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Rice Krispie Treats sound like "little kid food", right? Wrong, if you're talking about these Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats. Kids of all ages go crazy over them but be warned - they're addictively delicious!
When it came to Rice Krispie Treats, my attitude was always a little "meh"... I could take them or leave them. Then, a few years ago, I was at my son, Nick's home for dinner. He pulled out a pan of rice cereal treats and said, "try one!". I politely refused as I like to save my calories for sweet treats that are "worth it" in my eyes. He said, "No, really mom, just take a bite". I took a small bite and my eyes opened wide, WOW! - so good! He shared "the secret" that made them so delicious and now I'm quite smitten. I think you will also be delightfully surprised when you take the first bite of these Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats!
The Secret
Scott picked up two of our grandchildren, Emmy and Hayes from school yesterday, as they're spending the weekend with us. He brought them each one of these Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats. As soon as they arrived home, Emmy asked, "Are those Rice Krispie Treats on the blog". I said, "Not yet". They both adamantly declared that "They need to be - they're SO good!".
I also took a few large squares of these Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats to an older granddaughter, Annie, who was participating in a track meet last week. I wrapped them in parchment paper and added a colorful gift label.
The next day, my daughter relayed that Annie told her, "that Rice Krispie treat was one of the best things I've ever tasted!". And who knows? After she took the first few bites, she ran the last leg of the girl's relay and cleaned up BIG time for the team!
So what's the secret that makes these treats so fabulous and out of the ordinary? Actually, there are several things that take them to a gourmet level. Generally, Rice Krispie Treats call for melted butter, marshmallows and rice cereal. In this recipe, the butter is browned on the stovetop after it's melted. Brown butter is a simple chef's trick that adds a fabulous dimension to pasta, veggies, fish... all kinds of things. including Rice Krispie Treats!
Browning butter takes just a few extra minutes but the flavor explosion it provides is amazing. The milk solids in the butter end up getting toasted which creates a nutty, sweet flavor. Here's what Martha Stewart says about brown butter:
It feels like a magic trick every time. Brown butter is a simple one-ingredient sauce, a chef trick that can transform all kinds of recipes, savory and sweet. In mere minutes, a stick of unsalted butter melts, then simmers and sputters, transforming into an intoxicatingly fragrant and impossibly silky brown sauce.
Two other little tricks
The two other steps that take these Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats from ordinary to extraordinary are also quite simple. We add the tiny seeds from one vanilla bean or a spoonful of vanilla bean paste. This addition of real vanilla bean enhances the delicious brown butter flavor.
The second trick I like to employ with my rice krispie treats is to add an additional portion of marshmallows at the end. The extra marshmallows melt in little pockets creating gooey, crispy, impossibly delicious treats!
A gourmet gift!
Want to make someone's day? Give them a plate of these Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats. Even better, wrap large squares of these sweet confections in parchment paper and add one of our free printable labels and a pretty little bow.
You'll be sure to be the most popular kid on the block and will be fondly remembered when the recipients take the first bite. These Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats are a wonderful gift for neighbors, friends, mailmen, teachers, hairdressers, co-workers... anyone you want to cheer up or express "thanks" or "I care" or "have a great day" to!
To receive the free printable labels, simply let us know in the comment section below this post that you'd like them. We will send you the PDF that you can download and print on your own printer. We'll also send instructions on how to do this and ideas for gift presentations.
Nirvana
Perhaps I should have called these fabulous little squares Nirvana Rice Krispie Treats as they truly are quite heavenly but Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats will have to suffice for now since I've already created the labels. Hope you enjoy them as much as everyone around here has!
P.S. If you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love our Brown Butter Pumpkin Spiced Rice Krispie Treats!
Café Tips for making these Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats
- This recipe calls for rice cereal. The most well-known rice cereal here in the U.S. is probably Rice Krispies, but there are also lots of generic brands which will be much less expensive and will work well.
- If you don't generally eat rice cereal and don't want to have a large box of cereal get stale, this type of cereal freezes well so just stash the excess in the freezer for the next time you want to make these Brown Butter Vanilla BEanRice Krispie Treats. (Warning - it will probably be sooner than you think!)
- I like to use mini marshmallows for this recipe however, the small marshmallows are not always available. Regular size marshmallows will work for this recipe but for the 4 ounces that are added at the end (to create the pockets of melty, marshmallow) you can cut the larger marshmallows into small pieces. To do this, simply spray a kitchen shears with cooking spray to eliminate stickiness. You may have to repeat this a few times. After the marshmallows are cut up, toss the pieces with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to keep them from sticking to each other.
