for teacher or neighbor gifts.
- Serve at kids’ parties with hot cocoa.
- Add to a DIY “holiday snack mix” bar.
Storage & Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Not recommended — it hardens the treats.
- Freeze: Up to 1 month; layer with parchment and thaw at room temp.
- Softening tip: If slightly firm, microwave a few seconds before serving.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Hard treats | Melt on low heat and avoid over-pressing into pan |
| Sticky to cut | Coat knife with butter or spray oil |
| Dry or crumbly | Use fresh marshmallows and don’t overheat |
FAQs
Q1: Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes — use about 40 large marshmallows. They take longer to melt, so stir constantly.
Q2: How do I keep treats soft?
Store in a sealed container with wax paper; don’t refrigerate.
Q3: Can I add food coloring?
Yes — add a few drops to the melted marshmallow mixture before stirring in cereal for festive color.
Nutrition (per bar)
Calories: 110 | Carbs: 22 g | Fat: 3 g | Sugars: 12 g | Protein: 1 g