With just three ingredients, it’s no surprise that Rice Krispie treats are a childhood favorite. Magically transform them into Brown Butter Rice Krispie treats with just 1 extra step and create an even better dessert.
Rice Krispie treats were basically the gold standard of childhood desserts, gooey, crispy, sweet, and just fun. And guess what? You can make them even better with one tiny upgrade: brown the butter.
I know. It sounds too simple to matter. But once you try it, there’s no going back.
They’re also the ultimate take-anywhere treat. Heading to the pool? Toss a few in a container. Picnic in the park? They won’t melt. Long car ride, lunchbox surprise, bake sale table, you name it, these hold up. No forks, no fridge, no fuss. Just sweet, sticky goodness that travels like a champ.
Why Brown the Butter?
That extra two minutes adds a rich, nutty, almost caramelized flavor that takes this nostalgic treat into grown-up snack territory. Your kitchen will smell like magic, and the flavor? Worth savoring every bite.
I use brown butter in everything from banana bread to brown butter frosting and of course the best chewy blondies. It never lets me down.
What You’ll Love About These
- Crispy, gooey, and just a bit more complex
- Freezer-friendly and travel-friendly
- No baking required—just stir and press
- They’re still quick. Brown butter takes 2 extra minutes
Key Ingredients
(See recipe card below for full list and quantities)
- Rice Krispie cereal – you can use any brand of crispy rice cereal. With your leftover cereal, try them in a S’more bar, or add chocolate and peanut butter, or throw them into some seven layer bars.
- Marshmallows – you’ll need a 10-ounce bag. You can use mini or regular sized. If they’re old, they will not melt as well, so try to use fresh ones. If you want to use marshmallow fluff, they’ll taste the same but won’t be as crispy.
- Butter – unsalted butter works best but you can use salted and just reduce the salt in the recipe, you’ll need a whole stick!
Pro tip: Avoid stale marshmallows. They don’t melt right and your treats won’t be as soft or shiny.
Anyone Can Make These
Step 1: Brown the butter
This only takes about 2 minutes, during which it will foam and then turn brown. You need to stand over the pan as it can go from brown to burnt in seconds. If you haven’t done this before I have step by step directions and tips to keep brown butter from burning.
Step 2: Melt the marshmallows
As soon as the butter starts to turn brown, add the marshmallows and stir until they have completely melted.
Step 3: Combine and press
Add vanilla and salt and then pour the marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies. Quickly stir until the cereal is coated then place in a buttered 8 x 8 inch baking pan.
Tips for Better Treats
- Use the butter wrapper to press down the mixture without sticking
- Don’t skimp on stirring—get that marshmallow mix evenly coated
- Want to mix it up? Try mini M&Ms, crushed pretzels, or a drizzle of dark chocolate
Honestly, these brown butter Rice Krispie treats are so simple, they might ruin the store-bought kind for you forever. But I don’t think you’ll mind.
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal 1/2 box
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Butter an 8 x 8 inch pan
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it begins to brown, stirring often, about two minutes. Turn the heat to low and add marshmallows. Stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla and salt, stir to combine. Add Rice Krispies, stirring quickly to combine. Place in prepared dish and with the paper from the stick of butter, flatten it into place, or butter a spatula and use it to form it in the pan.
- Let it cool until room temperature and cut into squares.
Video
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the butter, as soon as it starts to turn brown, add the marshmallows and reduce heat.
- Avoid old marshmallows, they will not melt as well.
- You can use marshmallow fluff but the texture will be different.
- Regular or mini marshmallows work well
- Freeze between a layer of parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Nutrition
I first published this Brown Butter Rice Krispie recipe on my Southern food blog Butter and Baggage.
I love rice krispie treats, when I make mine, I add a spoon of peanut butter to the marshmallow mixture and then I melt chocolate and butterscotch chips for frosting, I always use a cookie sheet, and I am always asked to bring my bars to any gathering.
That sounds amazing!