Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

These brown butter rice krispie treats are made with browned butter, lots of mini marshmallows and a hint of vanilla for the ultimate no bake summer treat! These treats are an easy no bake treat made on the stovetop. 

 

Ok I have a thing for rice krispie treats around here, especially in the summer time. Like my strawberry rice krispie treats that I love drizzling in white chocolate, or my peanut butter krispie treats that remind me of a good fluffernutter sandwich. 

But if you want to take your rice krispie treats to the next level, then you have to try making them with browned butter. Browned butter elevates any dessert in my opinion. Like my browned butter brownies, browned butter chocolate chip cookies, or my brown butter pumpkin cookies. 

So if you’re craving a homemade rice krispie treat, then you have to try these brown butter rice krispie treats next time!

What is brown butter?

When you brown the butter, the water cooks off and the milk solids in the butter caramelize giving you that beautiful browned color. And browning the butter brings out this nutty aroma and caramel, nutty flavor that can’t be beat.  

And if you’re new to browning the butter – don’t worry it’s easy to do. You will melt down the butter on the stovetop and once it’s melted you let the butter continue to cook until brown bits form on the bottom and the butter foams and darkens in color.

You can check out my full step by step tutorial on how to brown butter here. 

Why This Recipe Works

• Using browned butter gives these classic rice krispie treats tons of flavor!
• Made on the stovetop in minutes making for a great last minute dessert.
• Easy no bake treat you can enjoy during the summer when it’s too hot to bake!

Ingredients Needed

• Unsalted butter – You can also use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt. You will brown the butter first before proceeding with the recipe. Read my full tutorial on how to brown butter.
• Marshmallows – I like using mini marshmallows but large marshmallows can also be used. I like using mini marshmallows so I can reserve some mini marshmallows to stir in at the end so you get pockets of gooey marshmallow throughout.
• Salt – I love using sea salt for the best flavor and texture. Kosher salt or table salt can also be used.
• Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract is best but imitation vanilla can also be used. 
• Rice krispies – I used classic rice krispies but another cereal can also be used. 

How To Make Brown Butter Rice Krispies Treats

Lightly spray a 8-inch square pan or line with with aluminum foil or parchment paper . You can use a smaller pan if you want thicker treats.

Melt butter in a very large pot on medium heat. A lighter-colored pan works better so you can watch the color of the butter. Continue to heat the butter, stirring continuously. The butter will begin to foam, and then deepen in color to a golden brown. You will begin to smell the nutty browned butter aroma. 

Set aside 1 cups of the marshmallows. When butter is browned, add the remaining marshmallows. Stir with a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon until melted.

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. 

Stir in remaining extra marshmallows, and Rice Krispies. 

Spread into the bottom of the pan (use a piece of saran wrap lightly sprayed with cooking spray) and press into the pan. 

Let sit for 10 minutes.  Cut into squares and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Watch the heat. You don’t want to turn up the heat too high or you will burn the butter and marshmallows. Keep the stove on a medium-low heat so the butter and marshmallows don’t burn.
• Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula. This will make it easier to mix the marshmallow mixture together. 
• Use a large enough stockpot to hold all the ingredients. This makes a big mixture so make sure to use a big enough of a pot like a large dutch oven.
• Immediately stir in the cerealand spread into the pan right away. The mixture can cool and set quickly.
• Do not press down too hardwhen pressing into the pan. Or they can become too compact and tough.
• Store in an airtight container. Store correctly so they don’t dry out and don’t store in the fridge or they will dry out.
• Line your pan. Line the pan with tinfoil or parchment and spray with cooking spray so they don’t stick (I prefer lining the pan so I can easily lift them out and have one less dirty dish).
• Press into the pan the easy way. Use wax paper, parchment paper, plastic wrap, or the butter wrapper to easily press these into the pan.

Recipe Variations

• Use vanilla bean paste – For more vanilla flavor, try using vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
• Use a different crispy rice cereal. I used the classic cereal mixture but try switching things up like using chocolate rice krispies!
• Stir in chocolate chips – For a little chocolate flavor, try stirring in some chocolate chips next time!

Storage Instructions

I keep them covered at room temperature and they keep for up to 3 days. Do not store in the fridge because they will become dried out. Store in an airtight container so they don’t dry out and don’t store in the fridge or they will dry out.

I don’t really recommend freezing rice krispie treats as they don’t thaw and have the same texture. But if you do want to try freezing be sure to wrap between layers of parchment or wax paper and place in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe FAQ’s

More Recipes To Try

If you’re looking for more easy treats to enjoy, then be sure to try my peanut butter oatmeal cookies or lemon cookies! Both easy cookie recipes that are always a bit hit!

Or try my easy peanut butter fudge made on the stovetop in minutes. Or my cherry dump cake that takes just minutes to mix up!