Learn how to make easy brown butter rice krispie treats. With browned butter, sea salt, and extra marshmallows, these are the BEST!

Hello, fellow confectionery connoisseurs! Gather around as I confess my undying devotion to the humble yet majestic rice krispie treat.

To me, these marshmallowy marvels are more than just a dessert. Forget brownies, pies, or even the gooiest of cookies; it’s the rice krispie treat that truly holds the key to my sweet-toothed heart.

I’ve always held these crunchy, munchy squares in high esteem, believing they had reached the pinnacle of snack perfection.

But then, along came a twist so decadent, so mind-blowingly delicious, it shattered all my dessert beliefs: the brown butter rice krispie treat.

This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill marshmallow square. Browning the butter transforms these treats into rich, salty-sweet, nutty morsels of bliss.

Once you’ve tasted this brown butter version, there’s simply no going back to the ordinary. It’s like discovering a secret ingredient that turns your favorite comfort food into a gourmet feast.

As the self-proclaimed president of the rice krispie treat-a-holics, I can say with confidence that this is the recipe that will redefine everything you thought you knew about rice krispie treats.

brown butter rice krispie bars on a cutting board

But why just take my word for it when you can embark on this buttery, crispy journey yourself? I’m going to show you how to make them below! Here’s what you’re going to need.

Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups rice cereal

Tips and Thoughts for This Recipe

Don’t take your eyes off the pot. While you may be impatient for it to start browning, the period between the time the butter begins to take on color and the point where it burns is often less than a minute.

I like to use a piece of waxed or parchment paper that I’ve sprayed with oil to press the treats firmly and evenly into the edges and corners, though a silicon spatula works almost as well. Some people even use a plastic bag sprayed with oil.

You might get tempted to add more marshmallow, but stick with what I suggest here. Too much marshmallow causes these to get sticky and fall apart.

These last 2 – 3 days in an airtight container on the counter, and maybe a little bit longer in the fridge.

I can’t wait for you to make these treats and change your life. Upon doing this, you’ll likely feel the urge to send me cards and gifts.

These would be delicious at a bake sale! Get the printable recipe for these treats below.

Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Make browned butter rice krispie bars the whole family is going to love! These are uniquely delicious.

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Prep Time: 15

Cool Time: 1

Total Time: 1 15

Servings: people

Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups rice cereal

Instructions

Butter (or coat with non-stick spray) a 9×13 glass baking dish with 2-inch sides.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. It will melt, then foam, then turn clear golden and finally start to turn brown and smell nutty. Stir frequently, scraping up any bits from the bottom as you do.
Once the butter is browned and bubbly, add the salt, vanilla, and mini marshmallows. Stir the ingredients using a silicone whisk or spatula until the marshmallows are completely melted.
Turn off the heat, remove the pot from the stove and immediately fold in the rice cereal. Make sure it's evenly coated.
Quickly spread into prepared pan.
Let cool and cut the treats into squares.