There’s something deeply irresistible about combining the classic crunch of Rice Krispies with everyone’s favorite cookies, and that’s exactly what you get with Oreo Krispies Treats. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy square that bursts with vanilla marshmallow, buttery richness, and bits of cookies-and-cream goodness in every bite. These treats are outrageously simple but taste like the very definition of dessert bliss—perfect for bake sales, parties, or those spontaneous moments when you need a nostalgic pick-me-up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a pan of Oreo Krispies Treats in no time. Each ingredient brings its own special magic, creating a treat that’s perfectly gooey, crunchy, and absolutely delicious. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Rice Krispies cereal: The essential backbone, this cereal provides that iconic crispy texture we all love.
- Oreo cookies: Chopped into chunky pieces, they deliver pockets of chocolaty flavor and subtle crunch throughout the bars.
- Mini marshmallows: These melt down to form the sweet, sticky binder holding everything together with soft, chewy magic.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create that sumptuous, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Just a dash deepens the marshmallow flavor and makes each bite feel extra special.
How to Make Oreo Krispies Treats
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper. This extra step makes it a breeze to lift out your Oreo Krispies Treats and guarantees less sticky cleanup later. If using parchment, be sure to leave a slight overhang so you can easily pull the bars out for cutting.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt your unsalted butter gently over low heat. This ensures your marshmallows will melt smoothly in the next step without sticking or browning. Stir occasionally and get ready for the kitchen to smell downright heavenly!
Step 3: Add Marshmallows
Toss in your bag of mini marshmallows, continuing to stir over low heat until they become a glossy, silky pool. Patience is key—let everything melt slowly for the best texture. If you’re using vanilla extract, remove the pot from the heat, then stir it in now for a fragrant boost.
Step 4: Mix in Cereal and Oreos
Working swiftly, fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and those coarsely chopped Oreos. Mix until everything’s evenly coated—this is when the magic really happens! Don’t worry if there are big Oreo pieces; they’ll add wonderful bursts of flavor and texture to your Oreo Krispies Treats.
Step 5: Press and Cool
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula (lightly greased, if you like) or even damp hands to gently press it down. Avoid packing it in too firmly—the goal is light, marshmallowy squares, not bricks. Let the pan cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, slice into generous squares and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Oreo Krispies Treats
Garnishes
If you want your Oreo Krispies Treats to look as good as they taste, sprinkle a few extra chopped Oreos over the top while the bars are still slightly warm. You could also drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for a showstopping finish that will make everyone think you ordered these from a bakery!
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own, but for an easy dessert platter, serve them with fresh berries, a tall glass of cold milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, slightly tart flavors pair perfectly with the sweet, crunchy bars and make dessert feel festive and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, cut your Oreo Krispies Treats into mini bites and skewer them with colorful toothpicks. You can also use cookie cutters to make shapes—think hearts, stars, or any fun seasonal forms. Stack them on a cake stand or wrap them individually for a delightful party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Oreo Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you layer them, separate with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Keeping them tightly covered is the secret to maintaining their chewy, soft texture!
Freezing
Want to save some bars for a sweet treat later? Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and they’ll taste like you just made them fresh.
Reheating
If your Oreo Krispies Treats have firmed up a bit more than you’d like, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds per bar) can revive their gooey charm. Just don’t overdo it—short bursts work best to restore that perfect, chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular marshmallows by measuring out about 5 cups. Just chop them up a bit to help them melt smoothly, and you’ll get the same gooey results.
Do I need to use unsalted butter, or is salted butter okay?
Either works, but unsalted butter allows you to control the flavor more precisely. Salted butter adds a slight savory touch, which some people enjoy in contrast to the sweet marshmallow and Oreos.
Can I add other mix-ins to Oreo Krispies Treats?
Definitely! Try mixing in white chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles, or even peanut butter chips for a custom twist. Just keep the overall quantities about the same so the bars hold together nicely.
What’s the best way to chop the Oreos without turning them into crumbs?
Use a sharp knife to coarsely chop the cookies; aim for big, chunky pieces rather than fine crumbs. Or pop them in a zip-top bag and give them a few gentle taps with a rolling pin—easy and mess-free!
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free crispy rice cereal and gluten-free sandwich cookies. Check labels to be sure, and you’ll have gluten-free Oreo Krispies Treats everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Oreo Krispies Treats, there’s no better time than now to jump in! Each bite is a joyful mashup of crunch, chew, and creamy cookie flavor that’s honestly hard to resist. Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite pan, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a pan of pure, nostalgic happiness.
Print
Oreo Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Oreo Krispies Treats, a fun and easy twist on the classic Rice Krispies treats, loaded with chunks of Oreo cookies for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Rice Krispies Mixture:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 20 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped
Marshmallow Mix:
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
- Melt Marshmallows: Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract (optional).
- Mix In Ingredients: Quickly fold in Rice Krispies cereal and chopped Oreos until evenly coated.
- Press Into Pan: Press mixture gently into the prepared pan (don’t press too firmly or bars will be too dense).
- Cool and Cut: Let cool for about 30 minutes, then cut into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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