Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (2024)

You'll love how easy these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are to make. My husband loves this easy dessert. Great neighbor gifts.

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (1)

We love these delicious Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls during the holidays. They were always a big hit. We knew Christmas was fast approaching when our mom made these yummy treats.

They were such a big hit that we now make them for our families. They are perfect for a party, movie night, or neighbor gifts. So easy to make that you can involve the whole family.

Once your family has learned how to make this easy treat they’re going to want to do it the next day as well. These caramel rice krispie treats are a sweet treat that will make the family want more! All you need is a medium pot, a large bowl, and a lined baking sheet. For the ingredients you will need rich caramel candies, sweetened condensed milk, butter, krispy cereal, and mini marshmallows or large marshmallows. You mix the ingredients to create a marshmallow mixture and before you know it, you have a bowl of rice krispies! So next time you go to bake dessert, try out this recipe.

To store these crispy treats, place caramel marshmallow mixture on some wax paper. You can wrap them individually with plastic wrap, put it in an airtight container, or put them on a plate to take to your friends. These caramel treats are sure to be a hit!

​These are best if you eat them the same day you make them, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container if needed.

Ingredients needed to make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls:

  1. Wrapped Caramels
  2. Sweetened Condensed Milk
  3. Butter
  4. Large Marshmallows
  5. Rice Krispies Cereal
  • Medium Saucepan (THIS one is great)
  • Big Mixing Bowl (You’ll want a big one like THIS)
  • Lined Cookie Sheet

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HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL MARSHMALLOW RICE KRISPIE BALLS:

In a medium saucepan place the caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Over medium heat stir constantly until smooth and creamy.

Using a toothpick or skewer, dip each marshmallow into the caramel mixture. Tap off the excess.

Pour the Rice Krispies in a big bowl and then gently roll the caramel covered marshmallow in the Rice Krispies.

Place the caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper and gently pull out the toothpick or skewer from the marshmallow.

Let the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls set up for about 30 minutes.

Here are more desserts that are great for gift giving:

  • Crock Pot Nut Clusters
  • White Chocolate Chex Party Mix
  • Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtles
  • Graham Cracker Toffee Crunch
  • Santa Sugar Cookies

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We have aYouTube channelwhere we show you how to how to make a recipe from start to finish in our kitchen. Our recipes are even picky eater approved!

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Every recipe has a beautiful mouth-watering photo and has been picky-eater approved. The directions are simple, easy to follow, and do not require any strange ingredients.

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (2)

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Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (3)

Serves: 40

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

5 from 8 votes

This fun dessert is great for gift giving. They are so easy to make you can involve the whole family.

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

PrintPin

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces caramels about 50 wrapped Kraft caramels
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 12 ounces marshmallows large
  • 7 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

Instructions

  • Unwrap the caramels. In a medium saucepan place the caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Over medium heat stir constantly until smooth and creamy.

  • Using a toothpick or skewer, dip each marshmallow into the caramel mixture. Tap off the excess.

  • Pour the Rice Krispies in a big bowl and then gently roll the caramel covered marshmallow in the Rice Krispies.

  • Place on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper and gently pull out the toothpick or skewer from the marshmallow.

  • Let set up for about 30 minutes.

Video

Notes

  • Store them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. Let them set our for about 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 116 kcal · Carbohydrates: 23 g · Protein: 2 g · Fat: 2 g · Saturated Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 6 mg · Sodium: 73 mg · Potassium: 64 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 16 g · Vitamin A: 374 IU · Vitamin C: 3 mg · Calcium: 42 mg · Iron: 2 mg

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl

  • Saucepan

Recipe Details

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

This post was included in our 10 EASIEST Thanksgiving Desserts video – for more inexpensive and delicious recipes like this one, click here to check it out!

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Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (4)

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  1. dee says:

    What's the best way to store these? Would like to make ahead for a potluck. Thanks!!

  2. Cyd says:

    Hi Dee,Just put them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. Let them set our for about 1 hour before serving.

  3. Jocelyn Groening says:

    I have an aunt who has stored them in the freezer, and then pulled them out in summer, as well. (She made them as a part of her Christmas baking)

  4. Cyd says:

    That is good to know! I don't think they would last that long around here if anyone knew I had them hiding in the freezer! Ha Ha!! Have a Merry Christmas!!

  5. Christina says:

    What is the calories for 1 of these ?

  6. Kathy Adams says:

    Sounds good could you add chocolate to the caramel I think this is just what I need for some kids at church

  7. Cyd says:

    We haven't made them with chocolate added to the caramel. Sounds delicious though!

  8. Margie says:

    The Rice Krispies did not stick to the marshmallows!

  9. Wendy says:

    These were creamy and delish! Thank you for sharing! Will definitely fugitives into our holiday baking as well!

