Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that blends childhood nostalgia with modern-day fun, you’re in for a treat with Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies. These chewy, buttery cookies get a delightful twist from crispy Rice Krispies, adding a playful crunch to every bite. With their golden edges and perfectly sweet centers, they’re the kind of dessert that sparks smiles at bake sales, during family holidays, or simply as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, once you bring these to the table, everyone will be clamoring for the recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a special role, from lending moisture to creating that irresistible texture, so don’t skip a thing! Here’s what makes them so delicious:

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter gives the cookies their rich flavor and super tender crumb, so let it sit at room temperature before mixing.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): This is your main sweetener, helping the cookies caramelize to a beautiful golden finish.
• Large Egg (1): The egg binds everything together and adds a hint of chewiness.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings lovely warmth and depth to both the dough and finished cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): The key to the cookie’s sturdy yet tender base.
• Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): For just the right lift and spread.
• Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Gives the cookies that perfect puffiness.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
• Rice Krispies Cereal (1½ cups): The star of the show! These crispy bits fold in at the very end to make each bite light, crackly, and totally fun.

How to Make Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. To make for easy cleanup and perfect cookies, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment helps the cookies bake evenly while ensuring they won’t stick or overbrown on the bottom.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a big mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar. Take your time here—creaming until it’s light and fluffy unlocks that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for a few minutes until the mixture is pale and airy.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix again until everything’s completely combined. The egg gives your dough structure, while the vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that shines through in every bite.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leaveners are evenly distributed so your Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies rise just right.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your butter mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing at this stage can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see the last streaks of flour disappear.

Step 6: Fold in the Rice Krispies

Now for the most fun part! Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal using a spatula. Be careful not to crush them; you want those signature pockets of crispy crunch dotted throughout each cookie.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden but the centers are still soft. That contrast in texture is exactly what makes Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies so dreamy!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes—it helps them firm up—then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. If you eat one (or three) while they’re still a bit warm, I won’t tell!

How to Serve Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a pinch of colored sugar, mini chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles over the tops before baking. The cheerful pop of color or hint of chocolate makes these Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies even more irresistible, especially for birthdays or holidays.

Side Dishes

Pairing cookies with a cold glass of milk is classic for a reason, but a mug of hot cocoa or a creamy latte also works beautifully. If you’re going all out, serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Stack a pile of cookies and tie them with baker’s twine for adorable edible gifts. Arrange them on a platter with other kinds of cookies for a cheerful dessert tray, or pack them into jars for party favors. Their texture and look add a fun twist to any cookie assortment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and chewy for up to five days—if they last that long! Keeping them airtight is key to preserving their signature crunch.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, just freeze the baked cookies or even just the dough balls! Place them (baked or raw) on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cookies stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. Let cookies sit at room temp to thaw, or bake frozen dough balls straight from the freezer with a minute or two of added bake time.

Reheating

To bring out that just-baked amazingness, pop cookies in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds. This little trick revives their lovely texture and makes them taste fresh again.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Technically, yes—you can swap in margarine if you’re in a pinch or have dietary needs, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite as rich and satisfying as with real butter in Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend (one that’s made for baking) for the all-purpose flour. Double-check your Rice Krispies too, as some brands may contain trace gluten.

How do I keep the Rice Krispies crispy in the cookies?

The trick is to fold them in gently at the very end and store the cookies properly in an airtight container. Overmixing or letting baked cookies sit out too long can make them lose that signature crunch.

Can I add extras like chocolate chips or sprinkles?

Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or even chopped nuts are all fantastic add-ins. Mix them in with the Rice Krispies for a fun twist on classic Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?

Using a cookie scoop (about a tablespoon in size) helps you portion out uniform balls. This makes sure your Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies bake evenly and look gorgeous on the plate.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to put a playful spin on a classic, these Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies might just become your new go-to treat. There’s something undeniably cheerful about the combination of pillowy dough and a gentle crunch in every bite. Give them a try—I promise, your friends and family will beg for another batch!

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