Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats: Imagine taking the classic rice crispy treat we all know and love and giving it a little twist by adding browned butter and a gooey layer of dulce de leche.
Today, we’re diving into a super delicious treat that’s going to make your taste buds dance – Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats.
This simple change makes these treats even more irresistible. Their rich, nutty flavor makes them stand out from the average Rice Krispie Treats.
Making brown butter rice krispie treats is as fun as it is easy.
Actually, making these is probably more fun for Lily than eating them. All that ooey gooey marshmallow!
It’s a great way to spend some time in the kitchen, whether you’re baking with the kids, preparing something sweet for a get-together, or just treating yourself.
The best part? These treats come together in no time, meaning you don’t have to wait long to dig in.
So, let’s get started and find out why these brown butter rice crispy treats are about to become your new favorite dessert.
Some of our other favorite sweet snack recipes we have on our site include: The BEST Recipe for Sweet Chex Mix, Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Chex Mix Recipe, and Lemon Berry Sweet Rolls.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- No-Bake Bliss: No oven needed means these are super easy and quick to make.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: A perfect recipe for little hands to help with, from stirring to tasting.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up something amazing.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Bag of jumbo marshmallows
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Rice crispy cereal
- Mini marshmallows
- Dulce de leche
- Salt
HOW TO MAKE BROWN BUTTER RICE CRISPY TREATS:
- Spray a 9×9 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. If you prefer, you can also line it with parchment paper, again sprayed with cooking spray.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat until it’s browned, and it begins to smell nutty, stirring constantly. Do not overcook, or it will burn.
- Add the 10-ounce bag of jumbo marshmallows to the pot and continuously stir until they completely melted.
- Add in the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk, stirring everything once again until combined.
- Remove the marshmallow mixture from the heat and pour over a bowl filled with the rice crispy cereal.
- Use a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
- While the mixture is still warm, add the mini marshmallows and stir to combine.
- Transfer half of the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it into the pan evenly. I like to use my hands for this; just press down gently; you don’t want to crush the cereal.
- Then, pour half a can of the dulce de leche on top of the warm mixture and spread it out evenly.
- Add the second half of the rice krispy mixture on top, and again, press gently into the dish.
- Let the treats set at room temperature for at least 2 hours or longer.
- Cut and enjoy or store in a ziploc bag or a tightly sealed container for later.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
HOW TO BROWN BUTTER?
To achieve that nutty brown butter flavor that elevates these rice krispy treats to a whole new level, start by placing tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
Allow the butter to melt slowly, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
Watch as the butter turns from golden yellow to rich golden brown, releasing an unmistakable nutty aroma.
This process may take a few minutes, but the residual heat and the transformation it brings to the butter are crucial for adding depth to your treats.
CAN THESE BE MADE AHEAD?
Yes, brown butter rice krispies treats are a fantastic last-minute dessert that can also be prepared ahead of time, ensuring you’re always ready for treat time.
After following this homemade rice crispy treat recipe, allow them to cool at room temperature before cutting.
Then, simply place them between sheets of parchment or wax paper in an airtight container. This way, they maintain their crispy texture and nutty brown butter flavor.
Whether you’re using Kellog’s Rice Krispies or another crispy rice cereal, these treats can be stored in a cool, dry place, making them perfect for planning ahead.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Make sure you save the recipe card for later. I always like to take notes so I remember better next time.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet and salty twist.
- Mix in chocolate chips for pockets of chocolatey goodness.
- Add a splash of vanilla bean paste for extra flavor.
- Stir in peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Use extra mini marshmallows for more gooeyness.
- Drizzle caramel on top for added sweetness.
- Sprinkle golden brown sugar for a crunch.
- Add chocolate chip cookies crumbled for a fun mix.
- Include a handful of your favorite nuts for texture.
- Swirl in raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity kick.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Let me know in the comments how this compares to your other favorite recipes. I love hearing from you!
- Replace dulce de leche with chocolate sauce or a layer of hot fudge sauce for chocolate lovers.
- Use a gluten-free rice crispy cereal for those with dietary restrictions.
- Substitute marshmallows with vegan marshmallows to make it vegan-friendly.
HOW TO STORE:
Room temp: These are best eaten within the first few days you make them.
However, you can put them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil for up to 3 months.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Be patient when browning the butter; it’s the secret to that deep, nutty flavor.
- Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix the cereal mixture to avoid sticking.
- Press the mixture into the pan gently; over-pressing can make the treats hard.
- Let the treats cool at room temperature for the perfect texture before cutting.
- Cutting with a sharp, buttered knife can make for cleaner slices.
- Experiment with add-ins and toppings to find your perfect treat combination.
Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats are a yummy journey back to childhood with a gourmet twist.
By adding browned butter, you elevate a simple treat into something truly special and memorable.
Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or just because, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around.
So, grab your pot and get ready to stir up some magic with this easy recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried these BROWN BUTTER RICE CRISPY TREATS, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats (with Dulce de Leche)
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons salted butter
- 10 ounce bag jumbo marshmallows
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 cups rice crispy cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ of a 13.4 ounce can dulce de leche
Instructions
- Spray a 9×9 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. If you prefer, you can also line it with parchment paper, again sprayed with cooking spray.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat until it’s browned, and it begins to smell nutty, stirring constantly. Do not overcook, or it will burn.5 tablespoons salted butter
- Add the 10-ounce bag of jumbo marshmallows to the pot and continuously stir until they completely melted.10 ounce bag jumbo marshmallows
- Add in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt, stirring everything once again until combined.½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk, ½ teaspoon salt
- Remove the marshmallow mixture from the heat and pour over a bowl filled with the rice crispy cereal.6 cups rice crispy cereal
- Use a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
- While the mixture is still warm, add the mini marshmallows and stir to combine.1 cup mini marshmallows
- Transfer half of the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it into the pan evenly. I like to use my hands for this; just press down gently; you don’t want to crush the cereal.
- Then, pour half a can of the dulce de leche on top of the warm mixture and spread it out evenly.½ of a 13.4 ounce can dulce de leche
- Add the second half of the rice krispy mixture on top, and again, press gently into the dish.
- Let the treats set at room temperature for at least 2 hours or longer.
- Cut and enjoy or store in a ziploc bag or a tightly sealed container for later.
Notes
- Be patient when browning the butter; it’s the secret to that deep, nutty flavor.
- Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix the cereal mixture to avoid sticking.
- Press the mixture into the pan gently; over-pressing can make the treats hard.
- Let the treats cool at room temperature for the perfect texture before cutting.
- Cutting with a sharp, buttered knife can make for cleaner slices.
- Experiment with add-ins and toppings to find your perfect treat combination.
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