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Golden brown rice krispie treats recipe with flecks of sea salt and nutty brown butter.

Gooey Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
Indulge in these gooey, bakery-style brown butter rice krispie treats. This sophisticated version features nutty toasted butter and a hint of vanilla for the ultimate soft and crunchy snack.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 squares
Calories 155 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients
 

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 4 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 5 cups crispy rice cereal

Instructions
 

Brown the Butter Base

  • Set a large saucepan over low heat and melt the butter slowly. Keep it moving until it foams, the foam settles down, and you see tiny brown flecks with a nutty, toasted smell.

Melt and Smooth the Marshmallows

  • Add the miniature marshmallows and stir patiently until the mixture turns shiny and completely gooey, with no stubborn lumps clinging to the spoon.
  • Keep cooking for 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly, until everything looks like a smooth, stretchy marshmallow cloud and the butter feels fully absorbed.

Coat the Cereal and Set

  • Take the pan off the heat, then fold in the crispy rice cereal until every piece looks evenly slick and glossy, not dry or dusty.
  • Spoon it into a buttered 9x13-inch pan and use a buttered spatula or waxed paper to press it lightly into an even layer, just enough to hold together.
  • Let it cool at room temperature, then cut into 2-inch squares when fully set and no longer warm to the touch.

Notes

The Low Heat Rule: Always use low heat to melt your marshmallows. High heat can cause the sugar to tighten up, making the treats hard and brittle once they cool.
The No-Press Technique: When leveling the mixture in the pan, avoid packing it down firmly. Lightly pressing ensures the treats stay airy and tender rather than becoming dense.
Storage and Freshness: Store your squares in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and gooey for up to 5 days. Avoid the refrigerator as it can draw out moisture.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 1gFat: 4.5gSaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 135mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg
Keyword brown butter, No-bake, rice krispie treats
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