Imagine crispy, sweet, and cinnamon-kissed treats that instantly transport you to your favorite fairground snack—this Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe does exactly that. Combining the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with the warm, sugary magic of churros, plus a hint of sea salt to balance every bite, these treats are irresistibly addictive and super simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy homemade dessert, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for that perfect blend of crispy, chewy, and spicy-sweet goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe relies on just a handful of ingredients, each playing a special role in making the final product truly delightful. From buttery richness to that essential cinnamon sparkle, every component enhances the treat’s texture, taste, and aroma.
- Sugar: Adds the classic churro sweetness with a little granular crunch.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that gives these treats their signature warm, spicy flavor.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a smooth, rich base that melts the marshmallows perfectly.
- Marshmallows: The gooey, sticky binder that makes these treats delightfully chewy.
- Flaky sea salt: A final sprinkle that adds an irresistible salty crunch on top.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Provides the crisp, airy texture essential for classic treats.
How to Make Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing your 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter. This simple step ensures your treats won’t stick later, making it easy to lift out perfect squares once they’re set.
Step 2: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, stirring them together until evenly mixed. This cinnamon-sugar blend is what transforms ordinary Rice Krispie treats into churro-inspired delights, so set it aside for now.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
Over medium heat, melt the stick of butter in a large saucepan. Once it’s melted, add the entire bag of marshmallows and stir gently until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. This luscious blend is the glue that brings everything together.
Step 4: Combine Rice Krispies
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure every crispy nugget is fully coated with that sweet marshmallow-butter mixture for maximum flavor and perfect chew.
Step 5: Add Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
Sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar blend over the coated Rice Krispies and stir steadily to distribute the flavor evenly. This step infuses your treats with that unmistakable churro aroma and taste you’re after.
Step 6: Press Mixture into the Baking Dish
Transfer the sticky mixture to your prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or greased hands. Pressing firmly ensures every bit holds its shape nicely and creates a satisfying chew.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt
Before the treats cool, sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the top. This salty counterpoint makes each bite even more addictive by cutting through the sweetness with a pop of flavor surprise.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature so they solidify perfectly. Then cut into squares or rectangles and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s packed with nostalgic warmth and crunchy-sweet satisfaction.
How to Serve Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
While the flaky sea salt on top is fantastic on its own, consider dusting a little extra cinnamon-sugar mix right before serving to amp up the churro feel. You can also drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate or caramel for an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert combo. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit to balance sweetness with a refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the churro Rice Krispie mixture in clear cups topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar for a parfait-style treat. Or wrap individual squares in colorful parchment for festive party favors that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover churro Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Though these are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, you can warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften them up if they have hardened slightly after storage, making them gooey and irresistible again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Definitely! While Rice Krispies are classic for this recipe because of their light crunch and texture, you can experiment with cereals like Corn Flakes or specially crispy puffed rice, but keep texture in mind as it will alter the final treat.
Is it necessary to add the flaky sea salt on top?
The flaky sea salt isn’t mandatory, but it really makes a difference by balancing the sweetness and adding an amazing texture contrast. If you prefer, you can leave it off or use regular table salt sparingly.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Rice Krispies cereal is typically gluten-free, but double-check your specific brand’s label to be sure. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and tasty option for gluten-sensitive friends.
How do I keep the treats from sticking to my hands while pressing?
To avoid sticky fingers, lightly butter your hands or spray them with a non-stick cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan. This will make handling much easier and cleaner.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely, go wild! Consider folding in some mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of dulce de leche for a rich layer of flavor on top of your Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Just remember to keep the balance so the main churro taste shines through.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a fun spin on a timeless snack, this Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s easy, quick, and bursting with that warm cinnamon sugar flavor we all crave. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch, and watch them disappear in record time—these are truly the kind of sweet memories you bake and share with joy.
Print
Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Churro Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic, crispy marshmallow goodness of Rice Krispies with the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavors reminiscent of churros. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty contrast, they are easy to prepare and perfect for a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing the baking dish)
- 1 (10 ounce) bag marshmallows
- 1 heaping teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set this cinnamon-sugar mixture aside for later use.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 stick of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the entire 10 oz bag of marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Rice Krispies: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal until all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle half of the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture over the coated cereal and gently stir to incorporate the flavor throughout the mixture.
- Press Mixture into the Baking Dish: Transfer the sticky mixture into the greased baking dish, using a buttered spatula or buttered hands to firmly press it down into an even layer.
- Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt: Evenly sprinkle 1 heaping teaspoon of flaky sea salt on top of the pressed mixture to create a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature until it sets. Once firm, cut into squares to serve.
Notes
- Use extra butter on hands or spatula to prevent sticking when pressing the mixture into the baking dish.
- For an extra churro effect, you can drizzle melted chocolate or dulce de leche on top before the mixture sets.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Flaky sea salt adds a nice texture and flavor contrast; feel free to adjust quantity based on preference.
