If you’re a fan of classic Rice Krispie Treats, then get ready for a game-changing twist! These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats take the original recipe to new heights with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter and the indulgent sweetness of dulce de leche. Imagine biting into a perfectly gooey, chewy treat with a deep, caramelized flavor, and that satisfying crunch from the Rice Krispies. Trust me, these will quickly become your new go-to sweet treat. They’re easy to make, and the flavor is absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
Unique Flavor Combo Brown butter adds a nutty, rich depth of flavor, and dulce de leche brings the perfect amount of caramelized sweetness. It’s the best of both worlds!
Super Gooey & Chewy These treats are soft and gooey, with just the right amount of crunch from the Rice Krispies. They’re pure bliss in every bite.
Quick & Easy No baking required! These treats come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack.
Crowd-Pleasing Everyone loves a good Rice Krispie Treat, and this elevated version is sure to impress. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just because you deserve a treat!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
These treats are made with some simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary.
Butter The star ingredient for the brown butter—adds a rich, nutty flavor that really elevates these treats.
Dulce de Leche This caramelized milk gives the Rice Krispies a sweet, smooth texture and a deep caramel flavor.
Marshmallows They bring that classic gooey, chewy texture that makes Rice Krispie Treats so irresistible.
Rice Krispies Cereal The crispy crunch that gives these treats their signature texture.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Here’s how to make these decadent Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats:
Brown the Butter
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This will only take a few minutes, so stay close and keep stirring to prevent burning.
Add the Dulce de Leche & Marshmallows
Once the butter is browned, stir in the dulce de leche and marshmallows. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Mix in the Rice Krispies
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently to coat the cereal evenly, making sure every puff of Rice Krispies is covered in that sweet, gooey mixture.
Press into a Pan
Transfer the Rice Krispie mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula or wax paper to gently press the mixture down into the dish, making sure it’s packed evenly.
Let Cool & Slice
Allow the treats to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares. This will give the treats time to set and firm up, making them easier to cut.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12-16 squares
Calories per serving: Approx. 180-220
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
These treats are perfect on their own, but here are a few fun serving suggestions:
- With Ice Cream Top each square with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- With Chocolate Drizzle A drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness and a gorgeous finish.
- As Party Favors These treats can be individually wrapped in parchment paper for a fun and easy party favor.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Butter Keep a close eye on the butter while it’s browning—it should be golden and smell nutty but not burnt.
- Press Gently When pressing the mixture into the pan, be gentle. Pressing too hard can make the treats too dense.
- Storage Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use store-bought caramel instead of dulce de leche?
Yes, caramel sauce will work, but dulce de leche gives these treats a richer flavor.
2. Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes! These treats stay fresh for a few days, so you can make them in advance for events or gatherings.
3. Can I add nuts to these Rice Krispie treats?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
4. Can I make these treats with crispy rice cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes, any crispy rice cereal will work just fine.
5. Can I freeze these Rice Krispie treats?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to a month.
6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be substituted, but butter gives these treats the best flavor.
7. How do I know when the butter is browned?
You’ll know the butter is browned when it turns a golden brown and starts to smell nutty. Be careful not to burn it!
8. Can I use mini marshmallows?
Yes, mini marshmallows will melt just as well and create an even smoother mixture.
9. How do I make the treats less sticky?
You can lightly grease your spatula or use wax paper to press the treats into the pan without them sticking.
10. Can I make these treats with flavored marshmallows?
Yes, flavored marshmallows (like vanilla or caramel) can add a fun twist to these treats.
Conclusion
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are everything you love about the classic recipe, with a rich, buttery twist and the smooth, caramel goodness of dulce de leche. They’re sweet, gooey, and crunchy all at once—what’s not to love? Whether you’re serving them at a party or just indulging yourself, these treats are guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, treat yourself to a batch (or two)—you deserve it!
Print
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 squares
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Stovetop, No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats elevate the classic treat with a rich, nutty brown butter flavor and the sweet, caramel-like taste of dulce de leche. The perfect combination of crispy, gooey, and sweet, these treats are a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup dulce de leche
– 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
– 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Stir in the dulce de leche and marshmallows, cooking over low heat until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if using.
4. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and press it down into an even layer with a spatula.
6. Let the treats cool and set for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
7. Enjoy!
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can drizzle more dulce de leche over the top before serving.
– If you don’t have dulce de leche, you can substitute with caramel sauce for a similar flavor.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg