I’ve always had a soft spot for anything crispy, gooey, and sweet — and these Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies deliver on all three fronts. The first time I bit into one, I was hooked by the nostalgic crunch of puffed rice cereal, the chewy center laced with melted marshmallow, and that rich buttery cookie base that ties it all together. Inspired by the beloved store-bought version, I decided to try my hand at recreating these golden cookies right in my kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is that it combines two comfort food classics — crispy rice treats and chewy cookies — into one indulgent, bakery-style dessert. Whether you’re making these for a party, a cookie exchange, or just to stash in the pantry for your sweet tooth emergencies, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies Recipe
This cookie is a texture lover’s dream. The puffed rice cereal gives it that light, crispy crunch in every bite, while the marshmallow brings a gooey, stretchy center that oozes nostalgia. The cookie base itself is buttery and soft with just the right amount of chew. It’s a treat that’s rich, fun, and playful — and it tastes just like the ones you get from the Costco bakery.
What Kind of Marshmallows Should I Use?
Mini marshmallows are ideal for this recipe because they melt evenly and distribute gooey pockets throughout the cookie dough. You could also chop up regular-sized marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand, but I wouldn’t recommend using marshmallow fluff — it tends to melt away too much and can create a sticky mess.
Options for Substitutions
- Butter: You can swap with margarine or a dairy-free vegan butter alternative if needed.
- Rice cereal: Any puffed rice cereal will work, though I prefer using the classic Rice Krispies for that familiar flavor and texture.
- Marshmallows: Vegan or flavored marshmallows can be used as long as they’re not too large.
- Flour: You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark both work; dark will give a deeper molasses flavor.
Ingredients for This Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies Recipe
- Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and softness to the cookie base. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugars to create a tender dough.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the cookies, helping them stay chewy.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides a balanced sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- Eggs: Bind the dough together while adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and gives the cookies a warm, familiar flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookie. Keep it spooned and leveled for accurate measurement.
- Baking Soda: Leavens the dough, ensuring the cookies puff up and spread just right.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
- Mini Marshmallows: These are key for the gooey, melted pockets in every cookie.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds the signature crispy texture — a must-have for that classic crunch.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by creaming together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. Proper creaming ensures your cookies bake up soft and thick.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly glossy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture in batches, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix here to avoid tough cookies.
Step 4: Fold in the Cereal and Marshmallows
Use a spatula to gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and mini marshmallows. Be careful not to crush the cereal — you want them to stay whole for that iconic texture.
Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and intensifies the flavor. You can also scoop the dough into balls before chilling for easier handling later.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them a few inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set.
Step 7: Let Them Cool Slightly
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up while staying chewy in the center.
How Long to Prepare the Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies Recipe
From start to finish, these cookies are pretty quick to whip up, especially if you’re in a rush. The dough itself comes together in about 15 minutes, and the cookies bake in just around 10–12 minutes. If you choose to chill the dough (which I highly recommend), you’ll need to add about 30 minutes to the process — but it’s well worth the wait.
- Prep Time: About 15 minutes for gathering ingredients, creaming, mixing, and folding everything together.
- Bake Time: 10 to 12 minutes per batch.
- Chill Time (Optional): 30 minutes to 1 hour to help maintain cookie shape and boost flavor.
Tips for Perfect Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies
- Use room temperature butter for proper creaming.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour — mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough if you want thick, bakery-style cookies that don’t spread too much.
- Add a few extra marshmallows on top before baking for a gooey, photogenic finish.
- Let cookies cool slightly before transferring so they don’t fall apart.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Skipping the chill: Unchilled dough can lead to cookies that spread too thin.
- Using stale cereal: This will make the cookies lose that essential crispy crunch.
- Overbaking: The cookies should still look slightly soft in the center when you pull them from the oven. They’ll continue to cook as they cool.
- Using too many marshmallows: They can melt too much and make the cookies overly sticky.
- Crowding the pan: Give each cookie space to spread and bake evenly.
What to Serve With Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies?
1. Cold Milk
The classic pairing. Few things beat the combo of a chewy cookie and an ice-cold glass of milk.
2. Hot Chocolate
Double up on the marshmallow experience with a cozy mug of cocoa.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream
Turn your cookie into a dessert sandwich or crumble it over a scoop of ice cream.
4. Coffee or Espresso
The buttery, sweet flavor of the cookies contrasts beautifully with bold coffee.
5. Fresh Berries
Balance the richness of the cookie with some tart raspberries or strawberries.
Storage Instructions
Let the cookies cool completely before storing. If they’re even slightly warm, the marshmallows will make everything too sticky.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually and thaw at room temperature.
- Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, just add a minute or two to the bake time.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie, Approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 160mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the marshmallows from melting too much?
Try folding them in gently and avoid placing too many near the cookie edges where they’re more likely to melt and burn.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer.
Can I use flavored marshmallows?
Absolutely — strawberry or vanilla flavored marshmallows can add an extra twist, just avoid jumbo sizes.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can make them with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free puffed rice cereal.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
It could be due to warm dough or too much butter. Chill the dough and measure ingredients carefully.
Conclusion
These Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies are the ultimate blend of nostalgic flavors and modern cookie perfection. With their crunchy rice cereal, gooey marshmallow centers, and buttery cookie base, they bring comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you bake them for a crowd or keep a stash all to yourself, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and one recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies are a nostalgic twist on a classic treat. With gooey marshmallow centers, crispy rice cereal, and a soft, buttery cookie base, they’re perfect for those seeking easy dessert ideas, quick snacks, or crowd-pleasing baking recipes. Whether you need a sweet addition to your holiday cookie platter or a fun weekend baking project, this easy recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
1. Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in mini marshmallows and Rice Krispies cereal gently with a spatula.
6. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour (optional, but recommended).
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized dough balls and place a few inches apart on the sheet.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Use parchment paper to prevent marshmallow sticking and for easier cleanup.
Press a few extra marshmallows on top before baking for visual appeal.
Don’t overbake — cookies continue to set as they cool.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
