If you’re searching for a treat that brilliantly blends nostalgic crunch with sweet, buttery comfort, Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies are the answer. Imagine the soft, chewy bliss of your favorite sugar cookie, now dancing with pops of crispy cereal hidden in every bite. These cookies are rapidly becoming a family favorite in my kitchen, thanks to their irresistible texture and the way they take you right back to childhood joy. Whether you’re baking for a school bake sale or hosting a cozy afternoon with friends, Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies are bound to brighten the occasion—and keep everyone reaching for “just one more.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies truly magical is how straightforward yet essential the ingredients are. Each one brings something special: rich flavor, tender crumb, or crave-worthy crunch. Here’s everything you’ll need (and why each piece matters):
- Unsalted Butter: The base of every luscious cookie, creating mouthwatering flavor and tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Lends classic sweetness and that perfectly crisp outer edge.
- Large Egg: Binds your dough, brings moisture, and delivers the golden color we all adore.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone for these cookies, creating a perfect bite.
- Baking Soda: Gives just enough lift for a delicate, slightly chewy cookie.
- Salt: Brightens up every bite and balances the sweetness.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The star ingredient! These bring that playful crunch and signature lightness.
How to Make Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Set the Stage
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies bake evenly and lift off effortlessly without any sticking or overly browned bottoms.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial—the air you incorporate now leads to cookies with a tender crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and splash in the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is smooth and beautifully incorporated. The egg adds that gorgeous golden hue while the vanilla perfumes the dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. It’s a simple step, but ensures the leavening and salt are distributed evenly, leading to cookies with perfectly balanced flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently add your dry mixture to the wet, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—you want a soft dough that still feels light, not tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Rice Krispies
With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Take your time and use a light hand, so you don’t crush the cereal; you want those pockets of crunch to stay intact!
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons, placing them about two inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each mound with your fingers or the bottom of a glass—they’ll spread a bit as they bake. Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are a delicate golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for around five minutes (they’ll be soft, so don’t move them too soon!), then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. You’ll be rewarded with Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies that are soft in the center and joyfully crisp on the edges.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra touch of sparkle, try rolling the dough balls in a little granulated sugar before baking. A dusting of powdered sugar after cooling also gives these Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies a dreamy, bakery-style finish. If you love a hint of nuttiness, a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers can be magical too.
Side Dishes
A cold glass of milk is the undisputed classic, but you can serve these cookies with hot chocolate, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re the ideal finish to a simple lunch or a sweet treat alongside fresh fruit for brunch. Kids and grownups alike won’t be able to resist pairing them with something cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in glass jars for an adorable gift, or arrange Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies on a colorful platter for parties. For celebrations, sandwich two cookies together with a schmear of softened Nutella, flavored buttercream, or marshmallow fluff. The playful texture of the Rice Krispies makes them a fabulous surprise in dessert boxes, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly fresh for up to five days. Place a slice of bread in the container for a pro tip: it helps maintain moisture, keeping the cookies soft longer.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later (or just to have an emergency sweets stash), these cookies freeze beautifully. Place completely cooled cookies in a single layer or between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to three months and taste just as good as the day you baked them.
Reheating
If you like a warm, bakery-fresh cookie, just pop a Rice Krispie Sugar Cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick burst softens the center and revives that freshly baked aroma. Alternatively, refresh them in a low oven (about 275°F) for five minutes.
FAQs
What makes Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies different from regular sugar cookies?
The secret is all in the Rice Krispies! These little puffs add a delightful crunch and lightness you just won’t get from a standard sugar cookie. Every bite is a mix of chewy, buttery sweetness and playful pops of crispy cereal.
Can I use another type Dessert
While Rice Krispies are the star for their airy, crunchy texture, you can definitely experiment with other puffed rice cereals or even try chocolate or vanilla-flavored versions for a twist. Just keep in mind, larger flake cereals might change the final texture.
Do I have to flatten the cookies before baking?
Just a gentle press is all you need! Flattening ensures Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies bake up with beautiful, even edges and the perfect thickness. If you skip this step, the cookies may stay a bit more rounded and won’t bake as uniformly.
How do I prevent the Rice Krispies from getting soggy?
Be careful to gently fold the Rice Krispies in at the very end—if you overmix, they’ll get crushed and lose their signature texture. Storing cookies in a well-sealed container also keeps both the cookies and the cereal crisp longer.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Yes—making the dough ahead is a great way to get a jump on entertaining or weeknight treats! Just store the dough tightly covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature, then fold in the Rice Krispies right before baking for the best crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies, you’re in for something special! The combination of classic, buttery sugar cookie with that playful cereal crunch is hard to beat. I hope you give these a try soon and share the joy with everyone around you—you might just find yourself making another batch before you know it!
Print
Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, boasting a crispy edge and a chewy center thanks to the addition of Rice Krispies cereal. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 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 the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined. Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal.
- Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or roll the dough in sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.
- Cookies will be soft in the center and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
