If you’ve ever thought Rice Krispie treats couldn’t get any better, just wait until you try my Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Trust me, these crispy, gooey, slightly caramelized treats take the classic to a whole new level. From the nutty richness of brown butter to the sweet, creamy layer of dulce de leche, this dessert has become my absolute go-to for impressing friends and family without a fuss. Stick around—I’m about to share all the secrets to make yours perfectly sticky, chewy, and utterly irresistible.

💙

Why This Recipe Works

Brown Butter Boost: Browning butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the sweetness without overpowering it.
Layered Texture: Adding dulce de leche in the middle creates a sticky, caramel surprise that contrasts with the crispy cereal.
Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Using cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds a warm spice note that complements caramel beautifully.
Simple Yet Showstopping: With minimal ingredients and steps, you get a dessert that looks fancy but is actually super easy to make.

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats, rice krispie treats with dulce de leche, caramelized rice krispie dessert, brown butter rice krispie bars, easy decadent rice krispie treats - The image shows three stacked cereal bars with three clear layers each. The top and bottom layers are light beige and textured, made of puffed rice mixed with melted marshmallows, giving a soft and slightly uneven surface. The middle layer is a sticky, shiny caramel color that looks rich and gooey, slightly oozing out between the cereal layers. Each bar is separated by thin pieces of white parchment paper, and the bars are placed on a rustic wooden surface with a warm brown tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe plays a starring role. From the butter that’s browned to bring out its best, to the cinnamon-sugar crunch of the cereal, and the luscious dulce de leche, each component contributes layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more.

Butter: Browning it unlocks rich, toasty notes that make the marshmallow mixture extra flavorful.
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to balance the butter and sweetness.
Mini Marshmallows: They melt smoothly and bind the cereal perfectly, creating that chewy classic texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds a hint of warmth and spice, making the treats more interesting; if unavailable, you can make your own cinnamon sugar.
Sea Salt: Enhances sweetness and elevates all the flavors by providing a gentle contrast.
Dulce de Leche: The star of the show—a creamy, caramel-like layer that adds moisture and decadence.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love mixing things up depending on the season or who I’m making these for. The beauty of this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is how easy it is to personalize—whether you want it more cinnamon-spiced, throw in nuts, or even make it a little chocolaty.

Variation: One time, I folded in some toasted pecans right after mixing in the marshmallow mixture—an absolute crowd-pleaser for crunchy texture and a nutty flavor boost.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free marshmallows to keep it gooey but allergen-friendly.
Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re feeling fancy, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it on top once the treat has set—it adds a beautiful richness and extra wow factor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Browning That Butter to Perfection

Start by placing your butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. Watch carefully as it melts and then foams—this is your hint it’s starting to brown. Keep stirring gently until you see those tiny brown flecks form and your kitchen smells like toasted nuts. The moment you see the color shift, remove it from the heat right away to avoid burning. Trust me, this smells incredible and brings so much depth to the treat.

Step 2: Melting Marshmallows Into the Brown Butter

Once your butter is browned, stir in the sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows off the heat. If some marshmallows are stubborn, gently return the pot to low heat—just don’t overheat or burn the butter. When it’s silky smooth add the vanilla extract and give it a final stir. The mixture should be glossy and luscious at this point.

Step 3: Mixing in the Cinnamon Sugar Rice Krispies

Pour your cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies into a large bowl. Slowly pour the marshmallow mix over the cereal, stirring quickly to coat every crunchy bit. Then fold in your remaining marshmallows while the mixture is still warm to add extra gooeyness and texture. It’s messy, but oh-so-worth it.

Step 4: Layering with Dulce de Leche

Lightly grease and line a 9×9 pan with foil or parchment paper. Press about half of your Rice Krispie mixture evenly into the pan—use a buttered spoon to avoid sticking. Spread the dulce de leche over this layer in a smooth, even coating, then top with the remaining rice krispie mixture. Press gently so everything sticks together but doesn’t get squashed. Let it sit at room temperature until fully set—about an hour is perfect.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Watch the Butter Closely: Browning butter happens fast, so stay close and stir constantly to avoid burning and bitterness.
Use a Non-Stick Pan and Liner: Ensures easy removal and cleaner edges for your treats.
Press with Buttered Spoon: Keeps your hands clean and the treats even, no sticking or tearing.
Don’t Rush Setting: Letting the treats cool completely at room temp helps them hold their shape without getting too hard or crumbly.

