Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Introduction
Discover a delightful twist on a classic treat with these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats. Rich browned butter and creamy dulce de leche create layers of irresistible flavor in every bite. Perfect for a simple yet indulgent dessert or snack.

Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons Butter
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 10 Cups Mini Marshmallows (divided)
- 6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal (cinnamon sugar flavored, see note)
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt (fine grain)
- ½ Can Dulce de Leche
Instructions
- Step 1: Spray a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray and line it with foil or parchment paper with a sling. Spray the liner again to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Place a large pot over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt fully and continue cooking until the butter browns, developing a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sea salt and 8 cups of the mini marshmallows until melted and smooth. If needed, return briefly to low heat to finish melting without burning the butter.
- Step 4: Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 5: Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into a large bowl. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and mix thoroughly to coat all the cereal.
- Step 6: While still warm, fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
- Step 7: Press about half of the Rice Krispies mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Spread the dulce de leche over this base in a smooth, even layer.
- Step 8: Top with the remaining Rice Krispies mixture and lightly press down until even. Let the pan sit at room temperature until completely cooled and set before cutting.
Tips & Variations
- To make cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies, toss the cereal lightly with cinnamon and sugar before mixing with marshmallows.
- If you prefer a gooier texture, drizzle extra dulce de leche over the top before setting.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- If you want a richer flavor, brown the butter slowly over medium-low heat, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Storage
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their freshness. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but note the texture may become firmer. To enjoy, let refrigerated treats come to room temperature or microwave briefly for a softer bite.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular Rice Krispies instead of cinnamon sugar flavored?
Yes, regular Rice Krispies work perfectly. The cinnamon sugar adds a warm spice note, but it’s optional. You can add your own cinnamon and sugar to customize the flavor.
How do I brown butter without burning it?
Cook the butter over medium or medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Watch closely as the butter foams and changes color to a golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
PrintBrown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are a decadent twist on the classic snack, featuring rich browned butter and a luscious layer of dulce de leche sandwiched between cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies. Gooey, crunchy, and irresistibly sweet, they’re perfect for a special dessert or an elevated treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter Marshmallow Mixture
- 5 Tablespoons Butter
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 10 Cups Mini Marshmallows (divided)
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt (fine grain)
Other Ingredients
- 6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal (cinnamon sugar flavored, see notes)
- ½ Can Dulce de Leche
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray and line it with foil or parchment paper, creating a sling for easy removal. Spray the lining to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Butter: Place a large pot over medium heat, add the butter and melt it slowly. Continue cooking it until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Marshmallow Mixture: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows until fully melted and smooth. If the marshmallows need more melting, briefly return to low heat without burning the butter.
- Add Vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into the smooth browned butter marshmallow mixture for added flavor.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the 6 cups of cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies in a large bowl. Stir to coat the cereal evenly.
- Add Remaining Marshmallows: While the mixture is still warm, fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows to add pockets of gooey texture.
- Assemble the Treats: Lightly press half of the Rice Krispies mixture evenly into the prepared pan, flattening it carefully. Spread the dulce de leche evenly over this layer.
- Top and Set: Spread the remaining Rice Krispies mixture over the dulce de leche layer and press lightly to even out. Allow the treats to cool at room temperature until fully set.
Notes
- To brown butter, melt it in a pan over medium heat and continue cooking until it develops a golden-brown color and nutty aroma, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- For cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies, you can toss the cereal with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before adding the marshmallow mixture.
- Using a foil or parchment sling helps to lift the treats out of the pan easily for cleaner cutting.
- If the marshmallows begin to harden before assembly, warming them slightly can help keep the mixture pliable.
Keywords: brown butter, dulce de leche, rice krispie treats, marshmallow, dessert, snack, sweet treats

