Brown Butter Cinnamon Rice Krispie Treats
Cereal treats grown up: nutty brown butter, warm cinnamon, a soft chew, and a little flaky salt on top. This is a fast dessert, but the brown-butter step deserves your full attention because it is where the extra flavor comes from.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 10 minutes
- Bake: None
- Chill: None
- Rest: 20 minutes before cutting
- Total: 25 minutes
- Servings: 16 squares
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 stick (8 tbsp) salted butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- Flaky salt to finish
How to Make Brown Butter Cinnamon Rice Krispie Treats
1. Prepare the pan
Line a 9×13 pan with parchment, leaving enough overhang to lift the finished treats out later. The parchment also makes cutting and cleanup easier.
2. Brown the butter
Put the salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt completely, then continue cooking as it bubbles. Stir or swirl the pan occasionally. Watch the color carefully. The butter is ready when the milk solids turn amber and the butter smells nutty. This usually takes about 5 minutes, but your pan and heat level can change the timing. Remove the saucepan from the heat as soon as it reaches that amber, nutty stage.
3. Melt the marshmallow mixture
Add the mini marshmallows, cinnamon, and vanilla to the hot brown butter while the pan is off the heat. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth. If the marshmallows are not melting from the residual heat, return the pan to very low heat briefly and stir constantly. Do not let the mixture scorch.
4. Add the cereal
Pour the 6 cups crispy rice cereal into the saucepan or a large mixing bowl. Fold the cereal through the marshmallow mixture with a silicone spatula until every piece is coated. Work fairly quickly because the mixture becomes harder to spread as it cools.
5. Press and finish
Transfer the coated cereal to the parchment-lined 9×13 pan. Lightly grease your hands or the back of a spatula if needed, then press the mixture into an even layer. Do not pack it down aggressively because over-compressing can make the treats hard instead of soft and chewy. Sprinkle flaky salt over the top.
6. Rest and cut
Let the treats cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Lift them out using the parchment and cut into 16 squares.
Tips for Soft, Chewy Treats
- Stay close to the pan while browning the butter because it can burn quickly once it turns golden.
- Remove the butter from the heat before adding marshmallows, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Fold the cereal in gently so you do not crush it.
- Press the mixture firmly enough to hold together, but not so firmly that the treats become dense.
- Cut after the full 20-minute rest so the squares hold their shape.
Troubleshooting
- Butter tastes bitter: It was likely cooked past the amber stage. Brown it carefully and remove it from the heat as soon as it smells nutty.
- Treats are hard: The cereal may have been packed too firmly, or the marshmallow mixture may have been overheated.
- Treats are falling apart: Make sure the cereal is evenly coated and allow the full 20-minute rest before cutting.
- Marshmallows are not melting: Return the saucepan to very low heat and stir constantly until smooth. Avoid high heat.
Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows.
- Gluten-free: Confirm that the crispy rice cereal and marshmallows you choose are labeled appropriately for your needs.
- Salt: The recipe uses salted butter and flaky salt, so taste before adding extra salt beyond the listed finishing amount.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store the cut squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: These are best at room temperature. If you want them slightly softer, warm a single square very briefly, then let it cool enough to handle.
Freezer: Wrap individual squares well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip browning the butter?
You can, but the nutty browned-butter flavor is the defining upgrade in this version. If you skip it, you will have a simpler cereal treat rather than the full recipe as written.
Why should I not press the cereal too firmly?
Hard pressing compresses the cereal and can make the finished treats dense and tough. Press just enough to create an even slab.
Can I use regular marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows are specified because they melt quickly and evenly. If using larger marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces before melting.
How long should the treats cool?
The recipe calls for about 20 minutes. That is enough time for the mixture to firm up while keeping the treats pleasantly chewy.
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More Sweet Pea Desserts
For more easy desserts, browse Desserts, explore What Should I Make?, or use Recipes by Budget when you are planning around a grocery budget. Visit Shop My Kitchen for useful baking tools and $50 Grocery Challenge for practical meal planning. For another cozy treat, try Brown Butter Snickerdoodles or Late-Night Brownie Mug Cake.
