If you’re looking for a patriotic dessert that actually holds its shape, stays soft, and gets eaten first, this is it. These 4th of July Rice Krispies Treats are buttery, gooey, and topped with festive sprinkles. They’re the right amount of chewy with just enough crunch. And because I add whole mini marshmallows back in at the end, you get those perfect little pockets of fluff in every bite.
Ingredient Notes + Variations
This is your classic Rice Krispies base with a couple of easy tweaks to make it extra soft and festive. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rice Krispies cereal– Stick with the name brand if you can. Off-brand cereals tend to get soggy faster.
- Mini marshmallows– Using two bags means you get the best of both: melted and whole. That’s the secret to the perfect texture.
- Salted butter– Adds flavor and balances the sweetness. Unsalted will work in a pinch, but you might want to add a tiny pinch of salt.
- Vanilla extract– Rounds out the flavor and gives it that homemade taste.
- 4th of July sprinkles– Red, white, and blue jimmies work best here because they won’t bleed as much as sanding sugar.
How to Make July 4th Rice Krispies Treats
This recipe is fast, easy, and totally foolproof. You’ll melt, stir, press, and let them set. Full printable recipe card is below, but here’s a breakdown to show just how easy it is:
Step 1: Prep Pan & Tools
Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper. Spray a large pot and a rubber spatula with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Melt Butter & Marshmallows
melt butter
melt in marshmallows and add vanilla extract
Step 3: Add Cereal + Extra Marshmallows & Sprinkles
fold in cereal and the reserved mini marshmallows & sprinkles
press into pan, top with more sprinkles, and let sit for at least an hour before cutting
Tips for Success
- Use fresh marshmallows. Stale ones won’t melt right and can mess up the texture.
- Stir gently when folding in cereal to avoid crushing it.
- Spray your hands (or a spatula) with cooking spray to press the treats into the pan without sticking.
- Don’t skip the set time. They need it to firm up properly.
These are the kind of treats you’ll be glad you made early. No oven, no stress, and they always disappear first. Happy Independence Day everyone!
July 4th Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 20 oz mini marshmallows divided
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red, white & blue sprinkles or patriotic jimmies
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper. Set aside. Spray a large pot and a rubber spatula with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the marshmallows, reserving about 2 cups of them. Stir constantly with rubber spatula until melted and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- Working quickly, add the cereal and the reserved 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Fold into the marshmallow mixture.
- When almost combined, add in about 1/3 cup of the sprinkles. Mix until the sprinkles are evenly combined throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down until it is flat.
- Top with remaining sprinkles and let set at room temperature for at least an hour.
- Remove from the baking dish and cut into squares.
