The smell of warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness wafts through the air as you prepare to make these Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch. Just imagine the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the delightful sweet crunch of cinnamon sugar—it’s truly a bite of nostalgic magic. These treats remind me of cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter and sugar-dusted memories were the order of the day. As the holiday season approaches, there’s something heartwarming about whipping up a batch of these bars. They’re not just a treat; they’re a hug in dessert form!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

Whipping up a batch of these treats is not only a delightful adventure in the kitchen but also a fantastic way to connect with family and friends. The best part? They come together in less than half an hour! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make a snack that will leave everyone reaching for seconds and thirds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Perfect for a busy day, you can make these in just 20 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: They combine the comforting flavors of churros with the classic chewiness of Rice Krispie treats—what’s not to love?
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their sweet cinnamon sugar coating, they look as good as they taste.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a cozy movie night or festive gatherings, these treats fit any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free diets with certified gluten-free Rice Krispies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rice Krispies cereal: This is the base of your treats. Look for the classic version for that familiar crunch.
Mini marshmallows (10 oz): These give the delightful gooey texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use regular-sized marshmallows; just use about 2 cups.
Unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick): Brown the butter for that extra nuttiness. If you prefer, you can swap in coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor. Always go for pure vanilla to ensure the best taste.
Ground cinnamon (1½ tsp): Key to achieving that churro flavor. Feel free to add more if you’re a cinnamon lover!
Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Adds a rich sweetness and deep flavor profile.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup for topping): It balances the cinnamon nicely. You can use coconut sugar for a more health-conscious option if desired.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp for topping): Another layer of that beloved cinnamon flavor.
Nonstick spray or butter: Greasing the pan ensures your bars come out perfectly.

How to Make Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

BROWN THE BUTTER: In a large pot over medium heat, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter while stirring continuously. As it melts, it will foam and turn golden brown—this takes about 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as brown bits will form at the bottom, and this is what adds a lovely depth of flavor to your treats.

ADD MARSHMALLOWS & SPICES: Once the butter is perfectly browned, reduce the heat to low. Add 10 oz of mini marshmallows, 1½ tsp of ground cinnamon, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Stir constantly until the marshmallows melt into a smooth, glossy mixture that coats your spatula in sweetness.

STIR IN CEREAL: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Work quickly to ensure all the cereal is well-coated with the marshmallow mixture, which includes those delicious brown bits of butter.

ADD EXTRA MARSHMALLOWS: Gently fold in the remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows. These will remain intact, offering delightful pockets of gooey marshmallow throughout your crunchy bars.

PRESS INTO PAN: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter. Using a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper, press the mixture evenly into the pan without packing it down too tightly. You want them soft and chewy, not like a brick!

ADD THE CHURRO TOPPING: In a small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon. While the bars are still warm, sprinkle this sweet mixture generously over the top so it adheres beautifully.

COOL & CUT: Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature, which should take about 30–45 minutes. Once set, cut into 16 squares and serve up these dreamy bars to eager hands!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you prefer, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the squares in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for an hour, or give them a quick reheating in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to reclaim their gooey goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be vigilant while browning the butter; it can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Don’t press the mixture too firmly into the pan; a gentle touch keeps the treats soft and chewy.
Consider adding a pinch of salt to counterbalance the sweetness if that’s to your taste.
These treats are customizable! Try sprinkling in chocolate chips or other add-ins.
If you use gluten-free Rice Krispies, this recipe can be made gluten-free!

The combination of flavors and textures in these Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch makes them an absolute joy to share. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these delicious bars are meant to bring smiles. Plus, the ease of preparation invites playful experimentation—feel free to add swirls of caramel or drizzles of chocolate to make it your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! If you only have regular marshmallows on hand, you can use about 2 cups as a substitute for the mini marshmallows. Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they melt evenly.

How can I make these treats gluten-free?

To make your Easy Churro Rice Krispie Treats gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a delicious option for anyone avoiding gluten.

Can I add other flavors to the recipe?

Of course! This recipe serves as a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a hint of nutmeg for a different twist. The possibilities are endless!

How should I store leftovers?

To store any leftover treats, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept for up to a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator. For longer preservation, freeze for up to three months, then thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy again.