If you’re looking for a nostalgic twist on a classic treat, this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is exactly the magic you need. Combining the cozy, cinnamon-sugary crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with gooey, buttery marshmallows and crispy rice cereal, these treats offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether for a festive party, a cozy night in, or whenever you want a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe brings a joyful crunch and melty softness that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it wonderfully simple with a handful of pantry staples that come together to create amazing flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the browned butter adds a nutty depth, vanilla enhances the sweetness, and the combination of cereals brings an unbeatable crunch and cinnamon warmth.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Browning the butter will deepen the flavor and add a rich, toasty note to your treats.
- Mini marshmallows (18 ounces total): Melted marshmallows provide that classic gooey texture, with a little extra added for chewiness and softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon plus more for sprinkling): Salt elevates the flavors and balances the sweetness brilliantly.
- Crispy rice cereal (4 cups): Delivers the traditional crispy texture that makes Rice Krispie treats so satisfying.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (4 cups): Infuses the treats with that iconic cinnamon sugar taste and adds a lovely crunch.
How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by greasing your pan to ensure your treats come out easily. For thicker treats, use a 9×9-inch pan; for regular thickness, opt for a 9×13-inch pan. You can line the pan with parchment paper if you want an even easier release and cleaner edges. This simple prep step makes all the difference in the final presentation.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
This step is where your flavors start to deepen. Melt the butter over medium heat and keep stirring until it foams and turns a golden brown with a delightful nutty aroma. Browning the butter takes about five minutes but transforms the taste from ordinary to extraordinary, setting your treats apart from the rest.
Step 3: Melt the Marshmallows
Once your butter is beautifully browned, add the main batch of mini marshmallows. Stir them constantly until they are completely melted and combined with the brown butter. This step creates the glue that holds your treats together, so don’t rush it—give those marshmallows time to melt perfectly smooth.
Step 4: Add Vanilla, Salt, and Cereals
Remove the pot from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. This is where you add flavor complexity, balancing sweetness and depth. Now gently fold in the crispy rice cereal and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, making sure every bit is coated in that luscious marshmallow mixture. Finally, stir in the extra 2 cups of mini marshmallows, which add a burst of extra chewiness.
Step 5: Transfer and Press into Pan
Carefully transfer your mix into the prepared pan. Use a greased spatula or lightly buttered hands to press the mixture evenly but gently into the pan. Be careful not to over-press—you want soft, tender treats, not hard blocks. For a delightful finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavors.
Step 6: Let Them Set and Cut
Patience is key here! Let your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats rest for about an hour to firm up before slicing. When ready, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy bites full of cinnamon-sugary nostalgia paired with marshmallow gooeyness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a dusting of ground cinnamon on top can elevate your treats visually and flavor-wise. For a fun twist, drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel over the squares to bring in more indulgence.
Side Dishes
Although these treats are fantastic on their own, pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa makes for the perfect snack combo. They also fit well alongside fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream at dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, consider cutting the treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters like stars or hearts. Wrapping individual squares in colorful cellophane tied with ribbon makes a charming edible gift. You can even stack them in a jar layered with extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for an attractive pantry gift idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to four days, making them a convenient make-ahead snack or dessert option.
Freezing
If you want to keep these fantastic treats longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to two months. Just make sure to separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To enjoy them as if freshly made, just let frozen treats thaw at room temperature. If you prefer a warm, melty texture, briefly microwave a piece for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to overheat and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?
Absolutely! Just chop the regular marshmallows into smaller pieces to help them melt evenly. The texture will still be great, and the gooey factor remains intact.
What if I don’t have Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal?
While Cinnamon Toast Crunch is what makes this recipe special, you can experiment with other cinnamon-flavored cereals or simply increase the rice cereal and add a sprinkle of cinnamon powder for a similar effect.
How do I make these treats extra thick?
Using a smaller pan, such as a 9×9-inch one, will give you thicker, denser treats without changing any ingredient amounts. Just be sure to let them set properly before cutting.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit along with the cereals to add texture and flavor variations to your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe.
Is it necessary to brown the butter?
It’s not mandatory, but browning the butter adds a rich, toasty flavor that really elevates these treats beyond the usual. If you’re in a hurry, melted butter will still work fine but loses some of that signature depth.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is one of those magical snacks that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, but with a fun, modern twist. It’s simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. I cannot wait for you to try it out and share the joy these treats bring with your friends and family. Trust me—once you make them, they’ll become a beloved favorite too!
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Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Delight in the nostalgic flavor of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats with a buttery, toasted marshmallow twist and a perfect blend of crispy rice and cinnamon cereal. These easy-to-make treats are thick, chewy, and sprinkled with a touch of sea salt for an irresistible sweet and salty finish.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
- 16 ounce bag mini marshmallows
- 2 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
Cereal Mix
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal
- 4 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray for super thick treats or a 9×13-inch pan for regular thickness. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal. Set aside.
- Browning the Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter while stirring often. Continue cooking until the butter foams, develops a nutty aroma, and turns golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the treats.
- Melt Marshmallows: Add the 16 ounce bag of mini marshmallows to the browned butter and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Flavor and Cereal: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal until evenly coated. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows to add extra chewiness.
- Transfer and Press: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a greased spatula or lightly greased hands, press the mixture lightly and evenly into the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly to keep the treats soft. Optionally, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for added contrast.
- Set and Serve: Allow the treats to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to firm up. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy your delicious, chewy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats.
Notes
- For thicker treats, use a 9×9-inch pan; for thinner treats, use a 9×13-inch pan.
- Do not press the mixture too hard into the pan to avoid hard, dry treats.
- Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor with a sweet-salty balance.
- Letting the treats rest before cutting ensures clean squares and better texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
