Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats bring a gourmet twist to a childhood favorite, with a rich, nutty aroma and irresistible crunch. The secret lies in the brown butter, which adds a deep, caramelized flavor that elevates every bite. These treats are ready in just 10 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or spontaneous gatherings. Each square is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist.
With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is simple yet indulgent, offering a nostalgic treat with a sophisticated edge. The golden, buttery squares are soft yet crisp, delivering a satisfying contrast in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a solo snack, these treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, they’re proof that the best things in life can be both simple and extraordinary.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup (113 g) salted butter (unsalted butter works too, just add a pinch of salt)
- 10 oz (283 g) marshmallows (mini or standard-sized, both work great)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for a hint of flavor)
- 6 cups (175 g) crisped rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- Sea salt (for sprinkling, optional but recommended for a sweet-salty balance)
How to Make Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 13×9” (33x23cm) baking dish with butter and set aside.
- Brown the butter: Place butter in a large pot and heat over medium-low heat until melted. Once melted, increase heat to medium (or just a notch above medium) and cook the butter, swirling and stirring as it begins to bubble and pop. Once the bubbling and popping slows down, you’ll notice brown bits forming on the bottom of the pan – that’s when your butter is perfectly browned!
- Melt the marshmallows: Turn the heat to low and add the marshmallows and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the marshmallows are just melted.
- Add the cereal: Remove the pot from the heat and add the crisped rice cereal. Stir gently until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Press and cool: Spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Creative Topping Ideas for Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Take your treats to the next level by experimenting with toppings! Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty contrast, or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent touch. For a festive twist, add colorful sprinkles or crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds. The possibilities are endless!
How to Store and Keep Them Fresh
Store your Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To speed up the process, use mini marshmallows instead of standard-sized ones—they melt faster! You can also prepare the baking dish and measure out all your ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth, efficient cooking experience.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter. For a gluten-free version, ensure your crisped rice cereal is certified gluten-free. You can also swap the vanilla extract for almond or maple extract for a unique flavor twist.
Equipment You’ll Need
A large pot is essential for browning the butter and melting the marshmallows. Use a silicone spatula for easy stirring and scraping. A 13×9” baking dish is perfect for shaping the treats, and a sharp knife or bench scraper will help you cut them into clean, even squares.
Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 10 oz marshmallows mini or standard-sized
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups crisped rice cereal
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 13×9” (33x23cm) baking dish with butter and set aside.
- Brown the butter: Place butter in a large pot and heat over medium-low heat until melted. Once melted, increase heat to medium (or just a notch above medium) and cook the butter, swirling and stirring as it begins to bubble and pop. Once the bubbling and popping slows down you will notice brown bits forming on the bottom of the pan – congratulations, your butter is browned!
- Once butter is browned, turn heat to low and add marshmallows and vanilla extract, stirring gently until marshmallows are just melted.
- Remove pot from heat and cereal. Stir gently until cereal is evenly coated.
- Spread into prepared pan and cool 5-10 minutes before sprinkling with sea salt. Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.