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Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Easy and Tasty Recipe

by on August 22, 2025
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Indulge in the delightful twist on a classic treat with my easy Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats recipe! By browning the butter, you elevate these chewy squares to a whole new level of flavor. In just a few simple steps, you’ll craft a crispy, gooey dessert that will leave everyone craving more. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s get started on making these scrumptious treats!

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 10-ounce bag of marshmallows - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) For my Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats, I use simple ingredients. First, I start with unsalted butter. It gives me control over the salt. Next, I add a bag of marshmallows. They bring that sweet, gooey texture we all love. Then, I sprinkle in sea salt. It adds a burst of flavor to balance the sweetness. The star of the show is the Rice Krispie cereal. Six cups of it give the treats their signature crunch. I also add vanilla extract for a warm, rich flavor. If you want, mini chocolate chips can make these treats even more special. They melt slightly and add sweetness. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make magic in the kitchen! Browning butter adds a deep, nutty flavor. This step is key to great Rice Krispie treats. To brown the butter, melt it in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often. Keep an eye on the butter as it melts. After it foams, continue cooking it. Watch for a golden color. This process should take about 3 to 5 minutes. You will smell a rich, nutty aroma. That scent means the butter is ready. Remove it from heat quickly to prevent burning. Next, add the marshmallows and sea salt to the browned butter. Stir until the marshmallows melt and blend smoothly. This mix should be creamy and glossy. Once the marshmallows melt, add the vanilla extract. Stir it in well to enhance the flavor. Now it's time to fold in the Rice Krispie cereal. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal in a large bowl. Gently fold the cereal until it is fully coated. If you want, add mini chocolate chips. Fold them in lightly for a sweet touch. Now, we need to prepare the baking dish. Use a 9x13-inch dish for the best results. Grease the dish with butter or cooking spray. This step helps the treats come out easily later. After greasing, transfer the Rice Krispie mixture into the dish. Use a spatula or your hands (make sure they are greased) to press the mixture down evenly. Make it flat and compact. This helps the treats hold their shape when cut later. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. To get brown butter just right, watch for its color and smell. You want a deep golden hue and a rich, nutty aroma. This can take about 3-5 minutes. If you see dark specks or smell a burnt scent, you’ve gone too far. Remove the pan from heat as soon as it turns golden. This step adds depth to your Rice Krispie treats. Boost the taste of your treats by adding extracts or spices. A splash of almond extract can give a nice twist. Cinnamon or nutmeg can also add warmth. You might want to mix in fun extras, like mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies. These add texture and surprise in every bite. Get creative with what you have on hand! Cutting your treats into fun shapes makes them more exciting. Use cookie cutters for stars or hearts. Serve them on a colorful platter for a festive touch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for a fancy look. Add sprinkles for extra fun, especially for kids’ parties. Make your Rice Krispie treats a visual treat too! {{image_2}} You can easily change up your Rice Krispie treats for any holiday or event. For Halloween, mix in some orange and black sprinkles or mini candy corn. For Christmas, use red and green sprinkles or even crushed peppermint. You can also use cookie cutters to shape them into festive forms. Flavor swaps can also be fun! Instead of using just marshmallows, try adding Nutella for a chocolate twist. You can also mix in peanut butter for a creamy taste. Both options make your treats richer and more delightful. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free Rice Krispie cereal. Many brands offer this choice. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worry. For vegan adaptations, replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter. You can also find vegan marshmallows in stores. These small changes keep the fun but make the treats suitable for a vegan diet. Enjoy making these delicious variations! To keep your Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats fresh, use an airtight container. This helps block air and moisture. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider placing them in the fridge. They can stay good for about a week when chilled. However, they might lose some of their chewy texture after a few days. To maintain freshness, avoid exposing them to heat or direct sunlight. If you notice any hardening, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up. Freezing your treats is a great option for long-term storage. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped treats into a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, take out the number of treats you want. Let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps keep their texture and flavor intact. To achieve softer Rice Krispie Treats, use extra marshmallows. Adding one or two more marshmallows can help. You can also reduce the heat when melting the butter. This way, you will avoid overcooking the mixture. Another tip is to let the treats cool for less time. This helps them stay softer. Yes, you can use different cereals! Some good options are Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Krispies, or even Cheerios. Each cereal will give your treats a unique taste. Just keep the same amount as Rice Krispies in the recipe. These treats last about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them before eating! You’ve learned how to make delicious Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats. We covered key ingredients, like unsalted butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispie cereal. You also discovered tips for perfecting your brown butter and enhancing flavors with mix-ins. Variations let you create treats for any season. Plus, we shared storage advice to keep them fresh. Enjoy making these treats and adding your special touch. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 1 10-ounce bag of marshmallows

– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

– 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For my Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats, I use simple ingredients. First, I start with unsalted butter. It gives me control over the salt. Next, I add a bag of marshmallows. They bring that sweet, gooey texture we all love. Then, I sprinkle in sea salt. It adds a burst of flavor to balance the sweetness.

