Get ready to fall in love with Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats—a sweet, decadent twist on the nostalgic classic that’s every bit as gooey, buttery, and irresistible as you could hope for! The deep, nutty complexity of brown butter swirls through creamy, caramel-spiked dulce de leche and perfectly chewy marshmallows, all coming together in every blissful, crunchy bite. These treats take your Rice Krispie game to new, grown-up heights, while still delivering all the childlike joy you remember.

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients, each one playing a key role in the final flavor and texture. Don’t underestimate how little tweaks—like browning the butter—can make a world of delicious difference!

Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons): Browning the butter unlocks a nutty aroma and rich depth that brings these treats to life.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little salt sharpens every flavor note and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Dulce de Leche (1/2 cup, plus extra for drizzling): This creamy caramel makes the treats ultra-luxurious and gives a silky, sweet finish.
Mini Marshmallows (1 10-oz bag): Melt into gooey goodness, binding everything together while keeping that signature chew.
Rice Krispies Cereal (6 cups): The classic crispy crunch—we wouldn’t dream of leaving this out!
Flaky Sea Salt (for topping, optional): Adds a delicate finish and the tiniest pop of flavor in every bite.

How to Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep a close eye as it foams, sizzles, and slowly transforms from yellow to golden toasty brown, filling your kitchen with a warm, nutty aroma—a sure sign that magical flavor is developing! Stir frequently to avoid burning, and be patient; this aromatic butter is the foundation of your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats.

Step 2: Add Salt and Dulce de Leche

Once the butter is deeply golden, reduce the heat to low and stir in the salt and luscious dulce de leche. Mix until everything melts together into a smooth, glossy sauce that smells like a buttery caramel hug. This is where the signature richness and depth of your treats really begin to shine.

Step 3: Melt the Marshmallows

Add the mini marshmallows into the warm mixture and stir constantly. You want them to melt completely into the brown butter caramel, ensuring every bite of Rice Krispie cereal gets cloaked in that ooey, gooey magic.

Step 4: Fold in Rice Krispies Cereal

Remove the pot from the heat and pour in the Rice Krispies cereal. Quickly, but gently, fold it through the marshmallow-caramel mixture until every piece is beautifully coated. Work fast—the mixture sets up as it cools!

Step 5: Press & Finish

Scrape the sticky mixture into a parchment-lined or greased 9×9-inch pan. Lightly oil your hands or a spatula, and gently press the mixture into an even layer—be careful not to press too firmly if you want them extra chewy. Drizzle with a little warm dulce de leche and shower with flaky sea salt if you love a sweet-and-salty finish. Let your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into perfectly crave-able squares.

How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

For that picture-perfect bakery look, finish your treats with an extra drizzle of warmed dulce de leche and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. You could even scatter a few toasted chopped pecans or a handful of colorful sprinkles if you’re feeling playful!

Side Dishes

Pair these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a chilled contrast, or plate them with fresh berries to cut through the sweetness. A cup of dark coffee or a glass of cold milk is the ideal companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the treats into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a special occasion, layer cubes in mini parfait glasses for a gorgeous party dessert, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine as sweet homemade gifts. Stack them on a tiered platter and watch them disappear at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and gooey for up to three days—if you don’t eat them all sooner!

Freezing

Want to make a batch ahead? These treats freeze well! Stack the squares between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat these treats, if you love that gooey just-made texture, zap a square in the microwave for 5-10 seconds (no more!) to soften it up. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose all that signature chewiness.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of minis?

Absolutely! Just chop them up a bit for quicker melting, and measure by weight (about 10 ounces total) to keep things perfectly gooey.

Where can I find dulce de leche?

You’ll usually find cans or jars of dulce de leche in the baking aisle near sweetened condensed milk, the Hispanic foods section, or sometimes with ice cream toppings at most grocery stores.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, it doubles beautifully! Use a 9×13-inch pan for a crowd, and be ready for everyone to ask for seconds (and the recipe)!

How do I get neat, clean squares?

Let the treats cool completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife lightly coated in butter or nonstick spray. Wiping the blade between cuts also helps keep your squares picture-perfect.

Can I skip the flaky sea salt on top?

Of course! The sea salt just enhances the caramel, but if you prefer pure sweetness, you can totally leave it off or customize your topping as you like.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a crowd-pleasing treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and utterly gourmet, you simply have to try making Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats. They’re easy enough for any night, special enough for any celebration, and always guaranteed to put a big smile on everyone’s face.

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats. These gourmet cereal bars are elevated with the nutty aroma of brown butter and the sweet decadence of dulce de leche, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dulce de leche (plus extra for drizzling)
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Melt the Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in salt and dulce de leche until smooth. Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
Add Cereal: Remove from heat and fold in Rice Krispies until coated.
Set and Serve: Press mixture into a baking dish, drizzle with dulce de leche, and cool before slicing into squares.