Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Irresistible Snack

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 10 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Irresistible Snack

If you want a snack that’s both easy to make and full of flavor, try my Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats! This twist on a classic uses brown butter for a rich, nutty flavor that takes these treats to the next level. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Irresistibly Nutty Flavor: The brown butter adds a rich and nutty undertone that elevates the classic Rice Krispie treat to a whole new level of deliciousness.
  2. Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for a last-minute treat or a fun cooking activity with kids.
  3. Customizable Indulgence: With the option to add dark chocolate chips, you can personalize these treats to suit your taste or impress your guests.
  4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these treats are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone.

Ingredients

To make Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats, you need simple ingredients that blend to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows

– 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Each ingredient plays a special role. The unsalted butter adds rich flavor and helps create that tasty brown butter. Mini marshmallows melt perfectly and bind everything together. Rice Krispies give the treats their signature crunch. Vanilla adds warmth, while sea salt balances the sweetness. Dark chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and add a touch of indulgence.

You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. Make sure to check your pantry for any you might already have. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste and texture.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Guide

Melting the Unsalted Butter

Start by placing a large saucepan on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir it often as it melts. The butter will foam and change color. Keep stirring until it becomes a rich golden brown. This takes about 5-7 minutes. You will smell a nutty aroma when it’s ready. Remove the pan from heat to stop it from burning.

Melting the Mini Marshmallows

Next, add a 10 oz package of mini marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes. The marshmallows will melt and blend into a smooth mixture. It’s important to keep stirring so they don’t stick or burn.

Combining Ingredients and Folding in Rice Krispies

After melting the marshmallows, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir well to combine. Now it’s time to add the Rice Krispies. Gradually fold in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Do this gently to keep the cereal crunchy. If you want to add a fun twist, fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips.

Now you have a gooey and delicious mixture ready to set into treats!

Tips & Tricks

Tips for Working with Brown Butter

How to Know When Brown Butter is Ready

Brown butter is done when it turns a rich, golden brown color. You will see tiny brown specks forming at the bottom of the pan. You will also smell a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Make sure to stir often to avoid burning.

Preventing Bitter Flavor

To avoid a bitter taste, watch the butter closely as it cooks. As soon as it changes color and smells nutty, take it off the heat. If you leave it too long, it will burn and taste bad. Always remember that it continues to cook even after you remove it from the heat.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

To get the right texture, keep stirring the butter while it cooks. This helps the heat spread evenly. When you mix the melted marshmallows with the brown butter, stir until smooth. This smooth mixture will coat the Rice Krispies well.

Presentation Tips

Elevating Visual Appeal

To make your treats stand out, serve them on a colorful plate. You can also use a rustic wooden board for a nice touch. Drizzling melted chocolate on top adds a nice look and taste. A sprinkle of sea salt on the finished treats can make them pop!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these treats at parties or as a fun snack. You can cut them into squares or rectangles. For a twist, stack a few treats high on a plate for a fun display.

Custom Topping Ideas

Get creative with toppings! You can use crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even dried fruit. If you love chocolate, try adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel. These simple extras can turn your treats into something special.

Pro Tips

  1. Watch the Butter: Keep a close eye on the butter as it melts. The transition from melted to browned happens quickly, so stir constantly to achieve the perfect nutty flavor without burning.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your marshmallows and Rice Krispies cereal are fresh for the best taste and texture. Stale ingredients can lead to chewy or hard treats.
  3. Cool Before Cutting: Let the treats cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
  4. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your treats with different mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or various types of chocolate for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Variations

Flavor Variations

Adding Peanut Butter

You can make these treats even better by adding peanut butter. Mix in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter when you melt the marshmallows. This gives a rich, nutty flavor that pairs great with brown butter.

Incorporating Other Mix-ins

Feel free to get creative! Add chopped nuts, mini candies, or dried fruit. About 1/2 cup of any mix-in works well. Just fold them in after adding the Rice Krispies.

Alternative Sweeteners

For a different taste, try using honey or maple syrup instead of marshmallows. Use about 1 cup of your chosen sweetener. Just heat it with the brown butter until it’s smooth. Then add the Rice Krispies as usual.

Dietary Variations

Gluten-Free Options

To make these treats gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free Rice Krispies. Most brands offer gluten-free options that taste just as good.

Vegan Substitutes

You can create vegan Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats by using vegan butter and marshmallows. They will still hold their shape and have a great taste.

Reduced Sugar Options

For a lower sugar treat, use less marshmallow. Use about 1/2 of the package. You can also add more Rice Krispies. This keeps the treats tasty while cutting down on sugar.

Storage Info

How to Store Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Optimal Storage Conditions

To keep your Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to store them at room temperature. If your kitchen is hot and humid, consider putting them in the fridge. This will help them stay firm. Just remember, cold treats can become hard.

Shelf Life Information

When stored properly, these treats last about 3-5 days. If you notice them getting stale, you can revive them slightly by microwaving for a few seconds. They won’t be as fresh as day one, but they will still taste good!

Reheating Tips

Keeping Them Soft and Chewy

To keep your treats soft, use the microwave. Place a treat on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 5-10 seconds. This quick burst of heat will make them warm and gooey again.

Best Practices for Reheating

Avoid using the oven for reheating. It can dry them out. If you need to reheat a batch, cover them with a damp paper towel in the microwave. This keeps the moisture in and helps maintain their chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use regular butter. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt in your treats. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe. This keeps your treats from being too salty.

How can I make my Rice Krispie treats softer?

To make softer treats, use more marshmallows. You can also add a little more butter. Mixing in a splash of milk can help too. Just be careful not to use too much, or they might become too gooey.

How long do these treats last?

These treats will last about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you keep them in a cool, dry place, they stay fresh longer.

Can I freeze Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats?

Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the treats tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.

Making Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats is fun and easy. We covered key ingredients like unsalted butter, mini marshmallows, and optional dark chocolate chips. I shared step-by-step instructions to melt, combine, and fold ingredients.

Don’t forget my tips for achieving perfect brown butter and enhancing looks. Explore flavor and dietary variations to fit everyone’s needs. Proper storage ensures your treats stay fresh longer.

Now, you can serve up joy with these treats that everyone love

Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Deliciously rich Rice Krispie treats made with brown butter and optional dark chocolate.

10 min prep
10 min cook
12 servings
150 cal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Begin by placing a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt while continuously stirring. Pay close attention; the butter will start to foam. Keep stirring until it transforms into a rich golden brown and gives off a delightful nutty fragrance, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once you reach this stage, promptly remove the saucepan from heat to avoid burning the butter.

  2. 2

    Next, toss the mini marshmallows into the browned butter in the saucepan. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and you achieve a smooth mixture. This process should take approximately 2-3 minutes.

  3. 3

    After the marshmallows have melted, stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt, combining everything thoroughly.

  4. 4

    Gradually fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture. Be gentle during this step to ensure the cereal maintains its shape. If you’re opting for a touch of decadence, this is also the time to fold in the dark chocolate chips for added richness.

  5. 5

    Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with non-stick spray or a bit of butter. Pour the Rice Krispie mixture into the dish. To ensure an even and flat layer, use a piece of wax paper or greased hands to gently press down the mixture.

  6. 6

    Allow the treats to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once they have firmed up, cut them into delightful squares or rectangles for serving.

Chef's Notes

For best results, allow treats to cool completely before cutting.

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American