Classic chewy crispy squares (Printable Version)

Classic chewy and crispy squares combining melted marshmallows and puffed rice cereal with optional chocolate.

# What You Need:

→ Base

01 - 6 cups puffed rice cereal (e.g., Rice Krispies)
02 - 4 cups mini marshmallows
03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Optional Chocolate Topping

04 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

# Directions:

01 - Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
03 - Remove pan from heat. Immediately add the puffed rice cereal and fold gently until all cereal is thoroughly coated.
04 - Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, press the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan.
05 - Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cereal base.
06 - Let cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
07 - Slice into 16 equal squares and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They come together in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings.
  • The ratio of marshmallow to cereal creates that ideal chewy-crispy texture that keeps people coming back for more.
  • They're forgiving enough for a first-timer but customizable enough to make them your own.
02 -
  • Don't walk away while melting the marshmallows—they can go from perfectly creamy to slightly scorched in seconds, and even a hint of browning changes the flavor.
  • The mixture needs to be hot when it hits the pan, so work quickly once you add the cereal; if it cools too much, it becomes dense and difficult to press.
  • Patience with cooling is worth it—cutting them while still warm results in a crumbly mess, but waiting the full 30 minutes gives you clean, satisfying squares.
03 -
  • Buttering your spatula before pressing the mixture prevents sticking and gives you much better control over the thickness and evenness of your treats.
  • If your chocolate topping seems too thick, add a tiny bit of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate to thin it out and make spreading effortless.
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