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Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

4.8 from 114 reviews

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic marshmallow and cereal base with the rich flavor of brown butter and creamy peanut butter, creating a deliciously chewy and nutty snack packed with melty pockets of marshmallow.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 8 cups mini marshmallows, divided
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (or cookie butter!)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 6 cups Rice Krispie Cereal

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 9×9 inch pan with baking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Brown the butter: In a large light-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon, scraping the bottom to prevent the milk solids from sticking as they brown. When the butter is chestnut brown and releases a nutty aroma, immediately proceed to the next step.
  3. Melt marshmallows: Add 6 cups of mini marshmallows to the browned butter, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until completely melted. Remove the pot from heat and turn off the burner.
  4. Add flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt evenly, then mix in the creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated.
  5. Incorporate cereal: Add the Rice Krispie cereal, stirring thoroughly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. The mixture will be sticky, so keep stirring until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Add remaining marshmallows: Gently fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows, stirring just enough to mix but leaving some pockets intact for texture.
  7. Transfer to pan: Pour the sticky mixture into the prepared pan. Using the back of the butter wrapper or a greased spatula, gently press down the mixture lightly—avoid compacting tightly to keep the treats airy and chewy.
  8. Garnish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an extra flavor boost.
  9. Cool: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Cover if left out longer than an hour to maintain freshness.
  10. Cut and serve: Lift the treats from the pan using parchment or greased edges, place on a cutting board, and cut into bars. Enjoy your peanut butter Rice Krispie treats!

Notes

  • Use a light-bottomed pan for browning butter to easily monitor color and prevent burning.
  • Do not over-compact the treats when pressing them into the pan to maintain a light, chewy texture.
  • For an extra flavor twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
  • Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • To make cookie butter treats, substitute peanut butter for cookie butter without changing quantities.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats, Brown Butter, Marshmallow Treats, No-Bake Dessert, Easy Snack, American Dessert