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Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats 🍪
I did not think rice krispie treats could get better until I started browning the butter first. That one extra step gives them a nutty, toasted, almost caramel flavor, and a few extra marshmallows make them impossibly gooey. They take maybe five more minutes than the ones you grew up on, and Gabriella and Anthony can tell the difference in one bite. Fair warning: once you make them this way, the plain version feels a little sad.
Servings: 9 squares
Calories: 315kcal
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Ingredients
- 8 tbsp Land O Lakes Unsalted Butter in Half Sticks browned
- 10 cups mini marshmallows divided
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- Flaky sea salt and sprinkles optional, for topping
Instructions
- Line an 8×8″ square pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, turn heat to low and begin to brown the butter — stir frequently until it foams and has brown bits on the bottom (about 8 minutes). It will have a nutty color and aroma when ready.
- Once butter is browned, stir in 8 cups of mini marshmallows until just melted. Then add kosher salt and vanilla extract.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the crispy rice cereal until the entire mixture is coated. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows and spoon into the prepared pan. With slightly wet hands, press gently into the pan (do not press too hard). Sprinkle with sea salt and sprinkles if using.
- Allow to set for 30-60 minutes. Remove the foil, lift the treats from the pan, slice into squares and package individually if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 254mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 311IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Brown the butter until it smells nutty and turns golden, then watch it closely so it does not burn.
- Take the pan off the heat before adding the cereal so the treats stay soft.
- Fold in a handful of extra marshmallows at the end for gooey pockets.
- Press into the pan gently with buttered hands. Packing too tight makes them dense.
- Let them set at room temperature rather than the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does browning the butter do?
It toasts the milk solids for a deep, nutty, caramel-like flavor that plain butter cannot match.
How are these different from your Ube Rice Krispies Treats?
Same gooey base, different flavor. These lean nutty and toasty; the ube version is sweet and vanilla-purple.
Why are mine hard?
The marshmallow was overheated. Melt low and slow and pull off the heat before the cereal.
How long do they keep?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
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