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Toasted Marshmallow Rice Krispies Treats

Featured in: Sweet Endings and Treats

This elevated version of Rice Krispies treats takes the classic recipe to new heights by incorporating two game-changing techniques: toasting the marshmallows and browning the butter. The marshmallows are broiled until golden, adding a subtle caramel flavor, while the brown butter brings a rich, nutty taste that transforms these simple treats into something special. The cereal gets toasted too, deepening the overall flavor profile. They're still quick to make, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish, but these extra steps create treats that are exceptionally gooey with complex, caramelized flavors. A sprinkle of sea salt on top perfectly balances the sweetness.
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Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 02:09:34 GMT
A large cake is sitting in a pan, ready to be served. Pin it
A large cake is sitting in a pan, ready to be served. | tasteofcook.com

The aroma of toasted marshmallows and brown butter transforms these Rice Krispies treats into something extraordinary. Taking a childhood favorite and elevating it with golden-brown butter, perfectly toasted marshmallows, and a sprinkle of sea salt creates treats that are impossibly gooey, deeply flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

I've made these treats countless times for family gatherings, and they consistently disappear within minutes. The combination of textures and flavors keeps everyone coming back for just one more piece.

Essential Recipe Components

  • Rice Krispies cereal : Brings the perfect light, crispy foundation that stays crunchy.
  • Marshmallows : Create that classic gooey texture we all love.
  • Salted butter : Transforms into liquid gold when browned.
  • Vanilla extract : Enhances the caramel notes.
  • Flaked sea salt: Adds sophisticated contrast to the sweetness.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Preparing the Base:
Spread your cereal across the baking sheet, letting it toast until it releases an incredible nutty aroma. The transformation happens quickly, so keep a close eye as the cereal turns golden.
Marshmallow Magic:
Arrange marshmallows carefully on your prepared baking sheet, watching as they puff and turn golden under the broiler's heat. This step creates deep caramel notes that make these treats extraordinary.
Brown Butter Brilliance:
Watch as your butter transforms, bubbling and foaming until it turns a beautiful amber color, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating nutty fragrance. This golden elixir will be the foundation of your treats' complex flavor.
The Final Assembly:
Combine your toasted elements with practiced patience, folding everything together until perfectly incorporated. Press gently into your prepared pan, allowing the mixture to cool and set.
A pan of marshmallows and cereal is ready to be eaten. Pin it
A pan of marshmallows and cereal is ready to be eaten. | tasteofcook.com

My family particularly loves the toasted marshmallow element. My daughter always requests these for her birthday, claiming they're better than any cake could ever be.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these elevated treats alongside a glass of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic experience. They also pair wonderfully with hot cocoa on chilly evenings or with coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. Creating a dessert board with these treats as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh berries and chocolate-dipped strawberries, makes for an impressive presentation at gatherings.

Delicious Adaptations

Create a chocolate lover's dream by folding in dark chocolate chips while the mixture is still warm. For nutty complexity, incorporate toasted pecans or almonds. Those who enjoy a hint of spice might appreciate a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top. During fall, try adding a touch of pumpkin pie spice to the brown butter for a seasonal twist that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Keeping Your Treats Fresh

Store these treasures in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. They maintain their perfect texture for three days at room temperature. To revive their gooey goodness, a quick 10-second warm-up in the microwave works wonders. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and freeze for up to two months.

A pan of marshmallows is on a table. Pin it
A pan of marshmallows is on a table. | tasteofcook.com

A Touch of Kitchen Wisdom

  • Let your brown butter cool slightly before adding marshmallows to prevent them from separating.
  • Use a piece of parchment paper when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
  • For the cleanest cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between slices.

After years of making Rice Krispies treats, this version stands as my proudest achievement. The combination of toasting the cereal, browning the butter, and adding that perfect touch of salt creates something truly memorable. Whether you're making these for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these treats prove that sometimes the simplest things, when given extra care and attention, become extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why brown the butter for Rice Krispies treats?
Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes these treats taste more sophisticated than the original version.
→ How do I know when my butter is properly browned?
The butter will turn golden brown and smell nutty and toasted. It usually takes 5-7 minutes of constant stirring.
→ Can I make these without toasting the marshmallows?
Yes, but toasting adds a delicious caramel flavor that makes these treats extra special.
→ How should I store these Rice Krispies treats?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
→ Why are my Rice Krispies treats too hard?
They might be pressed too firmly into the pan. Use gentle pressure when pressing them down to keep them soft and chewy.

Brown Butter Rice Krispies Treats

Upgrade classic Rice Krispies treats with toasted marshmallows and nutty brown butter for an incredibly gooey, caramel-flavored dessert.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base ingredients

01 Rice Krispies cereal, 5 ½ cups
02 Large marshmallows, one 10-ounce bag
03 Salted butter, cut into 8 pieces (1 stick, ½ cup)
04 Pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon

→ Topping

05 Flaked sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 450°F and set up two foil-lined baking sheets. Spread Rice Krispies on one sheet and pop them in the oven for 3-5 minutes. Give them a stir every minute until they turn golden and smell toasty.

Step 02

On your second sheet (sprayed with cooking spray), lay out the marshmallows in one layer. Once the cereal's done and cooling, switch to broil. Toast those marshmallows for 30-60 seconds until golden on top - watch them like a hawk!

Step 03

In a large pot, melt your butter over medium heat. Keep stirring for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Lower the heat, add marshmallows, and stir until they're melted. Mix in vanilla.

Step 04

Add your toasted cereal to the pot. Over low heat, fold everything together until every piece of cereal is coated in that gorgeous marshmallow mixture.

Step 05

Press the mixture into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 pan (use a greased measuring cup to press it down evenly). Sprinkle with sea salt if you like. Let it cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

  1. If using mini marshmallows, they'll toast much faster than regular ones, so keep a close eye on them
  2. When browning butter, don't walk away - it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds
  3. Work quickly when pressing the mixture into the pan, as it sets fast

Tools You'll Need

  • Two baking sheets
  • Aluminum foil
  • Large steel pot or light-bottomed cast iron
  • 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cup (for pressing)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter)