Before you get started, prepare your baking pan by spraying it well with cooking spray. This will keep your treats from sticking to the pan.
Add the butter, mini marshmallows, vanilla extract, and salt to a large microwave safe bowl, and heat on high for 2 minutes, mostly melting the marshmallows and butter.
Remove the bowl from the microwave, and stir until smooth.
Quickly stir the cereal into the marshmallow mixture.
Lightly press* the mixture into your prepared 9×13 baking dish, and allow the mixture to cool.
Once your treats have cooled enough to handle, you can cut them into squares and serve.
Notes
*You can use any brand crisp rice cereal. I prefer to use Aldi's brand because it's labeled gluten-free.*TIP: You can keep the sticky treats from sticking to your hands by wetting your hands just a bit with water, or spray your hands with cooking spray before pressing them into the pan.HOW TO SOFTEN MICROWAVE RICE KRISPIE TREATSAfter 2 or 3 days, microwave marshmallow Rice Krispie treats will start to harden up and become extra chewy or rock solid.Here are a few ways to ensure that you have the softest but chewiest treats possible:
Use fresh ingredients, namely marshmallows and cereal.
When cooking the marshmallow mixture, don't overdo it. Cook 'til the butter and marshmallows are just about melted; then remove the dish from the microwave, and stir to finish melting the mixture. 2 minutes is just about right.
Use a bit more cereal than marshmallows; we like to use 8 cups cereal to 6 cups mini marshmallows. This will give you a soft, chewy treat.
When you go to spread your treats in the pan, don't just pack them down. Gently pat them down evenly and smoothly, and let them go at that.
And finally, store your Rice Krispie treats properly, which brings me to my next point…
HOW TO STORE MICROWAVE RICE KRISPIESIt's important to store your treats in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Microwave rice crispy treats are best eaten within the first 2 or 3 days, while they're still nice and soft.CAN YOU FREEZE RICE CRISPY TREATS?You can if you need to. And then get them out with at least half an hour to thaw before serving.Be sure when freezing them, though, that you again store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. And you might even put wax paper or parchment paper between the layers of treats so they don't stick together.