Use fresh ingredients, especially the marshmallows and cereal. When cooking the marshmallow mixture, don't overdo it; you want them to be u003cemu003ealmostu003c/emu003e melted when you go to stir in the cocoa powder. Use a bit more cereal than marshmallows; we like to use 8 cups cereal to 6 cups mini marshmallows, which 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 finally, store your Rice Krispie treats properly.