Browned Butter Rice Crispy Treats

Rice Crispy Treats, or marshmallow squares, are the ultimate sweet treat. They are the perfect salty and sweet combination while being both chewy and crispy. Plus they are simple to make and contain only a few inexpensive ingredients. While this indulgence may seem like a child’s snack, these Browned Butter Rice Crispy Treats give them a sophisticated, grown up taste. In other words, the perfect excuse to make some today!

The Dish: Browned Butter Rice Crispy Treats

Rice Cripsy Treats were actually invented in 1939 as part of a bake sale fundraiser for the Camp Fire Girls, a competitor to the Girl Scouts. The inventors, Malitta Jensen and Mildred Day, worked in Kellogg’s Home Economics Department, so naturally they used Rice Krispies cereal as it was an accessible ingredient. There is little information on how the recipe went from the Camp Fire Girls to the home kitchen, but I know these were one of the first things I learned how to make as a kid. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that Kellogg’s themselves started to mass produce these treats in both cereal and square forms. However, there is nothing better than the fresh, homemade treats.

Why this works? Browned Butter

What makes this recipe special? I mean, it is still the basic formula of melted butter+marshmallow+cereal=yum. It’s simple, it’s classic, it’s cheap. However, by taking the extra time to brown that butter, it takes that yum to a whole new level. Also, the addition of a thin layer of frosting, creates an unexpected richness to this otherwise simple treat.

Browned butter? What is this? It is a magical process where you essentially cook melted butter until it unlocks an intoxicating, nutty aroma and yup, turns brown. If browning butter seems a little daunting, don’t let it intimidate you. Just try it. The key is low heat, patience and constant stirring. A little bit of bravery is involved too, as the longer and darker you allow it to brown, the deeper the flavor; but let it go a moment too soon and it is burned. However, as long as you keep the heat low, there is nothing to worry about.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Sheet Pan
• Small saucepan
• Stock pot
• Stand mixer with spatula attachment
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment Paper
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons

Making this does require you to do some dishes when they are done, but there is nothing out of the ordinary you need. We recommend a stand mixture to make the frosting, but you can use a hand mixer as well. or maybe just your hand. #workout

Make it: Browned Butter Rice Crispy Treats

This recipe has ten steps, but most of them happen quick so its important to have everything ready from the start. The first step is to brown your butter. You actually get to do this twice, first in a small pan for the frosting, and then a second time for the rice crispy treats. Before you start with the 2nd round of butter, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready for the rice crispy portion, because this is where is gets sticky. Brown the butter, add the marshmallows, mix them together, then add the rice crispys. Once evenly coated, spread out on the baking sheet and set aside to cool. While it cools make the frosting and enjoy, delicious Browned Butter Rice Crispy Treats.

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