  10. Wendy says:

    Ha! Don’t know how it auto corrected to fugitive, but they are now part of our holiday goodies to share! Thanks again!

  11. Amanda Piette says:

    You have to dunk them into the caramel mixture first, then into the krispies.

  12. Crystal Bennett says:

    How many does this recipe make? I’m looking for something that has a high yield for a Christmas baking party

  13. Cyd says:

    If you scroll down to the recipes it will tell you that it makes about 40 balls.

  14. Laura says:

    Oh my GONE. GREAT recipe. We've changed it up a wee bit. After their dipped in the Carmel, we rolled them in crushed pistachios, let set up a few minutes then dipped back into the Carmel, then rolled in crushed rice Krispies. Let set up a few minutes.Dipped into melted white or dark chocolate. We did batches of each chocolate. Then rolled gently in Krispies. I'm SO Making people happy. Best Recipe yet. Thank You!!!

  15. Cyd says:

    OH MY GOODNESS! That sounds absolutely amazing! I would be very happy to receive one of these Heavenly balls of caramel and delicious layers!

  16. Jacqueline McDonald says:

    These were really delicious, everyone loved them and I will make them again.

  17. TKT says:

    If you live in Canada and you can get MacIntosh Toffee - use that instead of the caramels! I think the ratio is about 6 bars of toffee or use the MacIntosh Caramel toffee wrapped candy. Either way, Freeze your toffee to speed unwrapping. Smash the frozen toffee bars into smaller bits for quicker melting. Melt and mix in a double boiler to keep your toffee warm and subtle. I like to use a wooden chopstick or a fork to dip the marshmallow into the toffee and then tap the excess off. Plunge the coated marshmallow into the cereal and place on a wax paper-lined tray. Store in an airtight container. When your chopstick gets too gummy, switch it out for a clean one. It's a little tedious, but these little treat re so worth it! YUM YUM! A classic, favorite Christmas tradition in our family!

  18. Diane says:

    Do you let the caramel sauce cool down a lot? Seems like hot sauce would melt the marshmallows.

  19. Kathy Bloch says:

    We used to put the balls into stand-up ice cream cones. It keeps small hands from getting so sticky. The cones were a favorite for taking to school for birthday treats (when kids were able to take treats).

  20. Cyd says:

    Hi Kathy. We remember the days when we could bring tasty treats from home. Thanks for sharing the great idea of putting the caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls in stand up ice cream cones. Have a great week and a Merry Christmas!

  21. Cyd says:

    The caramel doesn't melt the marshmallows.

  22. Marianne Miller says:

    I was wondering if these could be made into bars ?

  23. Patricia says:

    I like to roll mine in toasted coconut instead of rice krispies. Maybe will try dipping them in melted chocolate (probably dark). Yum.

  24. Lynn says:

    Are these gluten free

  25. Lindsay says:

    These were a hit at my company party! You gotta move fast when putting the caramel on the marshmallows because they will start to melt in a matter of seconds. I found that while having the marshmallow on a toothpick, pouring the caramel over the top of the marshmallow then dunking the bottom into the caramel then putting it in the krispies was an effective way to coat them without them melting and falling off the toothpick in the caramel. I used Coco Krispies and that was so tasty!

  26. Maureen Kelly says:

    Looks good

  27. Pam says:

    Made these MANY years ago. Used really fresh marshmallow and I ended up with a ess, because I'd spent a lot of time and $$$, I greased a 9x13 pan , poured everything in and made bars!!

  28. Sandy says:

    I've made these several times. Sometimes with rice krispies, sometimes with toasted coconut. My favorite though, is chopped pecans! Yummy

  29. Cyd says:

    Sounds delicious! Have a very Merry Christmas!

  30. Cyd says:

    We have never made these into bars, just balls.

  31. Camille says:

    Just a quick question. Could you use your homemade Microwave caramel recipe to make these?

  32. Susan says:

    Did you dip the marshmallows in the warm caramel mixture first?

  33. Ratherbebaking says:

    5 Star from me. I made mine using caramel baking bits, worked out fine and rolled in toasted coconut. They were addicting. I might even try drizzling with chocolate. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

  34. Kerry Wallace says:

    This was my method, too, but it was too much work. I'll see if the group loves them tomorrow at Christmas; and if so, next time I'll try as a bar in a glass or corning ware dish for easy clean up.

  35. Cyd says:

    Good question! We have never tried using our microwave caramel recipe for these rice krispie balls. So we aren't sure how well they would work. Let us know if you give it a try. Sounds delicious!!

  36. Jodi says:

    Maybe if you made a baked graham cracker crust for the bottom layer, or maybe even just make them on top of graham cracker squares. I have not tried it though. Just a thought.