The star of the show is the Rice Krispie cereal. Six cups of it give the treats their signature crunch. I also add vanilla extract for a warm, rich flavor. If you want, mini chocolate chips can make these treats even more special. They melt slightly and add sweetness.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make magic in the kitchen!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melting the Butter

Browning butter adds a deep, nutty flavor. This step is key to great Rice Krispie treats.

To brown the butter, melt it in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often. Keep an eye on the butter as it melts. After it foams, continue cooking it. Watch for a golden color. This process should take about 3 to 5 minutes. You will smell a rich, nutty aroma. That scent means the butter is ready. Remove it from heat quickly to prevent burning.

Mixing the Ingredients

Next, add the marshmallows and sea salt to the browned butter. Stir until the marshmallows melt and blend smoothly. This mix should be creamy and glossy.

Once the marshmallows melt, add the vanilla extract. Stir it in well to enhance the flavor. Now it’s time to fold in the Rice Krispie cereal. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal in a large bowl. Gently fold the cereal until it is fully coated. If you want, add mini chocolate chips. Fold them in lightly for a sweet touch.

Preparing the Baking Dish

Now, we need to prepare the baking dish. Use a 9×13-inch dish for the best results. Grease the dish with butter or cooking spray. This step helps the treats come out easily later.

After greasing, transfer the Rice Krispie mixture into the dish. Use a spatula or your hands (make sure they are greased) to press the mixture down evenly. Make it flat and compact. This helps the treats hold their shape when cut later. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Brown Butter

To get brown butter just right, watch for its color and smell. You want a deep golden hue and a rich, nutty aroma. This can take about 3-5 minutes. If you see dark specks or smell a burnt scent, you’ve gone too far. Remove the pan from heat as soon as it turns golden. This step adds depth to your Rice Krispie treats.

Enhancing Flavor

Boost the taste of your treats by adding extracts or spices. A splash of almond extract can give a nice twist. Cinnamon or nutmeg can also add warmth. You might want to mix in fun extras, like mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies. These add texture and surprise in every bite. Get creative with what you have on hand!

Presentation Ideas

Cutting your treats into fun shapes makes them more exciting. Use cookie cutters for stars or hearts. Serve them on a colorful platter for a festive touch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for a fancy look. Add sprinkles for extra fun, especially for kids’ parties. Make your Rice Krispie treats a visual treat too!

Variations

Themed Rice Krispie Treats

You can easily change up your Rice Krispie treats for any holiday or event. For Halloween, mix in some orange and black sprinkles or mini candy corn. For Christmas, use red and green sprinkles or even crushed peppermint. You can also use cookie cutters to shape them into festive forms.

Flavor swaps can also be fun! Instead of using just marshmallows, try adding Nutella for a chocolate twist. You can also mix in peanut butter for a creamy taste. Both options make your treats richer and more delightful.

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free Rice Krispie cereal. Many brands offer this choice. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worry.

For vegan adaptations, replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter. You can also find vegan marshmallows in stores. These small changes keep the fun but make the treats suitable for a vegan diet. Enjoy making these delicious variations!

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing

To keep your Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats fresh, use an airtight container. This helps block air and moisture. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider placing them in the fridge. They can stay good for about a week when chilled. However, they might lose some of their chewy texture after a few days. To maintain freshness, avoid exposing them to heat or direct sunlight. If you notice any hardening, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing your treats is a great option for long-term storage. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped treats into a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take out the number of treats you want. Let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps keep their texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

How can I make my Rice Krispie Treats softer?

To achieve softer Rice Krispie Treats, use extra marshmallows. Adding one or two more marshmallows can help. You can also reduce the heat when melting the butter. This way, you will avoid overcooking the mixture. Another tip is to let the treats cool for less time. This helps them stay softer.

Can I use different types of cereal?

Yes, you can use different cereals! Some good options are Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Krispies, or even Cheerios. Each cereal will give your treats a unique taste. Just keep the same amount as Rice Krispies in the recipe.

How long do Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats last?

These treats last about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them before eating!

You’ve learned how to make delicious Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats. We covered key ingredients, like unsalted butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispie cereal. You also discovered tips for perfecting your brown butter and enhancing flavors with mix-ins. Variations let you create treats for any season. Plus, we shared storage advice to keep them fresh.

Enjoy making these treats and adding your special touch. Happy cooking!

