Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
If you love classic Rice Krispies Treats, you’ll go crazy for this brown butter version! The rich, nutty flavor takes them from simple to amazing – a grown-up twist on a childhood favorite that’s just as easy (and even more delicious). Once you taste the nutty, caramelized butter flavor, you’ll never want to make them the old way again.
Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
If you love classic Rice Krispie Treats, you’re really going to love these Browned Butter Rice Krispie Treats. They have all the goodness of a traditional Rice Krispie treat with the added nutty brown butter flavor that takes them to the next level!
These Brown Butter Rice Krispies are the perfect last-minute no bake dessert. You only need four ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time to pull them together!
Tools Needed
- Small saucepan
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Large Bowl
- 8×8 inch, or 9×9 inch pan
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
Video
Ingredients
You only need four very basic ingredients for this easy recipe. These are the exact same ingredients you need for the original recipe for Rice Krispies Treats (except maybe the vanilla).
- Salted butter
- Mini marshmallows
- Vanilla extract
- Rice Krispies cereal (or any brand of puffed rice cereal)
How to Make Brown Butter Rice Krispies Treats
This is such a simple recipe – you’re going to love how easy it is to make Brown Butter Rice Krispy treats.
- Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat.
- As the butter melts, let it reach a simmer, and keep simmering until the bubbles start to die down, and the butter turns golden brown with golden brown solid bits in the bottom.
- Remove from heat and add a 10-ounce bag of marshmallows and the splash of vanilla to the browned butter.
- Stir the marshmallow mixture until it’s completely smooth and the marshmallows are completely melted.
- Combine melted marshmallows and brown butter with Rice Krispies in a large bowl, and stir until evenly mixed.
- Prepare a pan by spraying the bottom of the pan with non-stick spray, rubbing down with butter, or lining it with parchment paper.
- Press the Rice Krispie mixture into an even layer in the prepared pan using buttered hands.
- Let cool completely to room temperature – about an hour or so.
- Slice and enjoy the Best Rice Krispie Treats ever!
Pro Tips
- Want Less to Clean Up?! If you want to wash fewer dishes, you can melt the butter and marshmallows in a large pot, then add the crispy rice cereal to that pot to mix it all up!
- Watch Your Butter Closely. Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye and stir constantly. Remove from heat as soon as it turns a golden amber color and smells nutty to avoid bitterness.
- Prep Ahead. Measure and set out all ingredients before browning the butter to keep things moving quickly once the butter is ready. Melted brown butter cools fast, so timing helps keep your marshmallows smooth and melted.
- Use a Large Bowl. Once your marshmallows are melted with the brown butter, mix in the cereal quickly in a large bowl to give plenty of room for stirring without crushing the cereal.
- Grease Your Pan Well or Line it with Parchment Paper. Lightly grease your baking dish or use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to slice your treats cleanly once set. You can also use empty butter wrappers to wipe down the pan to keep the Browned Butter Rice Krispie Treats from sticking!
- Don’t Overmix. Gently fold the cereal in with the melted marshmallows and brown butter to maintain that delightful crispy texture. Overmixing can crush the cereal and make the treats denser than desired.
Variations & Add-Ins
If you want to add a little extra texture or flavor to this recipe for Brown Butter Rice Krispies, go for it! Try stirring in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped toffee bits, or crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combo.
A drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top also makes these extra special.
Around the holidays, swap the vanilla for maple extract or add a dash of cinnamon for a cozy fall twist. You can even press in festive sprinkles for birthdays or seasonal parties!
Storage Directions
Keep Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain their crispy-chewy texture. Refrigeration is possible but may make them a bit harder.
More Delicious Desserts
Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 1x
Description
If you love classic Rice Krispies Treats, you’ll go crazy for this brown butter version! The rich, nutty flavor takes them from simple to amazing – a grown-up twist on a childhood favorite that’s just as easy (and even more delicious). Once you taste the nutty, caramelized butter flavor, you’ll never want to make them the old way again.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 10 oz. mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or other puffed crispy rice cereal)
Instructions
- Melt butter in small pan over medium heat.
- Let it reach a simmer, and keep simmering until the bubbles start to die down, and the butter turns golden brown with golden brown solid bits in the bottom.
- Remove from heat and add marshmallows and vanilla extract.
- Stir until marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- Combine melted marshmallows and brown butter with Rice Krispies in a large bowl, and stir until evenly mixed.
- Press into an 8×8 inch, or 9×9 inch pan, using buttered hands.
- Let cool completely – about an hour or so.
- Slice, and serve.
Notes
- Want Less to Clean Up? If you want to wash fewer dishes, you can melt the butter and marshmallows in a large pot, then add the crispy rice cereal to that pot to mix it all up!
- Watch Your Butter Closely. Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye and stir constantly. Remove from heat as soon as it turns a golden amber color and smells nutty to avoid bitterness.
- Prep Ahead. Measure and set out all ingredients before browning the butter to keep things moving quickly once the butter is ready. Melted brown butter cools fast, so timing helps keep your marshmallows smooth and melted.
- Use a Large Bowl. Once your marshmallows are melted with the brown butter, mix in the cereal quickly in a large bowl to give plenty of room for stirring without crushing the cereal.
- Grease Your Pan Well or Line it with Parchment Paper. Lightly grease your baking dish or use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to slice your treats cleanly once set. You can also use empty butter wrappers to wipe down the pan to keep the Browned Butter Rice Krispie Treats from sticking!
- Don’t Overmix. Gently fold the cereal in with the melted marshmallows and brown butter to maintain that delightful crispy texture. Overmixing can crush the cereal and make the treats denser than desired.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Dessert