  37. Michelle says:

    I had the finished product on a sheet pan over a pan of boiling soup and it made the marshmallows smushy like a s'more and they were lovely warm!

  38. Cyd says:

    YUM! It sounds delicious!!

  39. Christine says:

    I’ve been making this for more than 20 years!! I was told they were porcupine balls. I’ve used crushed pumpkin spice Cheerios in place of the rice crispies too. Both are great!

  40. Christine says:

    I always make them when my daughter & granddaughter come over. My daughter does the caramel layer and my granddaughter does the cereal layer. All 3 of us working together. Memories have been made

  41. Carol says:

    My grandson in Airforce do you think they would ship well?

  42. Teresa says:

    I bet these would be extra sweet with the frosted rice krispies!!!

  43. Maddie kummer says:

    How much does this recipe make?

  44. Momma Cyd says:

    It makes about 40.

  45. Keri Wolf says:

    I grew up making these and this was the perfect recipe! Do you know if it’s ok to freeze these?

    Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (5)

  46. Momma Cyd says:

    They should freeze fine in an airtight container.

  47. Nancy says:

    This recipe was a giant hit this Christmas. It was simple and quick. This treat disappeared first; even before the chocolate truffles!

    Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (6)

  48. Valerie says:

    Wow! These were simply amazing. We can’t stop eating them! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.

    Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (7)

  49. Hallie says:

    My Walmart substitutes butterscotch chips for the caramel. Has anyone tried this?

  50. Gretchen says:

    I couldn't find caramels so I bought caramel dip, should I still follow the same recipe in melting the caramels?

  51. Momma Cyd says:

    We haven't made these using caramel dip, so not sure how they will turn out. The caramel may be a little too runny.

  52. Angie says:

    Couldn’t figure out what was going on because they didn’t seem right…finally realized I used evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk on accident! I’ll have to try again!

  53. Stephanie says:

    I have been making these for 35 years; started as a child with my mom. We call them Goofballs. :) It's interesting to hear the different names.

  54. Rhonda says:

    I love it , my family loves it and my friends love it too! Absolutely delicious and so easy to make !💜

  55. Carlee says:

    These were SO good! Unfortunately though I don’t think I used the correct kind of caramels… we don’t have Kraft Caramels in Australia, so I used Jersey Caramels. So they didn’t stick to the marshmallows - oh and our Pascall marshmallows are dusted in cornflour too so this doesn’t help 😅 Does anyone know what would be a good caramel substitute please - that I’d find over here? 😋

    Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (8)

  56. Shari says:

    I have been naking these for years and I have found that if you store them in an air tight container, the rice krispies will get soft.

  57. SJ says:

    Haven't made yet, looks amazing. Is the nutrition information for 1 ball?

  58. Jeff Pulliam says:

    They are really good

    Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (9)

  59. Momma Cyd says:

    The nutrition facts are for one ball.

  60. Jan Kimberly says:

    A sweet young military wife brought these over as a welcome-to-the-neighborhood treat 30 years ago! She had no idea what an obsession she would cause and a wonderful family tradition that sprang from her welcome treat. We changed it up a bit to fit our family but they remain the original recipe. We put them in cupcake wrappers and leave the toothpick in so they are a fun finger food without getting too sticky. We make dozens at a time so we put them in foil pans and stick in the freezer until we are ready to eat. It only takes about 10 minutes to come to room temp and my kids just never waited that long anyway. We have given them as gifts, taken them as a party dessert, and treated school chums on the last day of school. Always a hit and always "Can you give the recipe please?". Keep passing this treat on to others because it is for sure a keeper and a delicious tradition to carry on.

    Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (10)

  61. Nancy says:

    Making these for a Halloween party!

  62. Kitten says:

    I made it with small marshmallows and left the toothpicks in. They turned out awesome.

  63. Josie says:

    These are super easy and very yummy!

  64. Angie says:

    Could you dust with a sugar/cinnamon mixture or brown sugar/cinnamon mix as the final step?

  65. Momma Cyd says:

    You could certainly add the dusting of cinnamon and sugar. You would want to do it while the caramel is still soft so it will cling to the cookie ball.

  66. Roxanne says:

    So delicious!!!

    Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (11)

  67. Loretta says:

    How much butter do you use?? It doesn't say?

  68. Momma Cyd says:

    Scroll down farther in the post and you'll see the full recipe card. It has all of the ingredient amounts and instructions.

  69. Cindy says:

    Made these today! Simple recipe. Taking to my grandchildren tomorrow!

    Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (12)

  70. Michelle says:

    I want to try these. I love salted caramel…has anyone tried sprinkling a little kosher salt on the caramel before rolling in the crispies or using a salted caramel recipe?

