If you’re looking for an irresistibly delicious twist on a classic treat, you’re going to love this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Trust me, these aren’t your ordinary marshmallow squares — the nutty brown butter paired with creamy dulce de leche takes them to a whole new level of yum. If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends with a simple, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s a bit elevated, keep reading — this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic!

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Why This Recipe Works

Brown Butter Magic: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that transforms the treats from simple to gourmet.
Dulce de Leche Layer: The gooey caramel adds luxurious sweetness that’s perfectly balanced by the cinnamon sugar cereal.
Cinnamon Sugar Infusion: Using cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies—or adding your own—gives a warm, cozy twist that’s a subtle flavor booster.
Textural Delight: The layers create a chewy, crispy, and creamy combo you’ll want to savor every bite of.

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats, Rice Krispie Treats with Dulce de Leche, Gourmet Rice Krispie Bars, Nutty Brown Butter Rice Krispies, Easy Dulce de Leche Dessert - 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

Each ingredient in this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe was chosen for a reason — they combine to create a perfect balance of texture and rich flavor. Here’s a quick rundown before you gather your supplies.

Butter: Browning it deepens the flavor, adding a toasty complexity you don’t get with plain melted butter.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens the entire mixture and complements the dulce de leche beautifully.
Mini Marshmallows: Using mini marshmallows helps everything bind smoothly and melt quickly for a perfect gooey texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Rice Krispies Cereal: If you can’t find cinnamon sugar flavored, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on regular Rice Krispies to achieve that cozy spice note.
Sea Salt: A touch of fine sea salt enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps the treats from tasting flat.
Dulce de Leche: The star of the show — its creamy caramel richness creates an indulgent gooey layer that surprises the palate.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is for personalization. Whether you want to swap in different cereals or add nuts for crunch, it’s a fantastic base to get creative with.

Variation: I once swapped the cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies with pumpkin spice Rice Krispies in fall — the warm spices paired perfectly with the dulce de leche!
Dietary Adjustment: If you need gluten-free, just use certified gluten-free rice cereal and marshmallows, and you’re good to go.
Extra Crunch: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can give a fun nutty crunch, especially if you enjoy texture contrasts.
Chocolate Twist: Drizzling melted dark chocolate on top adds a decadent finish that makes these treats party-ready.

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

Step 1: Brown the Butter and Melt the Marshmallows

Start by melting your butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat — trust me, the color of the pan helps you spot those beautiful brown flecks as the butter toasts. Stir gently and watch carefully, because it foams and then little browned bits appear at the bottom. Once you see those, remove it from heat right away — this is what gives the final treats that irresistible nutty flavor. Then add the sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously off the heat until smooth and fully melted; if needed, pop it briefly back on low heat, but be careful not to burn that gorgeous brown butter you just made.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Mix In the Cereal

Once your marshmallow-butter mixture is silky smooth, stir in the vanilla extract to brighten everything up. Then pour this molten magic over the measured 6 cups of cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies in a large bowl. Stir well so every bit gets coated. If you don’t find cinnamon sugar cereal, add some cinnamon sugar yourself — it’s a game-changer.

Step 3: Layer and Press the Treats

Now, here’s where things get fun: spray and line a 9×9-inch pan with foil or parchment with a little overhang for easy removal. Lightly press about half of the cereal mixture into the pan — a tip I learned is to butter a spoon and use it to gently press down the treats so your hands don’t get super sticky. Once it’s even, spread your dulce de leche in a thin, even layer all over this bottom base. Then top with the remaining cereal mixture and press lightly again to seal everything together. Let them cool completely at room temperature before slicing.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Watch the Butter Closely: Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds — keep the heat moderate and stir often.
Butter the Spoon: When pressing the layers into the pan, using a spoon lightly coated in butter saved me from lots of sticky frustration.
Use a Foil Sling: Lining your pan with foil or parchment with some overhang makes lifting the whole block out so much easier to cut cleanly.
Don’t Skip Room Temp Cooling: Letting the treats set fully before slicing helps prevent crumbling and keeps the layers intact.

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

Garnishes

I love topping these treats with a light dusting of flaky sea salt right after pressing the final layer—it amps up the caramel and deep butter flavor. For an extra touch, I sometimes drizzle melted dark chocolate or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes. It’s all about those small details that make you go “wow!” in every bite.

Side Dishes

These treats are perfect as-is with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. If you’re serving at a party, pairing them with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears helps balance the richness. I also enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I’ve arranged the treats cut into bite-sized squares on a decorative platter with festive sprinkles or edible gold dust. Another fun idea is layering them in clear glass jars with whipped cream for a treat parfait. Presentation goes a long way when you want to impress without extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay wonderfully chewy for 2 to 3 days. If I notice they’re getting a bit dry, I’ll pop one piece into the microwave just for a few seconds to bring back the gooey magic.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe! I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When I want a treat, I let them thaw in the fridge overnight—it preserves the texture and flavor very well.

Reheating

If you want that freshly-made softness, reheating in the microwave for about 10 seconds works wonders. Just be careful not to overheat, or the marshmallows can melt too much and get sticky.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter in this recipe?

Absolutely, you can substitute regular melted butter, but you’ll miss out on the toasty, nutty flavor that brown butter adds. If you haven’t browned butter before, it’s easier than it sounds and really elevates the entire recipe.
Where can I find dulce de leche for this recipe?

Dulce de leche is usually available in the international or Hispanic foods aisle at most grocery stores, or you can find it online. Sometimes sweetened condensed milk can be cooked slowly to make homemade dulce de leche if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I use regular-size marshmallows instead of mini ones?

You can, but mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly, which helps the treats come together perfectly smooth. If you only have large marshmallows, just chop them into smaller pieces before melting.
How do I press the Rice Krispie mixture without making a mess?

I always butter a spoon or spatula before pressing the mixture into the pan. This simple step prevents sticking and helps you get an even, compacted layer without getting the mixture all over your hands.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for its perfect blend of nostalgia and gourmet flair. Every time I make it, friends and family are blown away by how a humble childhood favorite has been transformed into a decadent delight. Give this recipe a try — I promise the rich brown butter aroma and caramel sweetness will make it your new go-to treat for holidays, parties, or whenever you need a little happy in your day.