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The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

The brown butter makes the best Rice Krispie treats you'll ever eat! The flavor enhanced by a few additions turns these into a crowd-pleaser.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 2776 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan Essential for even heat distribution when browning butter.
  • 1 Heat-Resistant Spatula For constant stirring and mixing of hot ingredients.
  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish For setting and cooling the treats.
  • 1 Parchment Paper For easy pressing and preventing sticking.
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient measurement.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 16 ounce package miniature marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 8 cups crispy rice cereal such as Rice Krispies®
  • 1 pinch flaked sea salt such as Maldon®

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Add marshmallows to browned butter, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows are melted, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Stir bourbon and 1 teaspoon sea salt into marshmallow mixture and remove saucepan from heat. Add rice cereal to marshmallow mixture and mix until cereal is evenly coated with marshmallow mixture; transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Place a sheet of parchment paper over rice cereal mixture and press into dish. Remove parchment paper and sprinkle flaked sea salt over the top. Cool treats to room temperature, at least 30 minutes.

Notes

The key to exceptional brown butter Rice Krispie treats lies in the butter. Ensure you brown it slowly over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it develops a deep golden hue and a pronounced nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it. This depth of flavor is irreplaceable. When melting marshmallows, maintain medium-low heat to prevent them from seizing or becoming overly tough; gentle stirring is essential for a smooth, homogenous mixture. The addition of bourbon introduces a subtle complexity, enhancing the caramel notes from the brown butter; for an alcohol-free alternative, a touch of vanilla bean paste can offer similar richness. Use a light hand when pressing the mixture into the pan; over-compressing can lead to a dense, hard treat. The two types of sea salt are critical: the initial fine sea salt balances the sweetness, while the finishing flaked sea salt provides a delightful textural crunch and a burst of salinity, elevating the entire experience.