Matcha Rice Krispie Treats (Small Batch)

I love matcha and this recipe for one of my favorite childhood treats is an absolutely nostalgic blast from the past. Made with 5 ingredients and in under 30 minutes, this treat is perfect to pair with a cup of matcha tea or coffee for adults. The small batch recipe is the perfect amount for 2 to 3 adults and I guarantee there will be no leftovers. It will surely make you want to make them again! Let’s dive into this easy-to-make treat infused with earthy matcha green tea powder.

I will always remember rice krispie treats were such a treat for me when my mom would pack them for my lunch as a kid. It was rare but when I did have it I would always remember it because it tasted so awesome. Now that my tastebuds have changed anytime I take a small bite from my daughter’s rice krispie treat it’s too sweet for my palate. So of course, I love making these matcha rice krispies since it satisfies my craving but aren’t super sweet. The matcha really balances out the sweetness.

Not recommended for young children. Matcha has concentrated caffeine in it so this recipe is strictly recommended for adults only! Check out my Matcha White Chocolate Cookies and Matcha Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for more matcha recipes

Why make these?

These are less sweet than the store-bought version as the matcha will balance out the sweetness. The matcha provides an earthy taste and it’s comforting to have an adult treat that gives a nostalgic feel.

It has a beautiful green color from the matcha green tea powder. 

These are great for bringing to a party as well. I’ve made these and brought them to family and friend parties and they are such a huge hit with the adults. I try to cut them into smaller pieces when I bring them so anyone who has a low tolerance to caffeine can enjoy them.

Quick and easy to make. I made this in under 30 minutes, most of that 30 minutes were spent letting it cool down but if you want to eat it right away it’s ready in 15 minutes.

Ingredients and variations

Matcha powder: Finely ground green tea leaves. There is a special process to selecting and growing green tea leaves to ground into matcha. It is such a pleasant and mellow grassy note yet slightly bitter.

Marshmallow: I prefer to use mini marshmallows as they will melt more quickly. Make sure to use white marshmallows, if the color marshmallows are used the bright vibrant green color. 

Butter: It helps melt the marshmallows and I like to use unsalted butter. Salted works as well.

Rice Krispie: Rice Krispie has a special place in my heart. I grew up eating this for breakfast so naturally, the rice krispie squares are a treat I will turn to make with my kids. I have not tried using different rice puffs to make this recipe.

Vanilla extract: only needs a dash to give it a nice caramel floral component to the matcha rice krispie treat.

Black sesame or white chocolate chips: These are optional toppings. The black sesame mixes very well with the matcha and provides a bold nutty taste.

How I make my Matcha Rice Krispie Treats

Line a small rectangle or square container with parchment paper. This recipe is small batch so use a small container. The size I used it a 4 7-inch lunch container, The rice krispies will come out more flat. 

Melt the butter until lightly brown in a medium-sized pot and add the marshmallows. Once the marshmallows melt add the matcha and vanilla extract and stir. Once it’s mixed well add the rice Krispies. If you are including the black sesame add it in as well.

Use a spatula to mix the ingredients until all the rice krispies are coated well with the marshmallow and matcha mixture.

Pour the mixture into the lined container and use the spatula to press down firmly. Add toppings of you choice. 

Let it rest for 15-20 minutes so it cools down.

Cut into the desired size and enjoy!

How to store

These rice krispies can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container and still retain the earthy taste and softness.

How to serve

Enjoy these with a nice cup of coffee or as a AM treat. This pairs well with pumpkin spice latte on a nice fall day.

Expert Tips

Use the best and highest quality matcha. It will give the rice krispie treat the best earthy taste and the most vibrant green color.

Sift the matcha green tea powder. In the matcha package it might get clumpy so by taking this extra step it will mix better in the marshmallow butter mixture.

Use fresh marshmallows I buy small bags because we never finish the huge bags. With fresh marshmallows, they will melt easily in the pot and guarantee the rice krispie treats come out soft.

Don’t press the rice krispies too hard after they are poured into the container. Allow some air in between to create a nice airy rice krispie treat.

This small batch recipe is scaled down, I use a plastic 4” X 7” plastic lunch box container lined with parchment paper to mould the rice krispie treat. Feel free to use what you have on hand to shape the rice krispies.

Letting it cool down for 15 minutes will help you cut it easier. 

Recipe FAQs

Why are my rice krispies not crispy?

Soggy rice crispy should be a crime! If your rice krispies are soft and soggy you may have used too much butter. Any moisture will be absorbed into the rice krispies so make sure to use sparingly.

Why are my matcha rice krispie treats falling apart?

This recipe uses the least amount of marshmallows but still gives enough coverage to make sure the rice krispies hold together well. I like my rice krispie treats on the less sweet side so I tested it with 125g of marshmallows and it still held the treat together very well. Try not to use less than what the recipe calls for.

Can I use more matcha?

Yes more matcha can be used but don’t go overboard. For this recipe you can use +/- ½ tsp. Using more will add more earthy taste and enhance the color.

If you make this recipe, and like it, please give it a rating in the recipe card below and let us know in the comments at the end of the post.

Follow me at Cookwithchung on Pinterest for all of my latest recipes!

Disclaimer: If you purchase anything through a link on this site, I may receive a small commission from the purchase at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I would personally use. Thank you so much for the support!