1-First Step: Prepare Your Pan and Workspace. Start by preparing your pan before you begin cooking. A 9×13 inch pan works well for standard-sized squares. You can either grease the pan with a little butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Lining with parchment paper is often the better choice because it allows you to lift the entire block of treats out of the pan for easier cutting. Set your prepared pan aside and measure out all your ingredients so they’re ready to go.

2-Second Step: Melt the Butter. Place a large pot on the stove and turn the heat to low. Add your butter and allow it to melt slowly. Using low heat is important because it prevents the butter from browning or burning. You want the butter to melt gently and evenly. Once the butter has completely melted, you’re ready for the next step. The pot needs to be large enough to hold all the cereal and allow room for stirring, so choose accordingly.

3-Third Step: Add and Melt the Marshmallows. Add your marshmallows to the melted butter. If you’re using regular-sized marshmallows, you may want to cut them in half first to help them melt more quickly. Stir continuously as the marshmallows begin to melt. Keep the heat on low and be patient, as rushing this step can cause the marshmallows to scorch. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes depending on the size of your marshmallows. According to expert bakers at Sugar Spun Run, the key to perfect treats lies in not overcooking the marshmallow mixture.

4-Fourth Step: Add Vanilla Extract. Once your marshmallows have melted into a smooth, glossy mixture with the butter, remove the pot from the heat. This is the time to stir in your vanilla extract if you’re using it. Adding the vanilla off the heat helps preserve its delicate flavor, as high heat can cause some of the aromatic compounds to evaporate. Stir the vanilla in thoroughly so it’s evenly distributed throughout the marshmallow mixture.

5-Fifth Step: Incorporate the Rice Cereal. Now it’s time to add your puffed rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Pour all six cups of cereal into the pot at once. Using a large wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula, begin folding the cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Work gently but efficiently to coat all the cereal pieces evenly. You want every piece of cereal to be coated with the marshmallow mixture, but you don’t want to crush the cereal by pressing too hard. Continue stirring until no dry cereal remains visible and everything is well combined.

6-Sixth Step: Press into the Prepared Pan. Transfer the cereal mixture to your prepared pan. This is where many people struggle because the mixture is sticky and hot. There are several techniques you can use to make this easier. One option is to lightly grease your hands with a little butter or cooking spray and press the mixture down with your palms. Another option is to use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to press down on the mixture without it sticking to your hands. Press the mixture evenly into the corners and across the entire pan to create a uniform thickness throughout.

7-Seventh Step: Cool and Cut into Squares. Allow your Rice Krispie Treats to cool completely before cutting. This typically takes about 30-60 minutes at room temperature. Trying to cut them while they’re still warm will result in messy, misshapen squares. Once cooled, lift the entire block out of the pan if you used parchment paper, or cut directly in the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into 24 squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for the neatest results.