As a food science enthusiast with a keen interest in the chemistry behind cooking and baking, I can provide some insights into why your rice crispy treats might have turned out hard.

1. Overcooking: The most common reason for hard rice crispy treats is overcooking the marshmallow mixture. When you cook the marshmallows and butter for too long, the water in the marshmallows can evaporate, leading to a denser, harder texture.

2. Insufficient Moisture: Rice crispy treats rely on the right balance of marshmallow to cereal. If there's not enough marshmallow, the treats won't have enough moisture to stay soft.

3. Cooling Too Quickly: If the treats cool down too quickly after being mixed, they can set with a harder texture. It's important to work quickly to get them into the pan and allow them to cool gradually.

4. High Altitude: At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower, which can cause the treats to set harder. You may need to adjust the recipe for your specific altitude.

5. Stale Cereal: Using stale cereal can also result in a harder texture because the cereal won't absorb the marshmallow mixture as well.

6. Type of Marshmallows: The type of marshmallows used can affect the texture. Some marshmallows are better suited for melting and creating a soft treat.

7. Storage Conditions: If the treats are stored in a very dry place, they can lose moisture and become hard over time.

To avoid hard rice crispy treats, ensure you're cooking the marshmallow mixture just until it's fully melted, use fresh cereal, and store the treats in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

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Don't crank the heat on the stovetop too high. ... High heat is the prime culprit for rock hard rice krispie treats. �� Follow this tip: It will take a few more minutes of cook time, but melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat. You'll be rewarded with delicious, soft and chewy treats!read more >>