Name: Churro Rice Krispie Treats: Easy Cinnamon Sugar Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24 treats
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons salted butter, plus extra for the pan; 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 12 ounces mini marshmallows (about 7 1/2 cups); 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; For topping: 1/4 cup granulated sugar; For topping: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Churro Rice Krispie Treats – prepare yourselves for a dessert revelation that masterfully merges two beloved classics into one irresistible, no-bake sensation! Have you ever dreamt of savoring the warm, comforting spice of a freshly fried churro without the need for a deep fryer, all while enjoying the delightful crunch and chew of your favorite childhood snack? Well, your culinary dreams are about to come true. I am absolutely thrilled to share with you a recipe that takes the nostalgic joy of crispy, marshmallow-bound cereal treats and infuses them with the iconic flavors and textures of a beloved Spanish and Mexican delicacy.

The traditional churro, a delightful fried dough pastry often dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with hot chocolate, holds a special place in countless cultures, evoking memories of festive markets and cozy cafes. Meanwhile, the humble Rice Krispie Treat has been a go-to for generations, celebrated for its incredible simplicity and universally appealing gooey, crisp texture. This innovative fusion brings the best of both worlds together. People adore these Churro Rice Krispie Treats not only for their ingenious combination of sweet, spiced cinnamon sugar with chewy marshmallow and crunchy cereal but also for their incredible ease of preparation. They’re quick, mess-free, and deliver an explosion of comforting flavors and satisfying textures in every single bite – perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or simply a delightful treat any day of the week.

Ingredients:

For the Churro Rice Krispie Treats Base:
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 1 (10-ounce/283g) bag mini marshmallows (about 5 ½ cups)
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract (I always go for a good quality one; it really makes a difference!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, preferably a fragrant, fresh variety like Ceylon or Vietnamese
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (crucial for balancing all that sweetness)
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal (the classic brand works perfectly, of course!)
For the Irresistible Churro Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (again, fresh is best here for maximum churro punch!)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted (this helps the sugar stick wonderfully!)

Preparing Your Workspace and Tools for the Ultimate Churro Rice Krispie Treats

Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s get everything ready. Trust me, with Churro Rice Krispie Treats, once you start melting the marshmallows, things move quickly, and you’ll want to be prepared! First, take a 9×13-inch baking pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates convenient “handles” that will make lifting your finished treats out of the pan incredibly easy. If you don’t have parchment paper, a thorough greasing with butter or non-stick cooking spray will work just fine. Make sure to get into all the corners and up the sides!
Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Make sure it’s big enough to comfortably hold all 6 cups of crispy rice cereal, with plenty of room for mixing. Set this aside near your stovetop.
Measure out all your ingredients for both the base and the coating. This is what we call “mise en place” in the cooking world – everything in its place. Having your butter, marshmallows, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and cereal pre-measured will ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking process, which is key for perfect Churro Rice Krispie Treats.
For the churro sugar coating, mix the ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small, shallow bowl. Give it a good whisk with a fork until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Set this aside. This sweet, spiced blend is what truly transforms these into Churro Rice Krispie Treats, so don’t skimp on this step!
Finally, prepare a heat-proof rubber spatula or a sturdy wooden spoon. If you can, butter it lightly or spray it with non-stick spray – this will prevent the sticky marshmallow mixture from adhering too much, making your life much easier during the mixing and pressing stages.

Crafting the Irresistible Churro Sugar Coating

Even though we prepped this earlier, let’s talk about the importance of this churro sugar coating. This is where the magic really happens for our homemade Churro Rice Krispie Treats. In your small, shallow bowl, combine the ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Mix thoroughly: Use a fork or a small whisk to blend the sugar and cinnamon together until the mixture is uniform in color and texture. You want every grain of sugar to be infused with that warm, inviting cinnamon aroma. I sometimes even use a small spice grinder if my cinnamon isn’t super fine, just to ensure it blends seamlessly. This coating isn’t just an afterthought; it’s the defining characteristic that elevates these treats from simple crispy squares to truly special Churro Rice Krispie Treats.
Set this bowl aside for later. We’ll be using this delightful mixture as the grand finale for our treats, giving them that iconic churro finish that will have everyone reaching for more.

Melting the Marshmallow Magic (Churro-Style!)

