Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Alright, these Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls? They’re chewy, sweet, and the perfect bite-sized treat for any time. Gooey marshmallow hugs every crispy cereal piece, and you can roll them in sprinkles, chocolate, or even coconut for extra fun.

I made a batch for a school party, and they were gone before the kids finished lining up. That mix of soft marshmallow and crunchy cereal? It’s classic, super easy, and always a hit.

And the best part? No baking needed. Just melt, mix, roll, and you’re done. Let’s make them together—you’ll want to keep these on hand for quick snacks and happy little desserts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Assembly: From stovetop to serving tray in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal Ingredients: Just three base components—marshmallows, butter, and cereal.
• Customizable for Any Occasion: Dip them in chocolate, roll in sprinkles, coat with crushed candy, or drizzle with peanut butter.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Let kids safely roll the mixture into balls with lightly greased hands.
• No-Bake Convenience: Ideal for summer days or busy kitchens when turning on the oven isn’t practical.
• Stays Fresh: These store well for several days in an airtight container, making them great for prepping ahead.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (just enough to melt and mix)
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

If you’re planning to dip them in chocolate or decorate with other toppings, allow an extra 15-30 minutes for cooling and setting.

Servings

This recipe yields around 24 to 30 rice krispie balls, depending on the size you roll. Each one is roughly the size of a golf ball (about 2 tablespoons).

You can easily double or triple the batch for parties, cookie exchanges, or large family gatherings.

Difficulty Level

Very Easy. This recipe is ideal for beginners and can be completed in one pot with just a few simple tools. It’s also a fun and safe cooking activity for kids when supervised.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make smooth work of these sticky treats:

• Large Saucepan: Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching the marshmallow-butter mixture.
• Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Heat-resistant tools make mixing easier and cleaner.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy helps prevent overly sticky or dry balls.
• Mixing Bowl (Optional): If you prefer to transfer the mixture for cooling before rolling.
• Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: Line trays or countertops to keep the balls from sticking.
• Baking Sheet or Tray: For placing the shaped balls while they set.
• Ice Cream Scoop or Tablespoon Measure: To ensure evenly sized balls.
• Butter or Oil Spray (for hands): Prevents sticking when shaping the balls.

Ingredients

All you need are three basic ingredients, plus optional toppings if you’d like to elevate them further:

• ¼ Cup (½ stick) Unsalted Butter:
  Use real butter—not margarine—for best flavor and texture. It melts into the marshmallows, creating a glossy, smooth coating for the cereal.
  (Salted butter can be used, but consider reducing or omitting any additional salt.)
• 4 Cups Miniature Marshmallows:
  Fresh mini marshmallows melt quickly and evenly, forming the sticky base that binds everything together. Large marshmallows can be used in a pinch, but chop them first for even melting.
• 5 Cups Crispy Rice Cereal:
  This puffed cereal provides the structure and crunch. Use a fresh, crisp brand to avoid soggy results. Stir gently to preserve their shape and texture.

Optional Add-Ins and Coatings:

• Melted Chocolate (milk, dark, or white): For dipping or drizzling.
• Sprinkles or Colored Sugar: Adds color and crunch.
• Crushed Nuts or Coconut Flakes: For added flavor and texture.
• Mini Chocolate Chips or Peanut Butter Chips: Fold in once the mixture is slightly cooled (so they don’t melt).

How to Make Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prep Your Work Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Lightly spray your hands or a small ice cream scoop with nonstick spray or rub with a bit of butter. This prevents the mixture from sticking while forming the balls.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Place the ¼ cup (½ stick) of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt fully, stirring occasionally with a heatproof spatula. Be careful not to brown the butter—just melt it gently until smooth.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows

Add 4 cups of miniature marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until the marshmallows melt completely. The mixture should be smooth and glossy, with no visible lumps.
Tip: Keep the heat low and stir often to prevent scorching or uneven melting.

Step 4: Mix in the Cereal

Once the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add 5 cups of crispy rice cereal to the pan.

Use your spatula or spoon to gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture, making sure everything is evenly coated. Do not crush the cereal—stir from the bottom up using broad, slow strokes.

Step 5: Let Cool Slightly

Let the mixture rest for 3–5 minutes in the pan. It should still be warm and pliable but not so hot that it burns your hands or melts optional mix-ins.

Step 6: Form the Balls

Using a small scoop or lightly greased hands, portion out the mixture into golf ball–sized scoops (about 2 tablespoons each). Gently roll between your palms to form smooth balls and place them on the prepared tray.

If the mixture starts sticking, reapply butter or cooking spray to your hands as needed.

Step 7: Add Toppings (Optional)

While the balls are still slightly warm, you can:

• Dip them halfway into melted chocolate, then place them back on the tray to set.
• Roll in sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut.
• Drizzle with white or dark chocolate for a decorative finish.

Let all toppings set completely at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving or storing.

Variations for Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

These are endlessly versatile. Here are a few creative twists:

• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half the ball in melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white). Let set on wax paper.
• Holiday Style: Add colored sprinkles for Christmas, Halloween, or birthday themes.
• Peanut Butter Flavor: Stir in ¼ cup of smooth peanut butter with the marshmallows before adding cereal.
• Salted Caramel: Drizzle with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a grown-up version.
• Fruity Pebble Swap: Use colorful cereal in place of rice cereal for a rainbow version.
• Stuffed Surprise: Press a mini chocolate kiss or caramel square into the center before rolling.

Serving Suggestions

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are best served at room temperature and can be presented in many creative ways:

• Arrange on a serving platter with a bowl of melted chocolate for dipping.
• Skewer with lollipop sticks for a kid-friendly, mess-free option.
• Wrap individually in cellophane for party favors or lunchbox treats.
• Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a simple dessert platter.

Storing Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Proper storage is key to keeping these treats fresh and chewy:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Use wax or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Avoid Refrigeration: The fridge can cause them to harden and lose their soft texture.

Tip: If your rice krispie balls become too firm over time, microwave one for 5–7 seconds to soften slightly before eating.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 ball)
Calories	90
Total Fat	2.5g
Saturated Fat	1.5g
Cholesterol	5mg
Sodium	60mg
Total Carbohydrates	16g
Sugars	8g
Protein	0.8g
Fiber	0g
Calcium	2mg
Iron	1mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific brands and optional toppings used.

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls FAQs

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, large marshmallows work just as well. Use the same weight (about 7 ounces), and chop them into smaller pieces to help them melt evenly.

Why are my Rice Krispie balls too sticky to roll?
The mixture may be too warm or the marshmallow-to-cereal ratio might be off. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before shaping, and grease your hands lightly with butter or spray to prevent sticking.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for best texture.

Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows?
It’s possible, but fluff tends to create a looser mixture. You may need to reduce the butter slightly and add more cereal to maintain structure.

How do I keep the balls from getting hard?
Avoid overcooking the marshmallow mixture and store the finished treats in an airtight container. If needed, soften slightly in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are a classic no-bake dessert that blend chewy, crispy, and sweet into one satisfying bite. With only a few ingredients, minimal prep, and countless ways to customize, they’re a go-to treat for both everyday snacking and special occasions. Whether you dip them in chocolate, roll them in crushed candy, or keep them plain and simple, these bite-sized snacks are guaranteed to please.

Now that you have the full recipe, you can make a batch in under 30 minutes, enjoy immediately, or store for later. This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again—especially when you need something easy, crowd-pleasing, and fun.