This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Want to know the secret to make the Best Rice Krispies Treats ever? The secret is brown butter and extra marshmallows to make the most flavorful, gooey Brown Butter Rice Krispies Treats imaginable. People are going to begging you for the recipe!
We are HUGE Rice Krispies Treats fans in our home. We have at least two boxes of Rice Krispies cereal in our pantry at all time when the craving strikes. Everytime we go out on the lake, I always make a huge batch of homemade rice krispies treats and they are devoured in no time at all.
So what’s the SECRET to making the best homemade rice krispies treats? Since there are only a few ingredients in them, it is all about ratios. We start out with BROWN BUTTER which imparts more rich flavor. Then, we add EXTRA MARSHMALLOWS to make them perfectly gooey. No dry rice krispies treats here! You can even add in a little vanilla bean paste if you want some vanilla notes.
Brown butter Rice Krispies treats might just be the ultimate no-bake dessert. They take everything you love about the original and elevate it with rich, deep flavor and the perfect marshmallow-to-crunch ratio.
There’s nothing quite like a homemade Rice Krispies treat — they are so soft, chewy, gooey, and nostalgic. But if you’ve never tried brown butter Rice Krispies treats, you are in for a serious upgrade. This easy twist brings a rich, nutty flavor to the classic treat, along with just a touch of salt to balance the sweetness. We’re talking golden, toasty butter, loads of marshmallows, and crispy cereal. What’s not to love?
Why you will love these Gooey Rice Krispies Treats:
A no-bake dessert made in less than 15 minutes. Super easy! You only need 4 ingredients.
Gooey and chewy with the perfect ratio of cereal to marshmallow. The browned butter adds a deep buttery, caramel flavor. The salt complements the sweetness of the marshmallow treats perfectly.
You can customize them with so many mix-ins!
Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats Ingredients:
- Butter
- Marshmallows
- Rice Krispies Cereal
- Salt
- Vanilla Bean Paste (optional)
How to make Rice Krispies Treats with Brown Butter:
Brown the Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring until golden brown with nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes). Watch carefully because you don’t want the butter to burn and it can go from perfectly browned butter to overcooked butter. I always suggest to pull it off the heat too early rather than too late.
Melt the Marshmallows: Reduce heat to low. Immediately stir in marshmallows and salt. Stir until melted and smooth. Add vanilla if using. Miniature or large marshmallows both work. Minis melt faster. I suggest cutting large ones in half if you want them to melt evenly.
Add the Cereal: Remove pot from heat and fold in Rice Krispies cereal quickly but gently until everything is evenly coated.
Press into Pan: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Use a greased spatula or parchment paper to press it down LIGHTLY. Don’t compact it too much or you will lose the soft texture.
Sprinkle Flaky Salt: Optional but highly recommended.
Cool and Cut: Let sit for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares, if you can wait that long!
How to brown butter for Rice Krispies Treats:
Brown butter, is butter that’s been gently melted and cooked until the milk solids toast and turn golden brown. The result? A deeply nutty, caramel-like flavor that takes simple treats to the next level.
- Use a light-colored saucepan – This lets you see the color changes clearly.
- Cut butter into pieces and melt over medium heat.
- Stir constantly as the butter foams, then begins to brown. Watch for golden flecks and a nutty aroma. DON’T OVERCOOK.
- Once it turns amber and smells toasty, remove from heat immediately as it can burn fast.
Tips on cutting Rice Krispies Treats:
Use a sharp knife and lightly grease it.
Run the knife under hot water and wipe dry for smoother slicing.
For clean, bakery-style edges, wait until the treats are completely set.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are you looking for answers to frequently asked questions when making homemade rice krispies treats? I have the answers for you!
Can I use stale marshmallows?
I don’t recommend it! Old marshmallows don’t melt well and can make the mixture dry.
Why are my marshmallows not melting smoothly?
This usually happens if they’re too old. Marshmallows lose moisture over time and don’t melt as evenly. Always use fresh marshmallows for the best texture.
Why are my Rice Krispies treats hard?
It’s likely that the butter/marshmallow mix is overcooked or that you’re pressing too firmly into the pan. Gently press, and don’t overheat the marshmallows.
How do I make them extra gooey?
This recipe calls for a lot of marshmallows so it makes gooey rice krispies treats. If you want some extra marshmallows, add them in at the end when you are stirring in the cereal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger pan (like 11×17) and a big pot. Stir carefully to coat everything evenly.
How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan well with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting and cutting.
Storage:
How long do they last?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best fresh.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic and store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Substitutions and Variations:
Butter: If you use salted butter, just slightly reduce the salt. The salty and sweet work perfectly together!
Marshmallows: Mini or large both work but the mini marshmallows melt faster. If you want to use the large marshmallows, you can always cut them in half.
Cereal: Swap in Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles for a sweeter treat. If you do use cocoa krispies or fruity pebbles cereal, you can always reduce the marshmallows to 20 ounces.
What mix-ins to add to homemade Rice Krispies Treats:
- M&M’s: I suggest using mini or regular plain M&M’s.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in mini chocolate chips before pressing into the pan.
- Peanut Butter: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter in with the marshmallows.
- Butterscotch: Stir in 1/2 cup of butterscotch chips.
- Sprinkles: Stir in your favorite sprinkles before pressing into the pan.
Craving comfort food? This is your (buttery) sign to make a batch today.
Easy Rice Krispies Treats Recipes:
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Brown Butter Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter
- 24 ounces Marshmallows
- 9 to 10 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring until golden brown with nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes). Watch carefully because you don't want the butter to burn and it can go from perfectly browned butter to overcooked butter. I always suggest to pull it off the heat too early rather than too late.
- Melt the Marshmallows: Reduce heat to low. Immediately stir in marshmallows and salt. Stir until melted and smooth. Add vanilla if using. Miniature or large marshmallows both work. Minis melt faster. I suggest cutting large ones in half if you want them to melt evenly.
- Add the Cereal: Remove pot from heat and fold in Rice Krispies cereal quickly but gently until everything is evenly coated. Start with 9 cups and add up to 10 cups total.
- Press into Pan: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Use a greased spatula or parchment paper to press it down LIGHTLY. Don’t compact it too much or you will lose the soft texture.
- Sprinkle Flaky Salt: Optional but highly recommended. Cool and Cut: Let sit for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares, if you can wait that long!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The best Rice Krispies treats ever!! Browning the butter makes the biggest difference!
Thank you for making this recipe Allison!