Now for the heart of our easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats! In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. The key here is “low heat.” We want the butter to melt gently, not brown or scorch. This initial step sets the stage for a smooth, creamy marshmallow base.
Once the butter has completely melted and is shimmering in the pot, add the entire 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously with your prepared buttered spatula or spoon. Keep the heat on low! Patience is a virtue here. High heat will cause your marshmallows to seize up and become tough, creating hard Churro Rice Krispie Treats, which is the opposite of what we want. We’re aiming for a perfectly smooth, luscious, gooey consistency.
Continue to stir gently until the marshmallows are about 75% melted. You’ll see them transforming from solid puffs into a sticky, bubbly, molten pool. At this point, you might still see a few small lumps, and that’s perfectly fine.
Infusing the Churro Flavor into the Marshmallow Base: This is where we truly build the churro foundation for our Churro Rice Krispie Treats! Once your marshmallows are mostly melted, remove the pot from the heat. Immediately stir in the 1 ½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Stir vigorously until everything is fully incorporated and the marshmallow mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. The vanilla adds a beautiful depth of flavor, the cinnamon weaves in that warm, spiced note characteristic of churros, and the salt acts as a fantastic counterpoint, preventing the treats from being overly sweet. You’ll notice the marshmallow mixture take on a beautiful, light golden-brown hue, and the aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly – a sure sign of amazing Churro Rice Krispie Treats in the making!

Combining Cereal and Marshmallow Perfection

With your marshmallow base perfectly smooth and fragrant, it’s time to bring in the star: the crispy rice cereal! Pour all 6 cups of crispy rice cereal into the large mixing bowl you prepared earlier.
Pour and fold quickly: Immediately pour the warm, churro-infused marshmallow mixture over the crispy rice cereal in the bowl. Don’t hesitate here; the marshmallow mixture starts to set as it cools, so speed is your friend.
Using your buttered rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently but swiftly fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture. The goal is to coat every single piece of cereal evenly without crushing too many of them. Be careful not to press down too hard or stir too aggressively, as this can break up the cereal and lead to a denser, less airy Churro Rice Krispie Treat. Use a lifting and folding motion, turning the mixture over on itself until all the cereal is glistening with the sticky, spiced marshmallow goodness. This usually takes a minute or two of continuous, mindful folding. You want to see that gorgeous, uniform coating, indicating that every bite will be full of that signature Churro Rice Krispie Treat flavor!

Shaping Your Delicious Churro Rice Krispie Treats

Now it’s time to get these delightful churro crispy treats into their final form! Using your buttered spatula or spoon, transfer the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan.
Press gently and evenly: Here’s a little trick for perfectly even treats: place a piece of parchment paper or waxed paper directly on top of the mixture. Then, use your hands (buttered if not using paper), another piece of parchment paper, or the back of a second buttered spatula to gently press the mixture down into the pan. The key word here is “gently.” You want to create an even, compact layer, but pressing too hard will result in dense, hard Churro Rice Krispie Treats. We’re aiming for that classic chewy-yet-crispy texture. Distribute the pressure evenly across the entire surface until the mixture is spread from edge to edge and has a consistent thickness.
Once pressed, remove the top parchment paper or spatula. Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes. For quicker setting, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the marshmallow to firm up, making the treats easier to cut and handle, and ready for their final churro flourish.

The Grand Finale: Coating Your Churro Rice Krispie Treats

Once your churro marshmallow treats have cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of treats out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
Cut into desired shapes: Using a sharp, buttered knife, cut the slab into your preferred size and shape. Classic squares are always a hit, usually about 2×2 inches, yielding around 24 treats. You could also cut them into rectangles or even use cookie cutters (also buttered!) for fun shapes if you’re feeling extra creative. A buttered knife prevents sticking and ensures clean cuts.
Now for the part that truly makes these Churro Rice Krispie Treats: the coating! Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter for the coating. You can do this in a small microwave-safe bowl (in 15-second intervals) or on the stovetop over very low heat.
Brush and dredge: Take one of your cut Churro Rice Krispie Treats. Using a pastry brush or even just your fingertips, lightly brush all sides of the treat with the melted butter. You don’t need to drench it, just a thin, even layer. This butter acts as the “glue” for our incredible churro sugar coating.
Immediately, while the butter is still wet, place the buttered treat into the shallow bowl of the cinnamon sugar mixture you prepared earlier. Gently roll or dredge the treat, pressing lightly, until all sides are generously coated with the spiced sugar. You want that full “churro” experience in every bite, so don’t be shy with the coating! Repeat this process for each individual treat.
As you finish coating each treat, place them on a clean plate or a wire rack set over parchment paper. The final result will be a batch of truly extraordinary, perfectly spiced churro cereal treats that are both nostalgic and wonderfully unique. These Churro Rice Krispie Treats are an absolute showstopper!

Storage and Serving Suggestions for Your Churro Rice Krispie Treats

Storing for freshness: To keep your Churro Rice Krispie Treats at their absolute best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delicious texture and flavor for up to 3-4 days. I personally find them most delightful on the day they’re made, but they remain incredibly tasty for a few days after. Avoid refrigerating them if possible, as the cold can sometimes make them a bit too hard and less chewy. If you must, let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Serving suggestions: These Churro Rice Krispie Treats are fantastic on their own, a perfect grab-and-go snack or dessert. However, if you want to elevate the experience, consider serving them slightly warmed (a few seconds in the microwave can do wonders!), perhaps with a side of warm chocolate dipping sauce (like a ganache or melted Nutella) for an extra decadent touch. A dollop of dulce de leche or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving could also add an interesting layer of flavor. They are an absolute delight for parties, school lunches, or just a sweet treat for yourself! Enjoy every single cinnamon-spiced bite of your magnificent Churro Rice Krispie Treats!

