Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
There’s something magical about the smell of warm butter cooking on the stove—it’s that rich, nutty aroma that sweeps through the kitchen and gives you instant comfort. Now imagine combining that with melting marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon, creating a treat that takes you right back to childhood! These Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch radiate coziness, exuding a friendly vibe perfect for any gathering or a simple night in. As each gooey square melts in your mouth, you may even reminisce about your favorite sweet shop or family gatherings where treats were shared and stories were enjoyed.
Table of Contents
I can vividly recall baking in my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays, where we would create delightful desserts that filled the house with warmth. Taking these Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch out to share with family and friends during fall festivities will surely create new memories. So, gather your ingredients and let’s whip up a batch that is sure to bring smiles all around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in about 20 minutes – perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of gooey marshmallows, brown sugar, and cinnamon is a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These treats are as cute as they are delicious; they’re sure to be the star of any table.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a late-night snack, party treat, or a fun dessert for festive occasions.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Perfect as a gluten-free treat with simple adjustments if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: This classic cereal gives the treats their iconic crunch and lightness. You can substitute with gluten-free rice cereal if needed.
10 oz mini marshmallows (about 4 cups), plus 1 extra cup reserved: They impart the gooey texture we all love in Rice Krispie treats. For a different twist, use flavored marshmallows for an extra pop of fun.
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: The rich flavor from the browned butter takes these treats to another level. If you’re in a pinch, margarine will work, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, though imitation vanilla can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
1½ tsp ground cinnamon: The key spice in these treats that captures that churro essence. Always use fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor!
⅓ cup brown sugar: This adds a delicious caramel-like sweetness and works beautifully with cinnamon. Coconut sugar or white sugar can be used as alternatives, but the flavor will vary.
⅓ cup granulated sugar (for topping): Standard sugar for that sweet crunchy topping. You can mix in some finely chopped nuts for a different texture if desired.
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping): Another sprinkle of cinnamon ties everything together. Feel free to use pumpkin pie spice for a twist!
Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing the pan): Ensures easy removal of the bars from the pan. Lining the pan with parchment paper can also help.
How to Make Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
BROWN THE BUTTER: In a large pot over medium heat, melt your butter, stirring continuously. Allow it to foam and slowly turn golden brown for about 5–7 minutes. Watch for small brown bits forming at the bottom—they’re not just for looks; they add a depth of flavor that elevates this recipe!
ADD MARSHMALLOWS & SPICES: Lower the heat to low, and toss in 10 oz (4 cups) of mini marshmallows, your ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients constantly until the marshmallows become fully melted, creating a smooth and glossy mixture that you can’t resist tasting!
STIR IN CEREAL: Remove the pot from the heat and quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal. Make sure you stir rapidly and thoroughly so every piece of cereal gets coated with that dreamy marshmallow mixture.
ADD EXTRA MARSHMALLOWS: Now, fold in the remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows in batches. These lovely little blobs will remain mostly intact, giving you delightful pockets of gooeyness in every bite.
PRESS INTO PAN: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter. Using a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper, evenly press the mixture into the pan. Be careful not to compact it too tightly; this will keep your bars soft and chewy!
ADD THE CHURRO TOPPING: In a small bowl, stir together ⅓ cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the warm bars so it sticks nicely and enhances that churro flavor we’re going for!
COOL & CUT: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, about 30–45 minutes. Once they’re set, use a sharp knife to cut them into 16 squares. Serve and watch them disappear in no time!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for about a week, though they might become a bit firmer. If you want to keep them for an extended time, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To refresh, simply thaw at room temperature, or warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore that gooey texture!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Make sure to watch the butter closely while browning to avoid burning; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
If you want puffier treats, let the butter cool slightly before adding the marshmallows to control the melt rate.
When pressing down the mixture, use a piece of wax paper on top of the treats to get a smoother finish without sticking to your hands or spatula.
If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some chocolate chips before the treats harden for extra flavor!
To make ahead, prepare the treats up to a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature for the best texture.
These Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch are not just a treat; they’re warm nostalgia wrapped in deliciousness! You’ll find they’re perfect any time of the year, whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a fun addition to a lunchbox, or just treating yourself. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, add-ins, and even share them with loved ones to create new memories. So get in the kitchen, and most importantly, enjoy every gooey, cinnamon-flavored moment!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! You can use standard-sized marshmallows, but keep in mind that they may take a bit longer to melt. Aim for about 10–12 large marshmallows in place of the mini ones.
How can I make these treats a little healthier?
To give your treats a healthier twist, consider using brown rice cereal instead of regular Rice Krispies. You could also replace some butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content.
What should I do if my treats get too hard?
If your treats end up too hard, it’s usually because they were packed too tightly or cooked too long. To fix this, you can cut them into squares and microwave them for a few seconds to soften them back up.
Can I freeze these Rice Krispie treats?
Yes! These treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Strawberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies- Perfect for Valentine’s Day
- Pumpkin Crisp
- Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch combine gooey marshmallows, cinnamon, and sugar for a delightful treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist! Perfect for gatherings or a fun snack at home.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 10 oz mini marshmallows (about 4 cups), plus 1 extra cup reserved
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a pot until golden and fragrant.
- Add mini marshmallows, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla; stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and mix in Rice Krispies until well coated.
- Fold in the remaining mini marshmallows for texture.
- Press mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan using a spatula.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over the warm treats.
- Let cool for 30-45 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
Watch the butter closely to avoid burning when browning.
Use a piece of wax paper to press the mixture for a smoother finish.
Treats can be frozen for up to 3 months if properly wrapped.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
