The PERFECT Crispy-Rice Squares!

Can you mess up a simple crispy rice cereal treat (also known as the Rice Krispies Treat)? Yes! Yes you can! There is a science to the popular and widely known goody. Too much butter makes them goopy and oily. Too much cereal and they won't hold together because there's not enough marshmallow to go around. Too little butter or marshmallows make them hard and crunchy. Pressing into an over-sized pan yields ultra thin treats.

After years of using other people's recipes and not being satisfied with the outcomes, I've altered and experimented and come out with a darn good recipe! Now, of course, perfection is subjective, and I realize there are some people who prefer hard and crunchy treats, or treats that fall apart in your hand, so if you're one of those people, simply disregard this post. But in my opinion, the perfect crispy rice treat is THICK and FIRM, but still SOFT and CHEWY. But be warned, this is not for dieters, so if you're trying to eat healthy, walk away right now.

Elsie Park's recipe for perfect crispy rice treats. So simple :-)

THICK, SOFT and CHEWY Crispy Rice Squares

1 stick (4 ounces) of butter
21 ounces mini marshmallows
10 cups (80 ounces) crispy rice cereal
     
        Pre-measure the 10 cups of cereal into a large bowl and set aside. Melt butter in LARGE pot over medium heat and then add marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted. Remove from heat and immediately pour rice cereal into the pot, mixing well until cereal is completely coated and there's no more marshmallow on the bottom of the pot. Scoop into 9 x 13-inch rectangular pan and with fingers covered by a plastic sandwich bag (or use a spoon if too hot to touch), firmly press cereal evenly into the pan. Do not eat right away as the squares will fall apart if still warm, but they ARE easier to cut into squares while warm. Wait until they cool to eat. These treats stay soft and chewy for days after (if they last that long, which is doubtful *wink*). ENJOY!

A reader posted a suggestion below and I think it's positively wonderful! Melt chocolate chips and pour all over the top of the squares. And, while the chocolate topping is still melty, decorate the top with Reeses Pieces. 
Mmm-mm! :) Thanks!