If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you know I’ve been on a mission to turn some of my favorite flavors into Rice Krispie treats. It’s become one of my favorite recipe series because the possibilities are endless, and every new flavor somehow feels even more nostalgic than the last. Naturally, cookies and cream had to make the list.
These Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats are everything you love about classic Rice Krispie treats with a cookies and cream twist. Chopped Oreos are folded throughout for plenty of crunch, while finely crushed Oreo cookies melt right into the marshmallow mixture, giving every bite that signature cookies and cream flavor. They’re soft, gooey, buttery, and packed with Oreo pieces from top to bottom.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats
These treats have all the chewy, gooey texture you expect from a classic Rice Krispie treat, but with an extra layer of cookies and cream flavor in every bite. Mixing crushed Oreo cookies into the marshmallow mixture gives the entire base a rich chocolate cookie flavor, while chopped Oreos add the perfect crunch throughout. They’re incredibly easy to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and are always a hit for parties, bake sales, or whenever you’re craving a fun no-bake dessert.
How to Make These Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats
These cookies and cream Rice Krispie treats come together in about 15 minutes with just a few simple steps. Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Separate the filling from two Oreo cookies and crush the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs, then chop the remaining Oreos and set a small handful aside for topping.
In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal with the chopped Oreos and a handful of marshmallows. Melting a few marshmallows separately creates little pockets of gooey texture throughout the finished treats.
Next, melt the butter over low heat before stirring in the remaining marshmallows until they’re completely smooth and glossy. Mix in the vanilla bean paste, crushed Oreo crumbs, and a pinch of salt until everything is evenly incorporated.
Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal mixture and gently fold everything together until well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and lightly press it into an even layer without packing it down too firmly. Sprinkle the reserved chopped Oreos over the top, gently press them into the surface, and let the treats set for 1 to 2 hours before slicing and serving.
The Secret to Extra Gooey Rice Krispie Treats
The best Rice Krispie treats stay soft because the marshmallows are melted gently over low heat rather than overheated. Adding a small handful of whole marshmallows to the cereal mixture also creates little pockets of gooey marshmallow throughout the bars. Be sure not to press the mixture too firmly into the pan, as that can make the finished treats dense instead of light and chewy.
Tips for the Best Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats
- Use fresh marshmallows for the softest texture. Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and can make the treats firmer.
- Removing the cream from two Oreos before crushing them allows the cookie crumbs to blend seamlessly into the marshmallow mixture without adding extra moisture.
- Work quickly once the melted marshmallow mixture is added to the cereal since it begins setting almost immediately.
- Let the treats cool completely before slicing for clean edges and the best texture.
People Also Ask
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These Rice Krispie treats stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Why remove the filling from two Oreos?
Removing the filling creates fine chocolate cookie crumbs that blend smoothly into the marshmallow mixture and distribute the cookies and cream flavor more evenly.
Can I freeze Rice Krispie treats?
Yes. Wrap individual squares tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use generic chocolate sandwich cookies?
Absolutely. Any chocolate sandwich cookie can be substituted for Oreos if that’s what you have on hand.
Why are my Rice Krispie treats hard?
Overheating the marshmallows or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan are the two most common reasons they become hard instead of soft and chewy.
More Rice Krispie Treat Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving this Rice Krispie flavor series, here are a few more fun variations to try:
- Piña Colada Rice Krispie Treats
- Mango Sticky Rice Krispie Treats
- Chocolate Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Rice Krispie Treats
- S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
- Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re a fan of nostalgic desserts with fun flavor twists, these recipes are next on your list.
Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 8×8 Pan
- Saucepan
- Stove Top
Ingredients
- 4½ cups crispy rice cereal
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons crushed Oreo cookie crumbs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 15 Oreo cookies chopped, reserving 2 tbsp for topping and 2 cookies removed to create cookie crumbs
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Remove the cream filling from 2 Oreo cookies and crush the cookies into fine crumbs. Chop the remaining Oreos, reserving about 2 tablespoons for topping.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice cereal, the chopped Oreos, and a small handful of marshmallows.
- Melt the butter over low heat. Add the remaining marshmallows and stir until completely melted and glossy. Stir in the vanilla bean paste, crushed Oreo crumbs, and salt until evenly combined.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal mixture and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and lightly press it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved chopped Oreos over the top and gently press them in.
- Let the treats set for 1 to 2 hours before slicing and serving.
