If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats with a delightful twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Marshmallow Crispy Cookies (Costco Copycat) Recipe. These cookies capture the irresistible combination of chewy, crispy, and sweet, all wrapped up in the glorious browning of butter and the playful crunch of Rice Krispies. Think of your favorite cozy snack, amplified by gooey mini marshmallows that add that extra pop of fun and softness. This recipe brings the magic of a beloved Costco favorite right into your kitchen, perfect for sharing or satisfying your own sweet tooth whenever that craving hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Marshmallow Crispy Cookies (Costco Copycat) Recipe just right depends on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the rich nuttiness of browned butter to the textural pop of Rice Krispies and the melt-in-your-mouth delight of mini marshmallows.
- Salted butter (½ cup): Browning the butter adds a nutty, deep flavor that’s key to these cookies.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup): Brings moistness and a caramel note that complements the butter perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Keeps the cookie crisp and sweet without overpowering.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Use vanilla paste if you have it for an extra rich, aromatic touch.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly and adds lightness.
- Salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons): The structure builder for the perfect chewy cookie texture.
- Rice Krispie cereal (1½ cups): Adds that signature crispy crunch that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Mini marshmallows (⅔ cup): They melt just enough to create pockets of gooey sweetness throughout.
- Flaked salt (for topping): A sprinkle enhances flavor complexity and highlights the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Marshmallow Crispy Cookies (Costco Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s ready to bake these golden beauties to perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. This small prep step sets you up for cookie success!
Step 2: Brown the Butter
This is where your cookies get their deep, buttery flavor. Melt the ½ cup salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, and keep cooking it beyond the foaming stage. Watch carefully as it transforms into a rich golden brown and fills your kitchen with that irresistible nutty aroma. Stir constantly to avoid burning—once browned, transfer it to a bowl and chill in the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes until it cools slightly.
Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugars
Combine the browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Beat in the egg and vanilla on low speed until smooth, approximately 30 seconds. This mixture will be the luscious base that makes these cookies so tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the salt, baking soda, and flour, taking care not to over-mix, which can make cookies tough. The goal here is a soft dough that’s ready to cuddle the crispy and gooey components.
Step 5: Fold in Rice Krispies and Mini Marshmallows
Now for the fun part: first fold in the Rice Krispie cereal for that signature crunch. Follow this by gently folding in the mini marshmallows, ensuring they’re evenly distributed but not squished too much, so they keep their delightful gooey texture when baked.
Step 6: Scoop and Spread
Using a 3-tablespoon scoop or your hands, form large balls of dough and place 4-5 on your prepared baking sheet, giving them plenty of room. These cookies spread thin and wide, so spacing is key to perfect shape and texture.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, watching carefully for a light golden edge; the center should remain chewy. Right out of the oven, sprinkle with a pinch of flaked salt to elevate the flavors. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet before moving them to a wire rack, so the marshmallows set beautifully without sticking.
How to Serve Marshmallow Crispy Cookies (Costco Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
While the flaked salt on top is a must, feel free to experiment with a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra flair. These additions add not only an aesthetic boost but also new layers of flavor that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic alongside a tall glass of cold milk, rich coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate, which perfectly complements their sweet and crunchy profile. For a fun twist, serve them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to balance sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Marshmallow Crispy Cookies (Costco Copycat) Recipe into a fun party platter by stacking them with other treats like fudge brownies and caramel popcorn. Or create cookie sandwiches with marshmallow fluff or ice cream for an indulgent twist that will wow family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your extra cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy that delightful texture again and again.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch and save for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will hold up well for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring your frozen Marshmallow Crispy Cookies (Costco Copycat) Recipe back to life, simply warm them briefly in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This warms the marshmallows slightly and revives that freshly baked feel without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular marshmallows for mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can chop regular marshmallows into smaller pieces to approximate the texture and distribution. Mini marshmallows melt evenly throughout the cookie, so chopping helps mimic that effect.
What makes browning the butter so important in this recipe?
Browned butter adds a deep, nutty richness and complexity to these cookies that you just can’t get with plain melted butter. It’s the flavor secret that makes this copycat recipe stand out.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. To make a gluten-free version, substitute a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the Rice Krispies used are gluten-free, as some brands contain malt flavoring.
Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
While Rice Krispies provide a unique crisp texture, you could experiment with similar light, crispy cereals. Just note that changes might affect the cookie’s crunch and visual appeal.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from melting completely?
Folding marshmallows gently into the dough and baking for just the right amount of time helps keep marshmallow pockets gooey but intact. Overbaking can melt them completely, so watch the bake time carefully.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and wonderfully fun about the Marshmallow Crispy Cookies (Costco Copycat) Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet treat with a twist. The chewy centers, crispy edges, and those gooey marshmallow bursts come together in a way that feels like a warm hug from your oven. Whether it’s for family, friends, or just a well-deserved snack, these cookies deliver every time. Give them a try and get ready to smile with every bite!
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Marshmallow Crispy Cookies (Costco Copycat) Recipe
These Marshmallow Crispy Cookies are a delightful Costco copycat recipe featuring a rich browned butter base, crispy rice cereal, and mini marshmallows for a chewy, sweet treat topped with a touch of flaked salt. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a crunchy and gooey texture combined in every bite.
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 13 servings
Ingredients
Butter and Sugar Mixture
- ½ cup salted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste
Dry Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Add-ins
- 1½ cups Rice Krispie cereal
- ⅔ cup mini marshmallows
Topping
- Flaked salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Browning the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the ½ cup of salted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking past the melting stage, stirring constantly until the butter foams and then turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma. Be vigilant to avoid burning. Once browned, transfer the butter to a bowl and chill in the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes to cool.
- Combine Butter and Sugars: In a medium mixing bowl, mix the cooled browned butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla and mix on low speed until smooth, about 30 seconds.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredient mixture, mixing slowly to incorporate without over mixing, which keeps the cookies tender.
- Fold in Cereal and Marshmallows: Carefully fold in the Rice Krispie cereal first, then gently fold in the mini marshmallows to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into large balls. Arrange 4-5 cookies per lined baking sheet, spacing them apart as the cookies will spread thinly during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. Avoid overbaking to preserve the chewy center texture.
- Add Topping: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle with flaked salt while the cookies are still warm for a perfect sweet-salty balance.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your crispy, chewy marshmallow cookies!
Notes
- Use room temperature egg for better incorporation into the dough.
- Watch the butter carefully while browning to avoid burning, stirring continuously.
- The cookies spread thinly, so give enough space on the baking sheet to prevent sticking together.
- Flaked salt topping enhances the flavor and gives a nice salty crunch but can be omitted if preferred.
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or two.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American