If it is possible to make a Rice Krispie treat elegant, this is how you do it. Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats — consider these grown-up versions of the snack that defined your childhood.

I was flipping through one of my newest cookbooks, Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston’s Flour Bakery + Cafe, and I saw this recipe. I immediately knew that this was the recipe I would christen my cookbook purchase with. I’ve done a Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats recipe specifically for kids and Candied Rice Krispie Treats you can eat with a fork. Now, if it is possible to make a Rice Krispie treat elegant, this is how you do it.
Why You Will Love This Recipe //
- This takes the dessert you’ve loved your entire life and gives it a sophisticated spin. It will delight the adult and the child in you.
- Not only is the flavor amazing, from the browned butter and vanilla bean, but the marshmallow-Rice Krispie ratio is perfect. One of my peeves is a weak marshmallow-to-cereal ratio. I like heavy marshmallow, and this recipe delivers.
- If you have never browned butter before, do not let it scare you. It is really easy, but is a lot like caramel. You have to pay attention. You cannot leave it to fold a load of laundry or step away to get the mail. It goes from perfect to I-need-throw-away-two-sticks-of-butter-and-start-over-this-stinks in about 2 seconds flat.

Ingredients //
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 vanilla bean
- 2 (10-ounce) bags marshmallows
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 9 cups Rice Krispies
How To // The Steps
Step 1: Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray. Find a really big bowl and measure out 9 cups of cereal. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt butter in a large saucepan over LOW heat.

Step 3: Cut the vanilla bean in half, and scrape the seeds with the back of a knife.

Step 4: Add the vanilla to the melting butter.

Step 5: The butter will foam and make some noise. It will bubble and crack.

Step 6: It will start to turn a golden brown color. Watch it carefully because it can burn very quickly.

Step 7: When the butter is ready, the bubbling will stop and will be brown. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 8: Add the marshmallows and salt.

Step 9: Stir over LOW heat until marshmallows have completely melted.

(See the flecks of brown butter and vanilla bean? Who knew a Rice Krispie treat could be this good!)

Step 10: Pour the marshmallow over the Rice Krispies. Coat completely.

Step 11: Press into the prepared 9×13 pan. Let sit for 2 hours at room temperature before slicing.

Variations //
If you’ve never tried this recipe — a variation on a classic treat — I recommend you do so before attempting any of the following. Once you have tried them — and still want a bit of a change — why not experiment with these?
Chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats: There’s nothing that can’t be improved with a bit of chocolate, so add chocolate chips to the mixture.
Peanut butter Rice Krispie treats: Mix in peanut butter with the marshmallow and brown sugar mixture for a rich and nutty flavor. If you want to go all in on the PB, top with chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Fruity Rice Krispie treats: Add some dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins. The only thing I love more than the sweetness of this one is the chewy texture.
S’mores Rice Krispie treats: Pretend you’re around the campfire and mix in some crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
Nutella Rice Krispie treats: Swirl in some Nutella to the Rice Krispie treats mixture for a hazelnut-flavored twist. Top with chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch.
Cinnamon Roll Rice Krispie treats: Mix in some cinnamon and brown sugar to the Rice Krispie treats. Before sitting by the fire, you could perhaps drizzle with vanilla icing for an extra treat.
FAQs //
A trick: I always have disposable gloves on hand. I use them for everything. Spray your gloved hand with cooking spray and press the treats tightly in the pan.
I am the opposite! I like more marshmallow than cereal. If you make this one, I would halve the amount of butter and use 1 bag of marshmallows if you prefer that ratio.
Yes, you get the seeds out from the pod.
They cut really well when they have sat for a few hours. Also a really sharp knife helps.
How To Store Rice Krispie Treats //
Let the treats cool completely. Cut into the serving portions then store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature until the desired consistency has been reached.


Rice Krispie Treats (with Vanilla Brown Butter)
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 vanilla bean
- 2 10-ounce bags marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 9 cups Rice Krispies
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray. Find a really big bowl and measure out 9 cups of cereal. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Cut the vanilla bean in half, and scrape the seeds with the back of a knife. Add the vanilla to the melting butter. The butter will foam and make some noise. It will bubble and crack. It will start to turn a golden brown color. Watch it carefully because it can burn very quickly. When the butter is ready, the bubbling will stop and will be brown. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the marshmallows and salt. Stir over low heat until marshmallows are completely melted. Pour the mamarshmallow over the Rice Krispies. Coat completely with marshmallow.
- Press into the prepared 9×13 pan. Let sit for 2 hours at room temperature before slicing.

Delicious! Browned butter brings everything up a notch, including these krispy treats!
Thanks Molly, I so agree!