Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Take your cereal treats to the next level with these brown butter rice krispie treats. The browned butter gives them a rich, slightly nutty flavor that is absolutely unbeatable!

Every time I take homemade rice krispie treats to a party or potluck, I am always surprised at how popular they are. I recently shared these brown butter rice krispie treats at a church youth activity, and they were the first treats to disappear!

They do take a few more minutes than classic rice krispies, but their nutty brown butter flavor is absolutely worth it. Once you try them, you may never go back!

HOW TO MAKE BROWN BUTTER RICE KRISPIES

1. PREP – Spread a 9×13 pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
2. BROWN THE BUTTER – In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter fizzes and golden brown bits form on the bottom. (Watch the video below if you need detailed instructions.)
3. MELT – Immediately add the marshmallows and turn the heat to low. Cook and stir until the marshmallows melt. Add the salt, vanilla, and cereal. Stir until well-coated.
4. PRESS – Use your hands to gently press the mixture into the buttered pan.
5. CUT – Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then cut into bars. (No judgment if you can’t wait, I love them warm!)

Brown butter rice krispies treats will keep at room temperature for 4-5 days if stored in an airtight container. They stay even more soft and fresh if you wrap them individually in plastic wrap.

I do not recommend storing them in the refrigerator because they get hard and tough to chew when they are cold.

Watch the video below to learn how to make browned butter.

PRO TIPS:

• For best results, use fresh marshmallows that are still very soft. Tough marshmallows lead to stiff rice crispy treats.
• Watch the butter closely. Once it starts to foam, it can quickly burn.
• Don’t be tempted to turn up the heat to melt the marshmallows. Low heat is best. A higher heat can cook the marshmallows instead of just melting them, and your bars will be hard instead of gooey.
• If you use unsalted butter, add an additional pinch or two of salt.
• To keep your hands from sticking to the mixture as you press it in the pan, simply get them wet. It’s less messy than rubbing them with butter or spraying them with nonstick cooking spray.

VARIATIONS:

• Instead of adding salt to the melted marshmallows, you can sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the bars.
• For thicker bars, you can use an 11×7″ pan, or even a square pan.
• If you want extra pockets of gooey marshmallow, stir a cup of extra mini marshmallows into the melted mixture. Stir them just until they barely start to melt, then press the mixture into the pan.
• Feel free to add any mix-ins such as M&M’s, crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, or nuts.
• For birthday parties, celebrations, or holidays, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top.

MORE NO BAKE DESSERT RECIPES:

• Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls
• Eggless Cookie Dough with Chocolate Chips
• Easter Rice Krispie Treats
• Cherry Yum Yum Pie
• No Bake Chocolate Cake
• Peanut Butter No Bake Bars
• No Bake Cornflake Cookies without Peanut Butter

When you need a last minute dessert, whip up a batch of these brown butter rice krispie treats. Then stand back and wait for the praise to come pouring in!