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (13)

About The Author:

Momma Cyd

Cyd is the mom of the six sisters and joined the team early on to help out. She shares the best of the best recipes from her kitchen, as well as responds to all the questions and comments on every post.

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Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why won't my marshmallows melt for Rice Krispies? ›

It's tempting to turn up the heat to speed up melting the butter and marshmallows, but resist the urge. High heat is the prime culprit for rock hard rice krispie treats. → Follow this tip: It will take a few more minutes of cook time, but melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat.

Why isn't my marshmallow melting? ›

The number one reason I find this happens is because you are using old marshmallows. As soon as they start getting that dry exterior, their melting capacity goes down the drain. Save yourself the hassle and set those marshmallows aside for s'mores.

What happens if you put too much butter in Rice Krispie Treats? ›

What happens if you put too much butter in Rice Krispies Treats? If you put too much butter in rice krispies treats they will become oily, the cereal will soak up the butter and the treats will become soggy, rather than crispy.

Why are my homemade rice crispy treats so hard? ›

If you melt the marshmallows too fast, it might result in a Rice Kripsy treat that is harder and crunchy than chewy. Take your time and let the butter and marshmallows melt slowly. Use an 8×8 or slightly smaller pan. Use a small and deep pan if you want thick and chewy rice Krispy treats.

Do you add butter to melt marshmallows? ›

However, if you need the marshmallows to be melted for use in a recipe like a mousse or cereal bar, then it's best to do so very gently in a saucepan, ideally with other ingredients like butter, milk or water, depending on your recipe.

How do you make marshmallows melt faster? ›

Add your mini marshmallows to the oiled pot, turn the hob to low or low-medium, and start stirring. Adding a little water helps the melting process, too. You'll need about three or four tablespoons of water for 16 ounces to 20 ounces of marshmallows.

Why won't my rice crispy treats harden? ›

Why won't my rice crispy treats harden? If the treats are soft and falling apart, it. could be because you're trying to cut them when they're too warm. Let them cool to room temperature and try again.

What makes marshmallows melt? ›

“The melting point of gelatin is about 95 °F (35 °C), which is just below normal body temperature,” Wright said in an email. “This contributes to how marshmallow melts smoothly in the mouth when eaten.” Candymakers can change the texture of gelatin-containing foods by varying how much gelatin they use, Hartel says.

At what temperature does marshmallows melt? ›

By 95° it is a puddle. I got around 92° for its melting point in a quick experiment I did using a double boiler and my trusty kitchen thermometer.

Why can't Muslims eat rice krispie treats? ›

What about Rice Crispy Treats that have marshmallows in them, are they Haram too? Yes, they also use gelatin from pork. All pig products like pork are Haram (forbidden) for Muslims to eat.

Why are my rice krispie treats falling apart? ›

9 -Troubleshooting: do your rice krispie treats fall apart? You've either used too much butter or haven't pressed it down in the tin enough. 10 - Rice krispie treats will last for up to a week like this or freeze for up to 2 months. They do not need to be refrigerated.

Why are my homemade rice crispy treats so sticky? ›

The perfect Rice Krispie Treat requires the perfect ratio of butter to marshmallow to rice cereal. Too much marshmallow and butter can make a super sticky, wet or soggy slice, while too little makes a hard, dry or crumbly one.

Can you use old marshmallows for rice krispie treats? ›

Stale Marshmallows

You can but I would not recommend it. The marshmallows will clump instead of melting into a nice even goo. Stick to fresh marshmallows for your treats and save the stale ones for a cup of hot chocolate later.

What can you do with expired marshmallows? ›

Marshmallows don't really go “bad” that I am aware of. Personally, I would try to use them. You can soften hard marshmallows by dipping a sealed bag in a hot pot of water boiling for a couple of minutes. The expiration date is just a best by date.

Why isn t my marshmallow mixture thickening? ›

The marshmallow needs to be whipped till it makes stiff peaks. At this stage, the marshmallow can hold a soft shape for a moment before collapsing back into itself. If the mixture cannot do this, it will be too runny. If you mix past this point, you'll have a thick, rigid that doesn't spread easily in your pan.

Can you use hard marshmallows for Rice Krispies? ›

Recipe Notes

* Make sure your marshmallows are fresh. Stale, hard marshmallows won't result in nice, chewy bars. ** Any brand is fine, but be sure the cereal you use is fresh. Stale cereal will make for stale-tasting Rice Crispy Treats.

Can you use hard marshmallows for Rice Krispie Treats? ›

Stale Marshmallows

You can but I would not recommend it. The marshmallows will clump instead of melting into a nice even goo. Stick to fresh marshmallows for your treats and save the stale ones for a cup of hot chocolate later.

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