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If you’ve ever loved the nostalgic chew of Rice Krispies Treats, wait until you try them with brown butter. These Brown Butter Krispy Treats are gooey, buttery, and rich with a nutty caramel-like flavor that takes the childhood classic to an entirely new level. They come together in just 20 minutes and are perfect for bake sales, after-school snacks, or an easy no-bake dessert to share.

With only a handful of pantry ingredients, you’ll have a batch that’s irresistibly soft, chewy, and just a little grown-up — thanks to the magic of browned butter.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

• Quick & Easy → No baking, no mixer, just one pot.
• Brown Butter Flavor → Adds a toasty, nutty richness you won’t get with regular butter.
• Perfect Texture → Extra gooey marshmallow pockets with just the right amount of chew.
• Crowd-Pleaser → Familiar enough for kids, elevated enough for adults.
• Customizable → Add nuts, drizzle with brown butter glaze, or sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make Brown Butter Krispy Treats:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter – browned for nutty caramel flavor.
• 2 (10 oz) bags mini marshmallows (about 20 cups) – the key to gooey texture.
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract – for a sweet, warm flavor.
• ½ tsp kosher salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the butter.
• 9 cups (about 250g) Rice Krispies cereal – light and crispy base.

Optional Brown Butter Glaze:

• 1 TBSP reserved brown butter
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 TBSP milk or heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Pour Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep cooking, stirring often, until it foams, turns golden, and smells nutty — about 5–7 minutes. Reserve 1 tablespoon if you plan to make the glaze.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows

Reserve 1 cup of marshmallows to add in later. Lower the heat and stir in the mini marshmallows. Mix until smooth and fully melted. About 5 minutes. Add vanilla and kosher salt, stir till combined and remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix in the Cereal

Pour melted marshmallows over the Rice Krispies cereal until coated. Gently stir in the reserved 1 cup of mini marshmallows for gooey bites.

Step 4: Press into Pan

Grease or line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment or an 8x8 pan for thick and tall bakery style. Lightly press the mixture into the pan with a buttered spatula or the back of the butter wrappers. Don’t pack too tightly — this keeps the treats soft.

Step 5: Optional Brown Butter Glaze

Whisk together the reserved 1 TBSP brown butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1–2 TBSP milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled treats.

Step 6: Slice & Enjoy

Let cool for at least 30 minutes, then cut into squares. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.

Tips for the Best Brown Butter Krispy Treats

• Don’t skip the brown butter. It’s the secret to that nutty, toasty flavor.
• Save some marshmallows. Folding them in at the end gives you gooey pockets.
• Use fresh marshmallows. Old ones melt poorly and make the treats tough.
• Light pressure only. Press gently into the pan to keep the texture soft and chewy.
• Want them extra thick? Use an 8x8 pan instead of 9x13.

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Flavor Variations

• Salted Caramel Drizzle → Add a swirl of caramel on top before slicing.
• Nutty Twist → Fold in chopped pecans, hazelnuts, or pistachios.
• Chocolate Lover’s → Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips once slightly cooled.
• Pumpkin Spice → Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in the fall.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• For Longer Storage: Wrap individually and freeze up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They’re best within 2 days, but you can make them a day in advance and store airtight.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
You can, but minis melt more evenly. If using large, chop them into smaller pieces first.

Why do my Krispy treats get hard?
Overcooking the marshmallows or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan makes them tough. Keep the heat low and press gently.

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Try These Next from Browndis

• Brown Butter Toffee Blondies
• Brown Butter Churro Blondies
• Earl Grey Sugar Cookies