These small batch Rice Krispie treats are made with browned butter and a touch of sea salt for extra depth of flavor. This scaled-down recipe is ideal when you want a quick, sweet treat without turning on the oven.
These small batch Rice Krispie treats are gooey, sweet and incredibly simple to make. They come together on the stovetop in minutes, and the browned butter and flaked sea salt make them taste special despite being so easy.
Why You Will Love These
- Small Batch: The perfect quantity when you only want a few servings.
- Browned Butter: Browning the butter adds a warm, nutty note that boosts the overall flavor.
- No Baking: Made on the stovetop—no oven required.
Ingredient Notes
Full ingredient amounts and step-by-step directions are in the recipe card below.
- Butter: Salted butter works well here for convenience and flavor.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly—recommended.
- Flaked Salt: A pinch of flaked sea salt on top balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Spray an 8×4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment. In a medium saucepan over low–medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter foams, then turns a light golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Watch closely—browned butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low and add 5 ounces (about 3 cups) mini marshmallows, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt. Stir until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2½ cups (about 92 g) Rice Krispies cereal until everything is evenly coated. Let the mixture rest a few minutes to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.
- Step 4: Gently fold in an additional 1/2 cup mini marshmallows to add texture and pockets of softness.
- Step 5: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create an even, compact layer. Sprinkle a little extra flaked sea salt on top if desired.
- Step 6: Allow the bars to cool and set completely before cutting and serving.
Tips
- Add-ins: A handful of M&M’s or chocolate chips stirred in make a fun variation.
- If you prefer not to brown the butter, use 2 tablespoons of butter and add the marshmallows as soon as the butter melts.
FAQ
Use fresh, soft marshmallows. Old or stale marshmallows can prevent the mixture from setting with the right, chewy texture.
Yes — you can double the ingredients if you want a larger batch.
No — browning the butter adds flavor but is optional. If you skip it, reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and add the marshmallows as soon as the butter melts.
Storing & Freezing
Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
To freeze, place in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Other Popular Recipes to Try
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
-
Strawberry Snack Cake
-
Lemon Blueberry Sour Cream Cake
-
Lemon Poppyseed Cookies
For more treats follow on Instagram @thesaltedsweets. Tag and comment if you make them — I’d love to hear how they turned out!
Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats
Brooke Homec
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 ounces (142 g) mini marshmallows (about 3 cups)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon flaked sea salt
- 2½ cups (92 g) Rice Krispie cereal
- ½ cup (25 g) mini marshmallows, for folding in after
Instructions
- Spray an 8×4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment and set aside.
- Brown the butter: melt 3 tablespoons in a medium saucepan over low–medium heat. Cook past the foaming stage until it becomes a light golden brown and smells nutty, stirring and watching carefully.
- Lower heat to low and add the marshmallows, vanilla and salt. Stir until the marshmallows are completely melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies until fully coated. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Fold in the extra ½ cup mini marshmallows.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan and top with a pinch of flaked salt if desired. Allow to cool and set completely before slicing.
Notes
If you prefer not to brown the butter, use 2 tablespoons of butter and add the marshmallows immediately after the butter melts.
Try adding a handful of M&M’s for a colorful variation.
Nutrition
Calories: 220 kcal • Carbohydrates: 39 g • Protein: 2 g • Fat: 7 g • Sugar: 21 g
Let us know how it was!