I'm a big fan of whoever discovered the rice krispie, marshmallow, and butter combination. Since I was a child, I've always loved marshmallows. S'mores, rice krispie treats, Peeps candy, you name it, I loved it. There were a few birthdays that I remember my great grandma giving me a bag of fruity marshmallows; I couldn't have been happier! (confession: I still sometimes buy bags of fruity marshmallows to enjoy...problem is they don't last more than a few days around the house unless I hide them from myself!)

As a marshmallow lover, I knew I would love these cookies and cream rice krispie treats. Rice krispie treats are great on their own...but mix them with oreos and you have a surefire win! The night I made these I was in a bit of a rush and my mind was elsewhere. Despite my unintentional attempts to ruin these (suggestion: don't use regular-sized marshmallows and there's no need to refrigerate them before serving!), they still turned out. Next time I'd top with a semi-sweet chocolate frosting rather than milk chocolate, but that's just a personal preference.

Now I'm determined to find more ways to kick up rice krispie treats. What other candies or cookies could mix in? I'm thinking something caramely...rolos maybe? Hmm, stay tuned...



Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats
inspired by Annie's Eats
Ingredients:
-6 tbsp unsalted butter
-10 oz. mini marshmallows
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-6 cups Rice Krispies
-20 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped
-4 oz milk or semi-sweet chocolate

Directions:
1. Grease a 9 x 13 pan. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
2. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and Rice Krispies. Gently stir in chopped cookies until well combined.
3. Press cereal mixture into the pan and allow to cool.
4. Melt chocolate (microwave or double boiler) and spread over Rice Krispie treats. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. (Can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days)