Avoid The Mess Of Cutting Rice Krispie Treats (Just Use A Muffin Tin)

We all have a snack that stirs up nostalgia. For some, it's the Rice Krispie treat. There's something about the combination of crunchy puffed rice held together with buttery marshmallow that is uniquely satisfying. They were originally invented in the 1930s by Mildred Day, an employee of Kellogg's. According to the Des Moines Register, Day's daughter didn't even know her mother had invented them until years later. The recipe first appeared on a cereal box in 1940, and since then the treats have become a mainstay of childhood thanks to their marshmallow goodness and simple preparation.

With that ooey-gooey, buttery stickiness comes one major problem: getting them out of the pan. For a treat that is easy to make, it can be incredibly messy. The sharpest of knives is no match for the marshmallow tendrils that cling to each piece of puffed rice, and it's often a wrestling match to free them from the pan. The result is that it's rare to have picture-perfect Krispie treats; they wind up misshapen and nebulous. There's a way to avoid this fate, and it's as simple as using a muffin tin.

The secret to achieving perfectly portioned Rice Krispie treats every time without the mess is simple: Use a muffin tin. Instead of battling a field of marshmallows with a knife and spatula, make it simple from the get-go. Muffin tins provide a way to make individual treats that are uniform and easy to get out of the pan. They also offer a range of sizes, from mini treats to oversized ones, so you can find the mold that fits your occasion.

The trick is simple: Prepare your Rice Krispie treat base as usual, but instead of using a greased baking dish, lightly grease a muffin tin to use instead. Not only are these treats the perfect size for kids to eat, they're a great kitchen project to share. After you've handled the work on the stovetop, kids can help you press the treats into pans.

If you're having kids help, it's fun to let them dress their Rice Krispie treats up. It's incredibly easy to take those treats to the next level. That mellow marshmallow flavor is a great foundation to build on with various mix-ins and variations. Chocolate chips, unmelted marshmallows, and mini chocolate candies add extra fun when pressed into the treats. You can also top them with sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or even a dusting of edible glitter. Let your imagination (and your kids) go wild!

Of course, there's nothing saying that Rice Krispie treats are just for children — they're a favorite for all ages. So if sparkles and chocolate chips aren't your thing, don't worry. Mix in some peanut butter when melting the marshmallow for a sweet bite with some nuttiness. Instead of chocolate chips, try adding some chopped dried cherries for something that's fruity and perfect for an adult's developed palate. Get out the muffin tin and the marshmallows and start experimenting.