There’s something magical about the chaos that fills our kitchen on nights like these. You know the ones—where every burner is occupied, the oven’s working overtime, and the counters are crowded with ingredients, all while trying to keep the kids from nibbling on the treats before they’re even done. This particular evening was one of those nights, and it was a beautiful kind of chaos.
The Perfect Family Night Treats
As we prepared for a Family Night at our church, the kitchen was alive with activity. My daughter was in one corner, busy making her favorite sourdough chocolate chip cookies, while my son and I took over the other side to whip up his all-time favorite dessert—Rice Krispie Treats. It’s become a bit of a tradition for us, one that’s sweet in more ways than one.
A Simple Twist on Classic Rice Krispie Treats
The recipe we use is straight from the back of the Rice Krispie cereal box, which I’ll link here for you Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. But we like to add a little twist, just to make it our own. After melting the butter and marshmallows together—a process my son is becoming quite the expert at—I stir in a teaspoon of vanilla right before mixing in the cereal. It’s a small addition, but it makes all the difference. The vanilla adds a depth of flavor that takes these treats from simple to simply irresistible.
Making Memories in the Kitchen with Your Kids
We start by melting three tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat, and then we add a 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows. My son always watches intently as the marshmallows slowly melt into a gooey, sticky mess. Once they’re fully melted, I turn off the heat and let him add the teaspoon of vanilla, his favorite part. With a big smile, he helps me stir in six cups of Rice Krispie cereal, watching as the marshmallow mixture coats every last bit of cereal.
The Secret Ingredient for Irresistible Treats
Once the cereal is fully coated, we transfer the mixture into a greased 13×9-inch pan. It’s always a bit of a race to get it spread out evenly before it cools. As it cools, the anticipation builds. And then, of course, my son gets the spoon. It’s our little tradition—he gets to lick the spoon after all the hard work. It’s the simple things, right?
Wrapping Up: Ready to Share These Sweet Treats
Later that evening, with our treats wrapped up in plastic and ready to share, we headed off to church. The Rice Krispie treats were a hit, as they always are. My son was so proud to share them with his friends, and I couldn’t help but smile watching him.
These nights remind me why I love being in the kitchen with my kids. It’s not just about making food—it’s about making memories, creating traditions, and sharing those with the people we love. There’s something so special about a simple recipe like Rice Krispie treats. It’s easy enough for the kids to help with, delicious enough to be a crowd-pleaser, and versatile enough to bring a little extra joy to any gathering.
So, the next time you’re looking for something sweet to make with your kids, give this a try. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can create such lasting memories. And don’t forget that teaspoon of vanilla—it’s the little things that make all the difference.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with as much joy (and just a bit of chaos) as ours is!
Vanilla Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- 13×9 inch baking pan
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray
- Measuring Spoons & Cups
- Wax Paper or Spatula for pressing cookies into the pan
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
Instructions
- In large pot, melt butter over medium to medium-low heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the pot, stirring constantly until completely melted.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal to the pot, stirring until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Spray a 13×9-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. Press the mixture evenly into the pan using a spatula or wax paper.
- Allow the treats to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a fun twist, add sprinkles or chocolate chips to the mixture before pressing it into the pan.
- These treats are perfect for kids to help with—let them stir or press the mixture into the pan!
Want more dessert recipes? Check them out here!
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