Grease an extra-large mixing bowl, an 8-inch or 9-inch square non-stick baking pan, and a silicone spatula or wooden spoon with butter or baking spray.
Pour the cereal into the mixing bowl and set aside.
Cut the butter into small pieces and place in a medium-large saucepan.
Set the pan on the stove over LOW heat.
Allow the butter to begin melting then add the marshmallows.
Stir every few minutes until about 75% of the marshmallows have melted. Then, remove the pan from the heat and stir until melted, allowing the residual heat in the pan to continue melting the marshmallows.
Alternatively, you can melt the marshmallows and butter in the microwave. Heat on high power for 1 minute then let the bowl rest in the warm microwave for 3 minutes. Remove and stir until melted and smooth. If needed, heat for additional 10-second bursts of high power, resting and stirring after each until melted. Do not overheat the marshmallows or your treats will be too hard!
Add a few drops of yellow food coloring and mix until well blended.
Continue adding more drops of yellow coloring until you achieve the desired shade of yellow. It needs to be a little brighter than you want your treats to be because the cereal will dull the color.
Pour the yellow marshmallows over the cereal and stir until the yellow marshmallows are well blended with the cereal.
Gently spread the cereal treat mixture into an even layer in the greased pan.
Set aside for at least 30 minutes before cutting into 12 rectangles or 16 squares.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Tips
Use European-style salted butter for the very best flavor. Do not overheat the marshmallows or your treats will be too hard.
Storage
Store your treats in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Large Batch Ingredients
If you want to make a larger batch of yellow Rice Krispie treats, follow the instructions above using this list of ingredients. Spread the mixture into a 9x13-inch pan.