Conclusion:

So there you have it, folks! We’ve journeyed through the simple, joyful process of creating something truly extraordinary, a treat that transcends the ordinary and brings a fiesta right to your kitchen. These aren’t just any old sweets; they are an experience, a delightful fusion of crispy, chewy, and spiced goodness that will utterly captivate your taste buds. I truly believe that once you take that first bite of these incredible treats, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic. The way the familiar comfort of a classic no-bake dessert meets the warm, inviting spices of a traditional churro is nothing short of magical. It’s a brilliant alchemy of textures and flavors, promising a moment of pure bliss with every single square. Imagine the golden-brown crunch, the soft, yielding chew, and then that incredible burst of cinnamon and sugar – it’s a symphony for your mouth! This recipe isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about crafting happiness, about bringing a smile to faces, and creating memories around a truly unique and utterly irresistible dessert. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours baking. The ease of preparation combined with the spectacular results makes this a standout recipe in my collection, and I know it will quickly become a favorite in yours too. Seriously, prepare for these to disappear quickly because they are that good.

Now, let’s talk about making these already amazing treats even more spectacular or adapting them to your heart’s desire. While they are absolutely perfect on their own, the versatility of these Churro Rice Krispie Treats allows for some delightful experimentation. Picture this: a warm square served alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, perhaps with a drizzle of dulce de leche or chocolate sauce. Talk about an elevated dessert experience! For a party, consider cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arranging them on a platter for easy grab-and-go enjoyment. They make fantastic additions to school lunchboxes (a delightful surprise for the kids!) or as a pick-me-up snack for your afternoon coffee break. Want to get creative? You could fold in some miniature chocolate chips before pressing them into the pan for an extra layer of indulgence. Or, for a truly decadent twist, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top once they’ve cooled would be absolutely divine. If you’re feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of edible glitter along with the cinnamon sugar topping adds a whimsical touch, perfect for celebrations. For those who adore a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into your cinnamon-sugar coating can add a surprisingly delightful kick, mimicking the sophisticated spice blends sometimes found in gourmet chocolates. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box; these treats are robust enough to handle a little culinary adventure!

I genuinely urge you, from the bottom of my heart, to set aside some time this week and give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, not just in the delicious outcome, but in the sheer joy of creating something so wonderfully unique with minimal effort. Imagine the look on your friends’ and family’s faces when you present them with these delightful creations. They truly are conversation starters! And please, please, once you’ve whipped up your own batch of these irresistible churro-inspired delights, don’t keep the deliciousness a secret! I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add any unique twists? What was your favorite part? Share your photos, your triumphs, and even your funny kitchen anecdotes in the comments below or tag me on social media. Your feedback and creative ideas inspire me and countless other home cooks. Let’s build a community around delicious food and shared joy. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the sweet aroma of success!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you store Churro Rice Krispie Treats?

To keep your Churro Rice Krispie Treats fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Lining the container with parchment paper can also help prevent sticking and keep them from drying out. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them hard and less chewy.

Can I make these Churro Rice Krispie Treats ahead of time?

Absolutely! These treats are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them a day or two in advance of when you plan to serve them. Just make sure they are stored properly in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.

What can I use if I don’t have churro seasoning?

No special churro seasoning? No problem! You can easily make your own. A simple mix of ground cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg or even a touch of vanilla extract (added to the melted marshmallow mixture) will get you that lovely, warm churro flavor profile. The key is a generous amount of cinnamon!

Are these Churro Rice Krispie Treats gluten-free?

Yes, they can be! Most Rice Krispies cereals are gluten-free, but it’s always best to double-check the packaging to ensure you’re using a certified gluten-free brand. Marshmallows are typically gluten-free, but always good to check those labels too, especially for any additives.

How long do Churro Rice Krispie Treats last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats typically stay fresh and delicious for about 3-5 days. After that, they might start to lose some of their signature chewiness and become a bit harder.

Can I make them softer or chewier?

Yes! For softer treats, ensure you don’t overcook the marshmallows. Melting them just until smooth is key. Also, when pressing the mixture into the pan, don’t press too firmly; a lighter hand will result in a softer, more tender treat. Using fresh marshmallows also helps a lot!

Can I make a double batch of these treats?

You certainly can! If you’re serving a larger crowd or just want more deliciousness, feel free to double the recipe. You’ll need a larger pan (like a 9×13 inch pan for a double batch, or two 8×8 inch pans) and a bigger pot for melting the marshmallows. Just make sure to adjust your butter and marshmallow amounts proportionally.