Get ready to add a fun and crispy twist to your cookie game with this delightful Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the classic buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with the irresistible crunch of Rice Krispies cereal, creating a playful texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a family treat, bake sale, or holiday cookie tray, this recipe is as charming as it is delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll soon have a batch of warm, crispy, and sweet cookies that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays an essential role in bringing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance to your Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base and keeps the cookies tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that classic sugar cookie crispness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Harnesses that comforting vanilla aroma and deepens the flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cookies just enough for a light texture without overpowering crispiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The star ingredient adding irresistible crunch and a hint of nostalgic flavors.
- Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or sprinkles: Adds extra fun and a pop of sweetness or color, if desired.
How to Make Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking. This simple prep work will set you up for perfectly baked, easy-to-remove cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and continue mixing until everything is fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and flavor, smoothing out the dough’s texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the baking soda and salt so the cookies rise uniformly and taste balanced.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Fold in Rice Krispies and Optional Mix-Ins
Carefully fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the dough, ensuring even distribution without crushing the cereal. If you want to add white chocolate chips or sprinkles, now is the perfect time. They add a delightful pop of flavor and color.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Lightly flatten the tops for even baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly without breaking.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle a few extra Rice Krispies or colorful sugar crystals on top of the cookies right after shaping but before baking. You can also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish. These garnishes not only elevate the look but add little surprises of texture and sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies are amazing on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea or coffee can make the experience even better. The milk enhances the crunchiness while providing a creamy counterbalance to the sugary crisp.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter lined with a colorful napkin for a casual gathering. For special events, stack cookies with parchment paper between them in a cute box tied with a ribbon for charming edible gifts. You can also sandwich a little marshmallow fluff or frosting between two cookies for an irresistible twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for days of snacking ahead.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime you crave them.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The cookies soften slightly while maintaining their crunch thanks to the Rice Krispies. Avoid over-microwaving to prevent any sogginess.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Rice Krispies with another cereal?
Yes, you can swap Rice Krispies for puffed wheat or cornflakes if you want a different texture or flavor, though the classic crispness may vary slightly. Just be mindful of the size and texture differences when folding the cereal into the dough.
Will these cookies be crunchy or soft?
Because of the Rice Krispies, these cookies have a satisfying crunch on the outside with a slight chewiness inside. They’re perfectly balanced so you get both textures in every bite.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it’s suitable for baking. The texture might be a bit different, but the cookies should still taste great and have that yummy crunch from the Rice Krispies.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe treats remain fresh and tasty for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or dried cranberries can add wonderful flavors and textures that complement the crunch of Rice Krispies. Just fold them in at the same time you add the cereal.
Final Thoughts
This Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe is a joyful celebration of simplicity and crunch that’s bound to become a new favorite in your cookie collection. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or just treating yourself to a sweet, crispy delight. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close all year round!
Print
Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully crispy and sweet, these Rice Krispie Sugar Cookies combine the classic crunch of Rice Krispies cereal with a soft, buttery sugar cookie base. Perfectly easy to make and customizable with optional white chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles, they deliver a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins (Optional)
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps create a tender, airy cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and homogenous dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Rice Krispies and Optional Mix-ins: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and any optional white chocolate chips or sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without crushing the cereal.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden brown, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape and crispness.
Notes
- For a fun twist, try adding colorful sprinkles for a festive look or substitute the white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough after adding flour to keep the cookies tender.
- Flattening the cookies slightly before baking helps them bake evenly and avoids puffing too much.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