- This recipe calls for the scraped seeds of one vanilla bean pod OR 2 teaspoons of Vanilla Bean Paste (a convenient product consisting of natural vanilla bean seeds in a syrupy, paste form). If you're in a pinch and don't have either of these, and equal amount of Pure Vanilla Extract can be subbed.
- If you're not familiar the the technique, here's a great video on how to scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean.
- I like to sprinkle these bars with a bit of flaky sea salt. I use Maldon Sea Salt. Maldon is a finishing salt, used by many chefs as a final (gourmet) touch for vegetables, entrees, desserts, etc. It's more expensive than regular salt, but it's worth it and it lasts a long time.
- Use a large pot to make these brown butter Rice Krispie treats. This will eliminate a lot of mess on your stovetop from the spattering butter as it is cooking and being transformed to the lovely brown butter.
- I like to make these treats in an 8x8-inch square pan for pretty and tall bars. You can also use a 9x9-inch pan though the bars will be a little shorter.
Thought for the  day:
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God
will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
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Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, 1 stick
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows divided, (divided)
- scraped seeds from one vanilla bean pod OR two teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 5 ½ cups crispy rice cereal, I use Rice Krispies
- flaky sea salt optional, I love Maldon
Instructions
- Spray an 8x8 square pan with cooking spray (or lightly oil it). Line the pan with heavy duty foil (or regular foil that’s been doubled) so that two ends extend over the edges of the pan. (You can also use parchment paper to line the pan.) Spray the foil (or parchment) with cooking spray. Set aside. Also spray a large pot or Dutch oven and a large spoon or spatula with cooking spray.
- Heat the butter in the prepared pot over medium heat. After the butter melts it will start to sizzle a bit and a white foam will develop on the top. If it’s splattering too much reduce the heat a bit. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the butter gets silent (stops sizzling) and the foam turns a deeper yellow. Start swirly the pan occasional at this point until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
- Turn down the heat to the lowest setting and add 12 ounces (about Âľ) of the marshmallows to the butter. Stir (with the oiled spatula or spoon) until the marshmallows melt and the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla bean seeds or vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) and stir to combine.
- Add all of the rice cereal and stir until well combined. Then add the remaining 4 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir to distribute and just until they’re beginning to melt (you want little pockets of marshmallow).
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. With slightly wet fingers, press the mixture lightly into the pan. Don’t pack it in or the bars will be dense. Sprinkle the top lightly with flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Allow to cool and enjoy! You can store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They also freeze well.
Notes
Nutrition
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May I, please, get the labels for this treat? I love your rosemary shortbread and the quinoa brittle, along with so many of your recipes.
Thank you.
Thanks for the great review, Roshan! So glad to hear how much you like our recipes - we appreciate you letting us know! The labels are on the way to your inbox, hope you enjoy them!
May I please have the labels? I am making these marvelous-sounding treats to take and give as a hostess gift tomorrow. Since I won’t be able to use any vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste, I wish the label left out the word “bean”, and just said “vanilla” on the label….Thanks!
Hi Carlos, we're happy to send the labels but unfortunately, they are not customizable.
I’d love some labels for gift giving.They are charming!
Sure, Kathy!
Can I have the printable labels please
Sure, SD!
These look amazing! So Good! I'd like to make them for a new neighbor's family! Can I please get the nice labels?
Sending them your way, Sarah!
Can't wait to make these! Love all your recipes! Please send the cute labels.
Thank you!
Thank you, Terese! Sending the labels your way.
Please send labels for Rice Krispie Treats. They are crazy addictive! I love your blog and recipes. Thank you so much for sharing!
Please send labels for the Rice Krispies Treats. Thank you!
Sending them your way, Sarah!
I can't wait to give these treats for the holidays, i would love the PDF , thank you!
Sure, Monica!
I’d love the label link please. Thank you! These are delicious!!
Thanks, Christy! Sending them your way!
Hi Chris! Would you please confirm the use of 2 tsp vanilla bean paste in the recipe? In the "Cafe Tips for..." you specified 1 1/2 tsp?
Thanks, as always, and I'd love the pdf.
Wonder how they'd taste with the maple flavored marshmallows I hoarded before the Aug long weekend, seeing as I wasn't able to use them then? Hmm...🤔
Thanks for noticing that, Terry. 2 teaspoons is correct!
I bet the maple marshmallows would be amazing!
Hi Chris
Please send me the labels for Brown Butter vanilla Bean Rice Krispie squares.
Thanks Chris!
