Browned Butter Patriotic M&M Rice Krispie Treats
These Browned Butter Patriotic M&M Rice Krispie Treats are soft, gooey, and loaded with red, white, and blue M&M's and mini chocolate chips. They're an easy no-bake dessert that's perfect for Fourth of July parties, summer BBQs, and holiday celebrations.
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot Ideal for browning the butter and melting the marshmallows evenly.
- Light-colored saucepan (optional) Makes it easier to see when the butter has perfectly browned.
- Silicone Spatula Perfect for gently folding the cereal and candies without crushing them.
- 9×9-inch baking pan Creates thick, bakery-style Rice Krispie treats.
- pastry brush Handy for lightly greasing the pan or spatula to prevent sticking.
Ingredients
For the Browned Butter:
- 6 tablespoon salted butter
For the M&M Rice Krispie Treats
- 1 16 oz bag mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (optional, especially if using unsalted butter)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal I used the seasonal red, white, and blue
- 1½ cups red, white, and blue M&M's, divided
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Patriotic sprinkles
Instructions
How to Brown the Butter:
- Place the butter in a large, light-colored pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Melt the butter, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking for 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently.
- The butter will foam, then you'll notice golden brown specks forming on the bottom of the pan and a rich, nutty aroma.
- As soon as it smells toasted and the milk solids are golden brown (not black), reduce the heat to low
For the M&M Rice Krispie Treats:
- Immediately add about 14 ounces of the mini marshmallows to the browned butter and stir until melted.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla (and sea salt if using).
- Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal.
- Let the mixture cool for about 2 minutes before stirring in:Remaining mini marshmallows1 cup M&M'sWhite chocolate chips (optional)
- Press gently into a prepared 9×9-inch pan.
- Top with the remaining M&M's and sprinkles.
- Let cool completely before cutting.
Notes
Pro Tips for the best browned butter:
- Use a light-colored pan if possible so you can easily see when the butter has browned.
- Don't walk away. Browned butter can go from perfect to burnt in less than a minute.
- Keep every browned bit. Those toasted milk solids are packed with flavor. scrape them into the marshmallow mixture.
- Wait a minute or two before adding the M&M's so their candy shells stay colorful.
- If you love a hint of salty-sweet flavor, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top just before serving.