Quick & Dreamy Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats Recipe

Crafting brown butter rice crispy treats takes classic comfort to a delightful new realm of flavor.

Nutty aromas waft through the kitchen as butter slowly caramelizes into a golden, rich landscape.

Culinary magic happens when standard marshmallows melt into silky pools around crisp cereal pieces.

Salt crystals add unexpected depth to this nostalgic dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Childhood memories blend with sophisticated technique in this simple yet elegant sweet.

Melt, mix, and marvel at how a few ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.

Let’s transform an old favorite into a gourmet experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

FAQs

• Why brown the butter?

Browning butter adds a rich, nutty flavor and deeper caramel-like taste that elevates traditional rice crispy treats from basic to gourmet. The process transforms ordinary butter into a more complex, aromatic ingredient.

• Can I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended for better control of the salt content. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the treats from becoming too salty.

• How do I know when the butter is properly browned?

Look for a golden amber color and a nutty, slightly toasted aroma. Small brown specks will form at the bottom of the pan, indicating the butter has caramelized perfectly. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

• What type of marshmallows work best?

Standard large marshmallows or mini marshmallows both work well. Avoid marshmallow fluff, as it won’t provide the same texture and binding properties needed for classic rice crispy treats.

Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats That Upgrade Classic

• Elevate Your Snack Game: Brown butter transforms these classic rice crispy treats from ordinary to extraordinary, adding a rich, nutty depth that'll make everyone crave more.
• Quick and Easy Prep: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of active cooking time, making it perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute potluck contributions.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Simple steps and minimal ingredients mean children can help in the kitchen, turning treat-making into a fun family bonding experience with minimal mess and maximum enjoyment.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These treats work brilliantly for birthday parties, bake sales, movie nights, or casual gatherings – guaranteed to disappear faster than you can slice them into squares.

Brown Butter and Crispy Rice Pairing

• Butter: Provides rich, nutty brown butter flavor and helps bind the treats together. Unsalted butter works best for controlling sweetness.
• Marshmallows: Creates the sticky, sweet base that holds the treats together. Use fresh, soft marshmallows for best results.
• Rice Crispy Cereal: Gives the classic crispy texture and crunch. Regular or name-brand rice crispy cereal will work perfectly.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract recommended for best taste.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the brown butter's nutty notes. Kosher or fine sea salt preferred.

• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and prevents sticking. Optional, but highly recommended for clean cutting.

Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly to ensure easy removal of the treats later.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Watch for the butter to transform into a golden brown color and release a rich, nutty fragrance.

Be attentive to prevent burning.

Step 3: Melt Marshmallow Mixture

• Marshmallows
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Stir the mixture continuously until marshmallows completely melt and create a smooth, glossy consistency.

Step 4: Incorporate Crispy Cereal

Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in rice crispy cereal.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every crisp is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Step 5: Shape the Treats

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan.

• Parchment paper
• Greased fingertips

Create an even layer across the entire pan.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature.

Once set, cut into square pieces for serving.

Crispy Treat Tips With Brown Butter Magic

• Watch the butter closely while browning to achieve a rich, nutty flavor without burning. Swirl the pan and stir frequently to ensure even caramelization.
• Choose fresh, soft marshmallows for the smoothest texture and best melting performance. Avoid marshmallows that seem old or dried out.
• Apply light, even pressure when pressing the mixture into the pan to create a uniform layer without compressing the treats too densely.
• Allow treats to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, which helps them hold their shape and develop a perfect chewy texture.
• Experiment by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or drizzling melted chocolate on top for extra flavor and personal flair.

Rice Crispy Treats That Keep Their Buttery Crunch

• Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain crispness.
• Wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Remove treats from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to prevent marshmallow separation.
• If treats become slightly soft, place in a preheated oven at 200°F for 2-3 minutes to revive their crispy texture.

Best Sips For Rice Crispy Treats

• Pair Brown Butter with Caramel Bourbon: Sip a smooth caramel bourbon whiskey that matches the nutty brown butter notes, enhancing the rich, toasty flavor profile of the crispy treats.
• Create Chocolate Espresso Complement: Serve alongside a dark chocolate espresso that highlights the caramelized butter's deep, complex undertones, providing a sophisticated taste experience.
• Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Enjoy a warm spiced chai latte that balances the sweetness of marshmallows and adds complementary warm spice notes to the crispy treats.
• Suggest Salted Caramel Milkshake: Blend a creamy salted caramel milkshake that mirrors the brown butter's richness and provides a cool, indulgent counterpoint to the treat's texture.

Rice Crispy Treat Variants

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace standard rice crispy cereal with gluten-free rice cereal to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining the same delicious brown butter and marshmallow flavor profile.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows or plant-based marshmallow alternatives. Select dairy-free rice crispy cereal to create a completely plant-based treat.
• Chocolate Drizzle Edition: After cooling, melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle over the top of the treats for an extra layer of rich, decadent flavor. Sprinkle sea salt or chopped nuts for added texture and complexity.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder during the marshmallow melting stage to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial snack for fitness enthusiasts.

Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Childhood nostalgia meets gourmet indulgence in these brown butter rice crispy treats, elevating a classic dessert with deep nutty caramel notes. Rich, golden marshmallows and toasted brown butter create a luxurious twist that brings pure comfort to sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups rice crispy cereal
• 10 ounces (283 grams) jet-puffed marshmallows

Butter and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking vessel by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Initiate the butter transformation in a generously sized pot over medium flame, gently swirling and monitoring as it transitions from pale yellow to a rich, amber hue with a distinctive toasted fragrance.
3. Lower the heat and cascade marshmallows, vanilla essence, and salt into the browned butter, continuously stirring until the mixture becomes a silky, homogeneous blend.
4. Extract the pot from heat source and introduce rice crispy cereal, meticulously folding until each grain is thoroughly embraced by the marshmallow coating.
5. Delicately transfer the glossy mixture into the prepared pan, using a parchment paper barrier or lightly greased fingertips to create a uniformly compressed layer without disturbing the texture.
6. Allow the treat to settle and solidify at ambient temperature, permitting the components to meld and stabilize before carefully dissecting into symmetrical squares for serving.

Notes

• Brown the butter carefully to enhance the nutty, rich flavor without burning it, watching the color change from yellow to golden amber.
• Use unsalted butter for better control of the saltiness and prevent potential burning during the browning process.
• Opt for fresh marshmallows to ensure maximum gooeyness and smooth texture in the treats.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or drizzling melted chocolate on top for an elevated gourmet twist that takes these classic treats to the next level.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg