Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’ve never tried Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies, get ready to fall head over heels for this crunchy twist on a good old-fashioned favorite. The classic buttery sugar cookie gets a delightful upgrade with crispy, crackly Rice Krispies cereal folded right in, making every bite a playful mix of tenderness and snap. Just imagine these cookies fresh from the oven, their irresistible aroma filling the house, and that very first bite—golden edges, soft center, and a happy pop of texture that’s utterly unforgettable. This recipe is a must for bake sales, lunchboxes, or simply treating yourself to a nostalgic treat with a bit of whimsy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies is how simple the pantry ingredients are—but don’t let that fool you. Each one brings its own special magic to the party, working together for flavor, tenderness, and that signature crunch.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of any great cookie for flavor and texture; make sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies spread beautifully.
• Egg (1 large): Essential for binding the dough and adding richness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives that warm, classic aroma every sugar cookie needs.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that brings everything together.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise just enough for a perfect texture.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Lends even more lift, keeping them soft and fluffy.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Don’t skip it—it balances the sweetness and sharpens flavors.
• Rice Krispies cereal (1½ cups): The magic ingredient! Fold them in gently for that signature crunch and playful personality.

How to Make Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start your Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, a little parchment goes a long way here!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture looks super light and fluffy—this is the secret to those tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Creaming really aerates the dough and sets the stage for the best texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and splash in the vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is smooth and velvety. The egg acts like edible glue, helping bring all the goodness together while the vanilla sends those sweet sugar cookie scents drifting through your kitchen.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This even distribution makes sure every bite of your Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies is spot on—no pesky salty or bitter streaks here!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently as you go. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it or your cookies could wind up tough instead of tender. At this stage, your dough should look thick and easy to handle.

Step 6: Fold in the Rice Krispies

Time for the best part! Pour in your Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold them in with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle—overmixing could crush the cereal, and you want every cookie to have plenty of crackly bite. This step is what sets Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies apart from the rest.

Step 7: Form the Cookie Balls

Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them between your palms into balls. Arrange these on your lined baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each one (they’ll spread as they bake). Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass for that classic sugar cookie shape.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are turning golden but the centers still look soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them firm up to the perfect texture before diving in!

How to Serve Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Once cooled, these cookies are gorgeous all on their own, but you can make them extra special with a shower of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even rainbow sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. Each garnish gives a new twist while letting the Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies shine.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside an ice-cold glass of milk or steamy mug of coffee for the ultimate comfort treat. They also make a sweet addition to a cookie platter alongside brownies, lemon bars, or fruit slices for a truly irresistible spread at gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re baking for a party or gifting, try stacking Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies in a glass jar with colorful ribbons. Arrange them in cupcake liners on a tiered stand for an afternoon tea, or tuck them into lunchboxes for a crunchy surprise. They’re easy to transport and perfect for sharing, so let your creativity shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their lovely crunch and softness for up to 4 days—though they’re so good, I doubt they’ll last that long!

Freezing

Want to bake ahead? These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. You can also freeze uncooked dough balls and bake them fresh as needed.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, pop a couple in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes to refresh their flavor and texture. Or, microwave for 10 seconds—just be careful, as Rice Krispies can get hot quickly. This gives you that ‘just-baked’ experience any time.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter in Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies?

While you can substitute margarine, real butter gives these cookies a richer flavor and a better texture. If you use margarine, make sure it’s the stick kind rather than the spreadable tub version, as that usually has more water and could affect your cookies.

Why do my Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies turn out flat?

Flat cookies can mean your butter was too soft or melted, or you may have overmixed your dough. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.

Can I add chocolate chips or sprinkles?

Absolutely! Mini white chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles add a fun, festive touch and a burst of extra flavor. Just fold them in with the Rice Krispies before shaping the cookies.

Is it okay to use other cereals?

You can experiment, but nothing replicates the light, snappy crunch of Rice Krispies in these cookies. Other cereals might change the texture and flavor, but creative bakers are always welcome to try their own twist!

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be a light golden color while the centers still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake—you want that perfect combination of crispness and chewy center only Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies can offer.

Final Thoughts

You truly haven’t lived until you’ve tried Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies fresh from your own oven. They’re playful, nostalgic, and completely irresistible—a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch; I promise these will become an instant favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you love!

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