Get ready to fall in love with an irresistible twist on a classic: Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies turn your favorite old-fashioned sugar cookie into a delightfully crunchy, buttery treat. Every bite is the best of both worlds—tender and chewy inside, pristine with sweet vanilla notes, and packed with pops of crispy cereal. They’re unbelievably simple to whip up, making them perfect for bake sales, after-school snacks, or anytime your cookie craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies are proof that amazing things come from simple beginnings. Each ingredient here plays a key role: creamy butter gives richness, vanilla brings warmth, and Rice Krispies deliver that fantastic crunch. Let’s take a quick peek at what makes these cookies shine.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Start with good-quality butter at room temperature for an ultra-creamy base and irresistible flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and creating those classic crisp edges.
- Large egg: The secret to binding everything together and adding a bit of richness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash for depth and a gentle floral aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their soft, tender crumb.
- Baking soda: The lift-off! Just enough to keep the cookies light instead of dense.
- Salt: Highlights all the sweet notes and rounds out each bite.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The star of the show—folded in gently for that signature crunch and a playful twist.
How to Make Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Set the stage for baking magic—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and promises beautifully golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a roomy bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until everything is pale, creamy, and fluffy. This step is key for that signature sugar cookie texture and irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The dough should smell sweet and inviting right about now!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This makes sure your leavening is sprinkled evenly throughout—no surprise salty pockets!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter base, stirring just until no more flour streaks remain. Don’t overmix if you love tender cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the Rice Krispies
Gently fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the dough, careful not to crush them too much. Those crisp morsels are what make Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies such a textural treat.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough and space them 2 inches apart on your prepared tray. Flatten each one slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass—just enough so they bake up evenly. Slide into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges turn a delicate golden brown that hints at perfect crispiness.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes (if you can wait!), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool, but the centers stay perfectly soft and the edges wonderfully crisp.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
To make these already-lovely cookies even more special, try sprinkling them with a little coarse sugar before baking for a glittery finish. A drizzle of white chocolate, or a quick dip in melted chocolate and a few extra Rice Krispies on top, takes them right over the top.
Side Dishes
Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies play so nicely with others! Serve them alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot mug of cocoa. For something extra fancy, pair with fresh berries or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—your dessert plate just went from good to show-stopping.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn presentation into a celebration by stacking the cookies tall on a cake stand, or nestling them into pastel paper liners for a party tray. You can even sandwich two cookies around a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable homemade ice cream sandwich. For gift-giving, pack them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon—they’re always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—away from sneaky hands—for up to five days. They’ll retain their soft centers and signature crispy edges, especially if you toss a slice of bread in the container to help preserve moisture.
Freezing
For long-term treats, bake and thoroughly cool the cookies before freezing them in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When cookie cravings hit, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours—no one will ever know they weren’t freshly baked.
Reheating
If you like your Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies a touch warm (who doesn’t?), pop one in the microwave for 5–8 seconds. The centers will soften and the cereal will regain a bit of its signature snap—pure comfort in every nibble.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
While you can substitute margarine in a pinch, butter gives Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies their rich, classic flavor and perfect crumb. If you use margarine, the cookies may spread a little more and lose a bit of their buttery magic.
Should I crush the Rice Krispies before adding them?
Nope! Leave them whole for the best crackly crunch in every bite. Gently fold them in to keep their shape—this is where the texture comes to life.
What’s the best way to keep the cookies crisp?
Store them in a well-sealed container and make sure they’re completely cool before putting the lid on. If you live in a humid climate, a little uncooked rice in the container can help keep extra moisture at bay.
Can I add chocolate chips or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips or a chopped dried cherry or cranberry will blend beautifully with the sweet, crunchy base of these cookies. Just don’t add too many extras or the dough can struggle to hold together.
Are Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies gluten-free?
As written, this recipe isn’t gluten-free since it uses all-purpose flour and most commercial Rice Krispies contain malt flavoring (which has gluten). Try swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and look for certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal for an easy switch.
Final Thoughts
Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies take everything you love about old-school sugar cookies and dial it up with light, joyful crunch in every mouthful. They’re a hit with every age group and sure to become a staple in your baking rotation. Gather your ingredients, turn up your oven, and get ready to surprise yourself with just how fun and fantastic this little recipe can be!
Print
Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a crispy edge and a chewy center thanks to the addition of Rice Krispies cereal. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Add Rice Krispies: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, being careful not to crush them too much.
- Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly and bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Notes:
- For extra flavor, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or rolling the dough in sugar before baking.
- Cookies will have a soft center and slightly crispy edges.
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