I was trying really hard not to give into fall baking yet. I really was. But I could not help myself with these, and honestly I don’t think this even counts as baking — there’s no oven involved. Just a stovetop, five minutes, and a level of self-control I did not possess while testing this recipe.

These are chai spiced rice krispie treats, and they are the perfect little bite of fall with very little effort. The chai masala and cinnamon melt into the butter before the marshmallows even hit the pan, so the spice gets into every single layer. Trust me — you will not regret trying them.

What You’ll Need

• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• ⅓ bag mini marshmallows (about 3–4 cups)
• 3 cups puffed rice cereal
• 1 tablespoon chai masala (I use Diaspora Co.)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract

How to Make Them

Melt the butter in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the chai masala and cinnamon and stir for about 30 seconds — you want the spices to bloom in the butter, which is what makes the flavor so much deeper than just sprinkling them in later. Start with half the chai masala if you’re not sure how strong you want it; you can always add more.

Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they start to melt and get gooey. Taste and adjust the spices if needed — this is your window to make them spicier or more mellow.

Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine. Then add the cereal and fold everything together until the cereal is evenly coated.

Pour the mixture onto parchment paper and press into shape. Let it cool completely, then cut with a buttered knife (this keeps it from sticking and tearing).

Notes

• The Diaspora Co. chai masala is worth seeking out — it’s more complex and aromatic than what you’d find at a regular grocery store. But any chai masala blend will work.
• Next time I make these, I want to fold in some candied ginger for a little extra bite.
• These keep well in an airtight container for 2–3 days, but honestly they never last that long.

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More recipes on JustSvara: Try my Jalapeño Popper Croissants, my Stuffed Shells, or browse all food posts →