How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple—sometimes a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving makes the caramel shine even more. Other times, a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate helps turn these into party-ready treats that taste as good as they look.

Side Dishes

These treats pack plenty of sweetness, so I often serve them alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to add a fresh contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is also a luxe touch my family can’t resist!

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or gatherings, I’ve turned these into mini sandwich bars by cutting them into small squares and stacking them like sliders with a little extra dollop of dulce de leche or peanut butter in between. They’re fun, portable, and always a hit with kids!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store mine in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly chewy for up to 3 days—just make sure they’re well sealed so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

If you want to stash extras, wrap each treat tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 6 weeks and thaw quickly—sometimes I pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds for a gooier experience.

Reheating

When reheating leftover treats, I prefer to use short bursts in the microwave—about 10 to 15 seconds—to warm them just enough without melting completely. It helps bring back some softness and delicious gooeyness without making a mess.

FAQs

Can I use regular Rice Krispies cereal instead of cinnamon sugar flavored?

Absolutely! If you don’t have cinnamon sugar cereal on hand, just add about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cinnamon sugar to your regular Rice Krispies before mixing. This little trick recreates that warm, sweet spice perfectly.
How do I know when the butter is browned enough?

Look for a medium brown color with toasty aroma and tiny brown flecks forming at the bottom of the pan. When you see and smell this nutty fragrance, remove the pan immediately to prevent burning.
Can I prepare these treats without dulce de leche?

While the dulce de leche is what makes this recipe uniquely decadent, you could skip it and still have great brown butter Rice Krispie treats—though you’ll miss that creamy caramel layer that sets this version apart.
What’s the best way to press the mixture into the pan?

I find using a spoon or spatula lightly coated with butter works best—it prevents sticking and lets you press the mixture evenly without squashing the fluffiness.
How long will these treats keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats stay fresh and delicious for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them up to 6 weeks.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines nostalgia with a twist of indulgence that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of recipe I’m always excited to share because it’s accessible, quick, and everyone loves it. So go ahead, make a batch, and trust me—you’ll be making this one over and over again (and probably sneaking a few pieces yourself). Let me know how yours turn out—I’m rooting for your sweet success!

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: Taylor
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats elevate the classic snack with rich browned butter and a luscious layer of dulce de leche, combined with cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies for a sweet and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

5 tablespoons butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
10 cups mini marshmallows, divided
6 cups cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies cereal
½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt
½ can dulce de leche

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray and line it with foil or parchment paper sling. Spray the liner again to prevent sticking.
Brown the Butter: Place a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and stir gently as it melts. Continue cooking until the butter foams, sizzles, and you see little brown flecks forming at the bottom. Immediately remove from heat to prevent burning.
Melt Marshmallows: To the browned butter, add sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. If necessary, return briefly to low heat but avoid burning.
Add Vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract thoroughly into the melted mixture.
Combine with Cereal: Place the Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and mix well to combine.
Add Remaining Marshmallows: While still warm, fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows to incorporate some texture.
First Layer: Lightly press about half of the cereal mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a buttered spoon to prevent sticking.
Spread Dulce de Leche: Evenly spread half a can of dulce de leche over the pressed cereal layer.
Top Layer: Sprinkle the remaining cereal mixture over the dulce de leche and gently press to create an even top layer.
Set Treats: Allow the Rice Krispie treats to cool and set at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

If cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies are unavailable, add ¼ to ⅓ cup cinnamon sugar to regular Rice Krispies cereal for similar flavor.
To brown butter properly, watch closely as it foams and browns quickly; remove from heat as soon as brown flecks appear.
Use a spoon lightly coated with butter to press the cereal mixture into the pan to prevent sticking to hands.
Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to 6 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg