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Cinnamon Roll Rice Krispie Treats

These Cinnamon Roll Rice Krispie Treats are a fun twist on classic homemade Rice Krispie treats! Made with buttery marshmallows, brown sugar, cinnamon, and crispy rice cereal, then topped with a pretty swirl of vanilla frosting, they taste like a cinnamon roll turned into an easy no-bake treat.

The brown sugar and cinnamon are added right to the melted butter before the marshmallows go in, so that warm cinnamon roll flavor is mixed throughout every bite. Once the treats are set and cut into squares, a swirl of vanilla frosting on top makes each one look like a little frosted cinnamon roll.

They’re easy, gooey, and perfect for fall, holidays, bake sales, parties, or anytime you’re craving cinnamon rolls but don’t want to make dough!

Rice Krispie Treats That Taste Like Cinnamon Rolls

The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon is what transforms these from ordinary Rice Krispie treats into something that tastes like a cinnamon roll.

Adding both ingredients directly to the melted butter allows that flavor to become part of the marshmallow mixture rather than simply sprinkling cinnamon over the finished treats.

Then there’s the vanilla frosting.

Instead of spreading frosting over the entire pan, I like piping a swirl onto each individual square. It’s an easy decorating trick, but it immediately makes the treats look like little cinnamon rolls.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Set Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12–16 treats

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (10 ounces) mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 container vanilla frosting

Instructions

1. Lightly butter or spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Add the butter to a large saucepan and melt over low to medium-low heat.
3. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the melted butter. Stir until well combined and the brown sugar begins to dissolve into the butter.
4. Add the mini marshmallows and continue stirring over low heat until they’re completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
6. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until all of the cereal is evenly coated in the cinnamon marshmallow mixture.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
8. Using a buttered spatula or a piece of parchment paper, gently press the mixture into an even layer. Don’t pack the cereal down too firmly or the treats can become hard.
9. Let the Rice Krispie treats cool and set for about 30 minutes.
10. Remove from the pan and cut into squares.
11. Spoon the vanilla frosting into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
12. Starting in the center of each square, pipe the frosting in a spiral to create a cinnamon roll swirl on top.
13. Serve and enjoy!

Don’t Press the Treats Too Firmly

This is one of the most important tricks for making soft and gooey homemade Rice Krispie treats.

When you transfer the mixture to the baking dish, press it down just enough to create an even layer.

If you pack the cereal mixture firmly into the pan, you’ll end up with dense, hard treats instead of that soft, chewy texture everyone loves.

I like using a piece of parchment paper or a lightly buttered spatula to gently press everything into place.

Vanilla Frosting Swirls

The frosting is what makes these treats extra cute!

Transfer vanilla frosting to a piping bag and pipe a spiral onto each square, beginning in the center and working outward.

You can use store-bought vanilla frosting to keep the recipe incredibly easy, or use homemade vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting.

Cream cheese frosting would be especially delicious if you want an even stronger cinnamon roll flavor.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Rice Krispie Treats

Use fresh marshmallows. Fresh, soft marshmallows melt much better and help create gooey treats.

Keep the heat low. High heat can make the marshmallow mixture too hot and result in harder treats after they cool.

Don’t overcook the marshmallows. As soon as they’re smooth and melted, remove the pan from the heat.

Don’t overpack the cereal. A light touch keeps the treats soft.

Let them cool before frosting. If the treats are still warm, your pretty vanilla swirls may melt.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Rice Krispie Treats

Store the finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2–3 days.

Place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the frosting from sticking.

For the softest texture, Rice Krispie treats are best enjoyed within the first day or two.

Easy Cinnamon Roll Dessert

If you love the flavor of cinnamon rolls but want something incredibly simple, these Cinnamon Roll Rice Krispie Treats are such a fun recipe to try.

You get buttery brown sugar and cinnamon, gooey melted marshmallows, crispy cereal, and a sweet vanilla frosting swirl in every square.

And best of all, there’s no yeast, no rising, and no baking required.

They’re cinnamon rolls meets Rice Krispie treats—and they might just become your new favorite version of this classic no-bake dessert!