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Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Toasted Marshmallows Recipe

Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Toasted Marshmallows Recipe

5.1 from 28 reviews

Indulge in these decadent Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Toasted Marshmallows, a delightful twist on a classic snack. Featuring rich browned butter, crunchy pretzels, toasted marshmallows, and creamy white chocolate, these treats combine sweet and salty flavors with irresistible textures. Perfect for a nostalgic dessert or party treat, they’re easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Marshmallows and Butter

  • 20 ounces mini marshmallows (12 cups, divided)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (reserve wrapper)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
  • 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal (115g)
  • 2 cups mini pretzels, broken into ½- to 1-inch pieces (100g)
  • 6 ounces chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Oven: Spray an 8×8-inch pan (or 9×9-inch for thinner bars) with non-stick spray, line it with foil or parchment paper with an overhang, and spray again. Line a baking tray with foil and spray generously to prevent sticking.
  2. Toast Marshmallows: Preheat the oven to broil and position a rack in the center. Separate 2 cups of marshmallows and set aside. Spread the remaining 10 cups on the foil-lined baking tray. Broil marshmallows for 30 to 90 seconds until golden and toasted on top, watching closely to avoid burning. Remove and cool slightly.
  3. Brown the Butter: Melt the butter in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat. As it foams, stir and scrape the bottom with a silicone spatula. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown with dark flecks and emits a nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Combine Browned Butter and Toasted Marshmallows: Reduce heat to low and add the toasted marshmallows into the browned butter. Stir until marshmallows are almost fully melted, with some lumps okay. Turn off the heat, then stir in salt, vanilla, and rum if using.
  5. Add Cereal, Pretzels, and Reserved Marshmallows: Mix in Rice Krispies cereal, pretzels, and the reserved 2 cups of marshmallows. Once mostly combined, fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  6. Press Into Pan and Cool: Quickly transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and gently press with your hands or a spatula (using the reserved butter wrapper to prevent sticking) until smooth and even. Avoid pressing too hard to keep treats soft. Let cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Watch the marshmallows carefully under the broiler as they can burn quickly.
  • Using the reserved butter wrapper to press the treats prevents sticking and keeps the texture soft.
  • Dark rum is optional and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
  • You can substitute mini pretzels with other crunchy salty snacks for variation.
  • Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brown butter Rice Krispie treats, toasted marshmallows, white chocolate treats, pretzel snacks, nostalgic desserts