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Salted brown butter Rice Krispie treats are a fun and flavorful take on the classic marshmallow cereal bars and take the recipe to the next level with rich, nutty browned butter. This simple switch adds hints of caramel, and the buttery aroma is perfect with the melted, gooey marshmallows.
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These bars are easy to make in under 15 minutes and require just a handful of ingredients. Whether you're making them for a party, a lunchbox snack, or just a quick dessert craving, this recipe is guaranteed to be a favorite.
Why You Should Make Rice Krispie Treats with Brown Butter
Brown butter is a small but powerful upgrade to this nostalgic treat. As the butter melts and browns, it develops a deeper flavor that balances the sweetness of the marshmallows. This technique is often used in baking to enhance cookies and cakes, and it works just as well in no-bake treats like these.
Why We Love This Recipe
- The browned butter adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that elevates the classic treat. The salt enhances the nutty flavor.
- No baking is required, making it a quick and simple dessert.
- The gooey, chewy texture is perfectly balanced with the crisp cereal.
- It's a crowd-pleaser for parties, lunchboxes, or an easy homemade snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter – The key ingredient that gets browned for a rich, nutty flavor. Use unsalted butter if adding a pinch of sea salt.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- Mini Marshmallows – Melt smoothly and create the gooey texture that holds the treats together.
- Rice Krispies Cereal – Provides the signature crunch and structure.
- Sea Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, especially if using unsalted butter.
How to Make Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Prepare the Pan – Lightly coat a baker's quarter sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
Brown the Butter – In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir as it bubbles and pops. Keep an eye out for a golden hue and a nutty aroma. After about 5–7 minutes, the milk solids will turn amber and settle at the bottom of the pan—that's your cue to take it off the heat.
Pro tip: The key to the perfect brown butter rice Krispie treats is to cook the butter just long enough to turn golden brown without burning. Stirring constantly helps prevent scorching while allowing the butter solids to toast.
Melt the Marshmallows – Add the vanilla extract and mini marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir until the marshmallows are nearly melted and fully combined.
Mix with Cereal – Turn off the heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring an even coating of the marshmallow mixture.
Press and Cool – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down evenly with a silicone spatula. Use a spatula to flatten the surface. Sprinkle with (optional) sea salt. Cool completely before cutting into squares or get creative with cookie cutters for fun shapes!
If you've made classic rice Krispie treats, you'll see that this recipe follows the same easy steps as the original version, but the browned butter makes all the difference in the flavor that's loved by kids AND adults! I have brought these treats to countless grown-up gatherings and they always disappear fast!
Recipe Tips From The Test Kitchen
- Skip the brand name and save money. You don’t need the name-brand Rice Krispies—generic or natural brands work just as well. You can even use brown rice cereal for a more nutritious alternative.
- Use salted or unsalted butter. Both work for this recipe—salted butter adds a slightly savory edge, while unsalted lets you control the salt level more precisely.
- Use fresh marshmallows for best texture. Older marshmallows tend to stick together and are harder to handle, which can make the mixture harder to stir and spread.
- Store in layers with parchment paper. If stacking during storage, a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers prevents them from sticking together.
Recipe Variations
These brown butter rice Krispie treats are perfect for any occasion and can be customized in fun ways.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel to take it over the top.
- Mix in chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or mini chocolate chips for added texture.
- Shape them into fun designs using cookie cutters for themed treats.
Serving Recommendations
- Serve as a part of a dessert tray with our Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats!
- These No Bake Energy Bites are a healthier option for the dessert tray for those who are looking for a more reasonable splurge.
- Mix in or top with our easy Homemade Granola!
More Desserts You'll Love
- Bananas Foster
- Easy Pumpkin Bars Recipe
- Chocolate Covered Nuts
- Orange Olive Oil Cake
- Blueberry Crisp
📖 Recipe
Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
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When scaling the recipe 2x or 3x, the gray ingredient note stays the same. Adjust quantities accordingly.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Butter, salted or unsalted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 (10-ounce) package Mini Marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal, 170g
- pinch (Optional) Sea Salt
Instructions
- Coat a baker’s quarter sheet pan and silicone spatula with cooking spray and set aside.
- Melt the BUTTER in a heavy 5-quart pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts and begins to bubble and pop.
- Continue cooking the BUTTER until it turns a golden-brown color and gives off a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir the butter or swirl the pan to keep the butter moving to prevent burning.
- Once the BUTTER is browned, add the VANILLA EXTRACT and MINI MARSHMALLOWS. Stir until the MARSHMALLOWS are almost fully melted and combined with the browned butter.
- Turn off the heat and add the RICE KRISPIES CEREAL. Stir with the coated spatula until the cereal is evenly mixed with the marshmallow mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking sheet and press it down evenly into the pan. (Optional) Sprinkle a few pinches of flaky SEA SALT over the Rice Krispie treats before they cool and set up.
- Let the treats cool completely before cutting and serving.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Equipment
- 5-quart heavy soup pot with light interior
- silicone spatula or other stirring utensil
- cooking spray
MB says
I will only ever make Rice Krispie treats with brown butter forever and ever. You can really taste the difference. They’re so nostalgic, but with a culinary update. 10/10 LOVE!!