Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

There's something irresistible about these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls. Their gooey texture, sweet caramel flavor, and satisfying crunch make them the ultimate treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making these for a festive holiday platter or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

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I first discovered this recipe during a holiday cookie swap. Everyone was raving about these little bites of heaven, and once I tried one, I knew I had to recreate them at home. Let me show you how easy and fun these are to make!

Why You'll Love This Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dessert rotation. These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are a delight in every bite, and there’s so much to love about them.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a batch of sweet treats ready to go in no time. Perfect for those last-minute party prep moments!

They’re also wonderfully portable. Unlike sticky squares or crumbly cookies, these compact balls hold together beautifully, making them ideal for picnics, lunchbox treats, or festive dessert tables.

Let’s not forget their versatility. You can dress them up with sprinkles for a themed party, roll them in crushed nuts for added crunch, or even drizzle them with chocolate for an indulgent touch.

Finally, these are kid-approved! Whether it’s helping roll the balls or sneaking a taste, little hands will love being involved in the process.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls comes from the simplicity of the ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Rice Krispies Cereal: This is the base of the recipe, providing that signature crunch. Be sure to use fresh cereal for the best texture.

Mini Marshmallows: These add a gooey sweetness and help bind everything together. You’ll want to use mini marshmallows because they melt quickly and evenly.

Caramels: The star of the show! Pre-packaged soft caramels are ideal for this recipe. They melt down into a luscious coating that envelops the marshmallow and cereal mixture.

Butter: Just a little butter keeps the caramel from sticking too much and adds a hint of richness. Unsalted butter is best, as the caramels are already sweet.

Optional toppings: Think sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. These add flavor and flair to your finished treats.

You’ll also need a large mixing bowl, a saucepan for melting the caramel, and wax paper or parchment for easy cleanup.

How To Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Making these delicious treats is as enjoyable as eating them. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time!

Start by unwrapping all your caramels and placing them in a medium-sized saucepan. Add a couple of tablespoons of butter, then melt the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently. This process will take a few minutes, so be patient. You’ll know it’s ready when the caramel is smooth and glossy.

While the caramel is melting, pour your Rice Krispies cereal into a large mixing bowl. This makes it easier to quickly coat the cereal when the caramel is ready.

Once the caramel is fully melted, carefully pour it over the Rice Krispies. Use a spatula to stir until every piece of cereal is evenly coated. Work quickly here, as the caramel will begin to firm up as it cools.

To form the balls, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Scoop a small handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Place each ball onto a sheet of wax paper to set.

If you’re adding toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts, roll the balls in them while the caramel is still sticky. This helps the toppings adhere nicely.

Allow the balls to cool completely, which should only take about 20–30 minutes. Once they’re firm, they’re ready to enjoy!

Storage Options

These treats are just as easy to store as they are to make. Keep them fresh and delicious with these simple tips.

Store the finished balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Be sure to layer them with wax paper to prevent sticking.

If you’re planning to make them ahead for a special event, you can refrigerate them. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing is another option. Place the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins.

Swap the caramels for a homemade caramel sauce or even melted butterscotch chips for a slightly different flavor profile.

Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture for a salted caramel version that balances sweet and salty perfectly.

Mix in some mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or crushed pretzels with the Rice Krispies for added flavor and texture.

Try rolling the balls in festive sprinkles to match a holiday or party theme. Red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, or even black and orange for Halloween.

Feeling extra indulgent? Dip the cooled balls halfway into melted chocolate and let them set for a chocolate-caramel delight.

No matter how you make them, these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are sure to bring smiles all around. Give them a try and watch them disappear!

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