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 10-ounce bag of marshmallows - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) For my Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats, I use simple ingredients. First, I start with unsalted butter. It gives me control over the salt. Next, I add a bag of marshmallows. They bring that sweet, gooey texture we all love. Then, I sprinkle in sea salt. It adds a burst of flavor to balance the sweetness. The star of the show is the Rice Krispie cereal. Six cups of it give the treats their signature crunch. I also add vanilla extract for a warm, rich flavor. If you want, mini chocolate chips can make these treats even more special. They melt slightly and add sweetness. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make magic in the kitchen! Browning butter adds a deep, nutty flavor. This step is key to great Rice Krispie treats. To brown the butter, melt it in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often. Keep an eye on the butter as it melts. After it foams, continue cooking it. Watch for a golden color. This process should take about 3 to 5 minutes. You will smell a rich, nutty aroma. That scent means the butter is ready. Remove it from heat quickly to prevent burning. Next, add the marshmallows and sea salt to the browned butter. Stir until the marshmallows melt and blend smoothly. This mix should be creamy and glossy. Once the marshmallows melt, add the vanilla extract. Stir it in well to enhance the flavor. Now it's time to fold in the Rice Krispie cereal. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal in a large bowl. Gently fold the cereal until it is fully coated. If you want, add mini chocolate chips. Fold them in lightly for a sweet touch. Now, we need to prepare the baking dish. Use a 9x13-inch dish for the best results. Grease the dish with butter or cooking spray. This step helps the treats come out easily later. After greasing, transfer the Rice Krispie mixture into the dish. Use a spatula or your hands (make sure they are greased) to press the mixture down evenly. Make it flat and compact. This helps the treats hold their shape when cut later. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. To get brown butter just right, watch for its color and smell. You want a deep golden hue and a rich, nutty aroma. This can take about 3-5 minutes. If you see dark specks or smell a burnt scent, you’ve gone too far. Remove the pan from heat as soon as it turns golden. This step adds depth to your Rice Krispie treats. Boost the taste of your treats by adding extracts or spices. A splash of almond extract can give a nice twist. Cinnamon or nutmeg can also add warmth. You might want to mix in fun extras, like mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies. These add texture and surprise in every bite. Get creative with what you have on hand! Cutting your treats into fun shapes makes them more exciting. Use cookie cutters for stars or hearts. Serve them on a colorful platter for a festive touch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for a fancy look. Add sprinkles for extra fun, especially for kids’ parties. Make your Rice Krispie treats a visual treat too! {{image_2}} You can easily change up your Rice Krispie treats for any holiday or event. For Halloween, mix in some orange and black sprinkles or mini candy corn. For Christmas, use red and green sprinkles or even crushed peppermint. You can also use cookie cutters to shape them into festive forms. Flavor swaps can also be fun! Instead of using just marshmallows, try adding Nutella for a chocolate twist. You can also mix in peanut butter for a creamy taste. Both options make your treats richer and more delightful. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free Rice Krispie cereal. Many brands offer this choice. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worry. For vegan adaptations, replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter. You can also find vegan marshmallows in stores. These small changes keep the fun but make the treats suitable for a vegan diet. Enjoy making these delicious variations! To keep your Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats fresh, use an airtight container. This helps block air and moisture. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider placing them in the fridge. They can stay good for about a week when chilled. However, they might lose some of their chewy texture after a few days. To maintain freshness, avoid exposing them to heat or direct sunlight. If you notice any hardening, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up. Freezing your treats is a great option for long-term storage. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped treats into a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, take out the number of treats you want. Let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps keep their texture and flavor intact. To achieve softer Rice Krispie Treats, use extra marshmallows. Adding one or two more marshmallows can help. You can also reduce the heat when melting the butter. This way, you will avoid overcooking the mixture. Another tip is to let the treats cool for less time. This helps them stay softer. Yes, you can use different cereals! Some good options are Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Krispies, or even Cheerios. Each cereal will give your treats a unique taste. Just keep the same amount as Rice Krispies in the recipe. These treats last about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them before eating! You’ve learned how to make delicious Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats. We covered key ingredients, like unsalted butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispie cereal. You also discovered tips for perfecting your brown butter and enhancing flavors with mix-ins. Variations let you create treats for any season. Plus, we shared storage advice to keep them fresh. Enjoy making these treats and adding your special touch. Happy cooking!

Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Discover the delightful twist on a classic favorite with these Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats! This quick and easy recipe features rich, nutty brown butter combined with gooey marshmallows and crispy Rice Krispies. Perfect for any occasion, these treats can even include mini chocolate chips for an extra treat! Click through to explore this scrumptious recipe and impress your friends and family with a sweet snack that's sure to satisfy!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 10-ounce bag of marshmallows

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

6 cups Rice Krispie cereal

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter has completely melted and begins to foam.

    Continue cooking the butter, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, about 3-5 minutes.

      Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the marshmallows and sea salt. Continue to stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

        Add the vanilla extract and stir well to combine.

          In a large mixing bowl, pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispie cereal. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until evenly coated.

            If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips until just incorporated.

              Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, and transfer the Rice Krispie mixture to the dish. Use a spatula or your hands (greased) to press the mixture evenly into the pan.

                Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12-16

                    - Presentation Tips: Cut the treats into fun shapes with cookie cutters, and serve them on a decorative platter. Consider drizzling melted chocolate on top for an elegant touch.