Extra Gooey Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Introduction

These Extra Gooey Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats take a classic snack to the next level with toasted cereal, rich brown butter, and melty pockets of marshmallow. They are irresistibly soft and loaded with deep, nutty flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 7 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 14 tablespoons unsalted European butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (substitute vanilla extract)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the baking pan by lining a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, covering all four sides, or generously butter or spray it with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Divide the marshmallows, setting aside 1 1/2 cups for folding in later.
3. Step 3: Toast the crispy rice cereal by spreading it on an unlined baking sheet and broiling. Stir every minute until golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Make the brown butter by cooking the butter over medium heat in a large pot, stirring occasionally until the milk solids turn amber-brown, then turn off the heat.
5. Step 5: Melt 5 1/2 cups of the mini marshmallows with the salt and vanilla bean paste into the brown butter, stirring until smooth.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and mix in the toasted rice cereal until evenly combined.
7. Step 7: Fold in the reserved 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows until they start to melt but remain slightly whole for gooey pockets.
8. Step 8: Press the mixture into the prepared pan using a butter wrapper or spatula. For firm treats, compact tightly; for softer, gooier treats, press lightly.
9. Step 9: Let the treats set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor, or substitute with high-quality vanilla extract if needed.
• Watch the broiler closely when toasting the cereal to prevent burning and achieve an even golden color.
• For a playful twist, stir in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before pressing the mixture into the pan.
• Butter wrappers make excellent tools for pressing the mixture and add no extra mess.

Storage

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy after freezing, thaw at room temperature and cut as desired. Reheating is not necessary but a few seconds in the microwave can soften firmer treats.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, regular marshmallows can be chopped and used in place of mini marshmallows, but the melting process may take slightly longer and could alter the texture a bit.

Why should I toast the cereal before mixing?

Toasting the cereal adds a deeper, nuttier flavor and a slight crunch that elevates the traditional Rice Krispie treat to something more gourmet and satisfying.

Extra Gooey Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 124 reviews

These Extra Gooey Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats elevate the classic marshmallow and crispy rice cereal snack by using rich brown butter and toasted cereal for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Adding extra marshmallows folded in at the end creates delightful pockets of gooeyness. Perfect for a nostalgic treat with a gourmet twist.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings (9×9 inch pan, cut into 16 squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Marshmallows

• 7 cups mini marshmallows (divided: 5 1/2 cups and 1 1/2 cups)

Cereal

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal

Butter and Flavorings

• 14 tablespoons unsalted European butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or substitute vanilla extract)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking pan: Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper covering all four sides or generously butter or spray with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the treats.
2. Divide the marshmallows: Separate 1 1/2 cups of the mini marshmallows and set aside; you will fold these in later for extra gooey bits.
3. Toast the crispy rice cereal: Spread the cereal evenly on an unlined baking sheet and place under the broiler. Stir every minute to prevent burning and to ensure even toasting. Continue until the cereal turns a golden brown color, indicating toasted, nutty flavor development.
4. Make the brown butter: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt and cook the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch closely as it goes through stages of sizzling, foaming, bubbling, and popping. Once the milk solids turn an amber brown color and emit a nutty aroma, remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
5. Melt the marshmallows: Add the larger portion of marshmallows (5 1/2 cups), sea salt, and vanilla bean paste to the brown butter. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and combined into a smooth, glossy mixture.
6. Mix in the toasted cereal: Remove the pot from heat and fold in the toasted crispy rice cereal until fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
7. Fold in extra marshmallows: Gently fold in the reserved 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows. These should begin to soften and partially melt, creating pockets of gooeyness throughout the treats.
8. Press the mixture into the pan: Using a butter wrapper or parchment paper, press the mixture into your prepared 9×9 pan. For firmer, store-bought texture press firmly; for softer, gooier treats press lightly or not at all.
9. Let set before cutting: Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy fresh or store in an airtight container for up to several days.

Notes

• Watch the cereal carefully while toasting to prevent burning, as it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
• European unsalted butter is preferred for its rich flavor, but any unsalted butter will work.
• Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor and flecks but vanilla extract can be substituted.
• Pressing the treats firmly results in a classic texture; skipping firm pressing yields a chewier, softer treat.
• Save butter wrappers for dispensing or pressing if needed; they also add a nostalgic touch to the process.

Keywords: rice krispie treats, brown butter, toasted crispy rice cereal, gooey marshmallow, dessert treat, homemade snack