Sending them your way, Janet!
Going to a 90th birthday and need to bring a treat, these will be perfect. Can't wait to try them I think the idea of wrapped in parchment with the cute label is a great touch! Please send the labels
Sending them your way, Pamela!
These will be perfect for our annual clean-up gathering next weekend at our church.
Labels will be a nice touch. Thanks
Sending them your way, Sharon!
Hi Sharon, the labels were not able to be delivered. Could there be a typo in your email?
Please forward labels for Rice Krispie treats. Will make for my quilting group. Thanks for all your great recipes.
Sure, Bonnie!
Please send me the labels for Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats.
They look amazing. The weather is rain for the rest of the week so I’m baking my heart out. This recipe has gone to the top of my list.
Thank you.
Sounds like a great idea, Barbara! We will send the labels.
I can't see if I requested the labels for these, and can't find them, so please send them, as this is the best recipe! I'm sure it will be hard to share them, but I know several people just waiting for me to make some. Thanks!
Sure, Jeannie! Glad you enjoyed these!
I made these for Memorial Day cookout and they were a hit with everyone wanting the recipe! Awesome as is but if you want to add decadence melt half bag of chocolate chips and half bag of butterscotch chips together in microwave and poor over the top..OH MY!
Yum! Thanks for your review, Carol!
Having just discovered you, I'm excited to try this - and all of your recipes. I love all the tips and techniques you tell us - and the label idea. Thanks. Oh could you send me the labels for this one please and thanks. Where do you find the time to create, bake, answer all your messages? You are amazing.
Enjoy these, Sheila! We will send the labels your way!
Please send me the labels for the rice crispy treats !
I love putting all your wonderful recipe’s together and sharing with my friends… thank you 🙏 🙏 thank you 🙏…
Happy to send them, Shandon!
These sound so good! Please send labels. Thanks!
Sure, Jeannie!
Please send labels. Will be making for neighbors "Just Because".
That's great, Rosemary! Sending the labels your way.
These are delectable! Please send me the labels...can't wait to share!
Sure, Carol!
Hi Chris-
Looks like another fabulous recipe that I'm anxious to try. Please send me the labels! Thanks so much!
Sure, Bonny!
Please send labels. Will make for ou Auxiliary bake sale. Thanks.
Great idea, CĂ©cile! Sending them now.
Just made the Rice Krispie treats with brown butter. Delicious! Between the taste of the brown butter and vanilla paste, I had to eat 2! How long will they keep in an airtight container? Should I wrap in parchment paper just before giving to my neighbors? Please send me the labels. Thank you!
Barb
Haha! They are hard to resist.
Regarding your question, Barb, it's fine to wrap them in parchment right away after they set - but you can also layer them in an airtight container with parchment in between. Just send the labels!
These look wonderful. I can’t wait to try them. If you could send me the labels I would appreciate it.
Can’t wait to make these and deliver to neighbors and grandchildren. Please send the labels. Thank you. A
That will be great, hope they love them! The labels were just sent.
Hi Chris,
These look delicious, Love that you offer the labels for that finishing touch, can you please send the labels? thank you 🙂
Thanks, Monica, hope you enjoy them! Sending the labels now.
Please send the labels for the yummy rice Kristie bars! Thanks
Linda
They're on the way, Linda!
This would be perfect for our tennis student athletes. Please send your lovely labels. Thanks!!
Great idea! They should be in your email, Lettie!
Hi Lettie, fun idea! Just sent the labels.
I'll be making these yummy treats after a quick grocery store run. Please send me the labels for that finishing touch.
Happy to send them Catherine!
Please send me the Rice Krispie labels.
Thanks!
Sure, sending them now, Barbara!
Love your site!
Please send me the labels for the Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie treats,
Thank you
Thanks so much, Jean! Sending the labels now.
Perfect for a picnic. please send the labels. Thank you for all of your easy and delicious recipes.
Great for a picnic! The labels should be in your inbox, Beverly!
Perfect recipe to make for Memorial Day. Would love the labels.
Thanks!
Yes, I agree, Barbara! Sending the labels now.
The treats look so wonderful....can't wait to make them later this week! I'd love the printable labels! Thank you!
I think you'll enjoy them, Susan. Sending the labels your way.
Please send the labels! Yum!
Just sent them, Laurie!
Please send me the labels for the Rice Krispie treats, I can’t wait to make them.
Happy to send them, Joan!
Oh!! Please send the label! They look FANTASTIC!
Thank you
Thanks, Cathy - hope you enjoy them! Sending the labels now.