Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

1. In a large mixing bowl, measure out the crispy rice cereal and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan and stir until they are completely melted and smooth.
3. Once the marshmallows are melted, add the caramel squares to the saucepan, along with the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the caramel squares are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the caramel marshmallow mixture over the crispy rice cereal in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the mixture until the cereal is evenly coated.
5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is safe to handle. Then, using greased hands or a greased cookie scoop, shape the mixture into balls of your desired size and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. If desired, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the tops of the rice krispie balls for extra sweetness and decoration. You can also sprinkle them with sprinkles or crushed nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
7. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice krispie balls are firm and set.
8. Once firm, remove the rice krispie balls from the refrigerator and transfer them to a serving platter or airtight container for storage.
9. Serve the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls as a sweet and satisfying snack or dessert. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Be sure to stir the marshmallow and caramel mixture constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
• Use a non-stick saucepan or spray the saucepan with cooking spray before melting the marshmallows to prevent sticking.
• If the caramel marshmallow mixture becomes too thick to stir, you can return it to the heat briefly to soften it up again.
• For an extra decadent touch, you can dip the rice krispie balls in melted chocolate before chilling them in the refrigerator.
• Store any leftover rice krispie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of crispy rice cereal, marshmallow, and caramel into bite-sized balls of chewy goodness. Whether enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert, these indulgent treats are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring joy to any occasion. So why not gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls today? Your taste buds will thank you!