Ultimate Gooey Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats: Brown Butter & White Chocolate Edition

Prepare to fall in love with these Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats – a truly elevated version of a beloved classic. We’ve taken the nostalgic gooeyness of traditional Rice Krispy treats and infused them with rich brown butter, creamy white chocolate, and a generous scattering of colorful sprinkles. The result is an incredibly soft, chewy, and utterly delicious dessert that’s anything but basic. These treats are extra gooey, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Rice Krispie treats have always held a special place in our hearts as a beloved, top-tier dessert. While the classic recipe is undeniably good, there’s so much creative potential to really expand and elevate it! And lucky for you, that’s exactly what we’ve done with this incredible recipe. We’ve pulled out all the stops to transform a simple treat into something truly extraordinary.

Our recipe takes your traditional Rice Krispy treats to the next level by replacing ordinary melted butter with a much more flavorful brown butter, which infuses every bite with a deep, nutty aroma. To achieve that perfect smooth yet satisfyingly crunchy consistency, we’ve incorporated a touch of luxurious white chocolate into the melted marshmallows. And to finish, we’ve added plenty of vibrant rainbow sprinkles, not just for a burst of color, but as a playful reminder to always enjoy life’s sweet moments!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, stock up on those extra marshmallows, and get ready to create these utterly delicious, 5-star rating Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats that will have everyone asking for more!

Other Fun & Festive Treat Recipes to Try

• Easy Birthday Brookies Recipe (Brownie + Cookie)
• Strawberry Funfetti Cake With Real Strawberries
• Phenomenal and Festive Funfetti Birthday Cake

Why You Will Love This Elevated Rice Krispy Treat Recipe

These aren’t just any Rice Krispy treats; they are a delightful upgrade that promises to become your new favorite go-to dessert. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:

1. Perfectly Balanced Texture: The success of any Rice Krispy treat hinges on its texture. Too firm, and it feels like a battle between your teeth and the cereal; too soft, and it’s a sticky mess. Our recipe strikes the perfect balance, delivering a treat that is wonderfully gooey yet holds its shape, offering a satisfying crunch without being hard. The addition of white chocolate creates an even smoother, more luxurious mouthfeel, elevating the entire experience.
2. Incredibly Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats are surprisingly simple to prepare. They are an ideal baking project to involve your kids in the kitchen, offering a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. With minimal steps and no oven required, you’ll have delicious treats ready in no time!
3. A Fresh Take on a Beloved Classic: We’ve transformed the classic Rice Krispy treat into a vibrant, exciting dessert. By incorporating nutty brown butter, creamy white chocolate, and cheerful rainbow sprinkles, we’ve created a unique flavor profile and visual appeal that refreshes this nostalgic favorite. It’s the perfect blend of comforting tradition and playful innovation.
4. Irresistibly Gooey Marshmallows: The star of any good Rice Krispy treat is, of course, the marshmallows. Our recipe emphasizes an abundance of freshly melted marshmallows, ensuring every bite is supremely soft and stretchy. The infusion of white chocolate takes this gooeyness to an unreal level, adding a depth of flavor and an extra layer of velvety smoothness that you won’t find in standard recipes.
5. Versatile & Customizable: While our sprinkle version is fantastic, this recipe provides an excellent base for endless customization. Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles, add a touch of almond extract for a new flavor dimension, or even mix in other candies or chocolate chunks. These treats are incredibly adaptable to your preferences.

Pantry Essentials for the Ultimate Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats

While the complete list of ingredients is waiting for you in the recipe card at the bottom, here’s a peek at some essential pantry items that will make these homemade Rice Krispy Treats truly exceptional. These are not just ingredients, but vital components for success and flavor!

• Rainbow Sprinkles: A non-negotiable! These colorful little gems don’t just add visual appeal; they bring a joyful, festive crunch that makes every bite of these funfetti Rice Krispy Treats a celebration. Always keep a fresh container on hand for any spontaneous baking needs.
• Quality White Chocolate: This is a secret ingredient that truly elevates the texture and flavor. You can opt for white chocolate chips for convenience or use a high-quality white chocolate bark, finely chopped. Both will melt beautifully into the marshmallow mixture, adding an incredible creaminess and subtle sweetness that complements the brown butter perfectly.
• Fresh, Soft Marshmallows: The fresher the marshmallows, the gooier your treats will be! Stale marshmallows tend to melt unevenly and can result in tough, hard treats. Think soft, pillowy clouds – if your marshmallows could be used to fell a giant, it’s time for a new bag! Miniature marshmallows are preferred for easier melting.
• Unsalted Butter: We use unsalted butter specifically for browning, which adds a nutty depth to the treats. Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the salt content in your recipe. This allows the distinct flavor of the brown butter to shine through without being overpowered by extra salt, letting you sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top if desired, just like the famous Salt Bae!
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of high-quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the treats, adding a warm, aromatic note. My personal favorite is Nielsen-Massey; it’s a premium product that offers exceptional flavor at an accessible price, making a noticeable difference in your baking.
• Parchment Paper: A true baking essential! From lining your baking pan for effortless removal of these sticky treats to preventing messes when roasting vegetables, parchment paper is indispensable. It ensures your gooey Rice Krispy Treats don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Crispy Rice Cereal: Of course, you can’t have Rice Krispy Treats without the cereal! While brand names like Rice Krispies are classic, any comparable crispy rice cereal will work wonderfully. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal crunch.

STEP BY STEP – Crafting Your Perfect Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats

Ready to create these incredibly delicious Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats? Here are the simplified steps to guide you. For a comprehensive list of instructions and ingredient measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card below!

• 1. Prep the Pan: Start by preparing your baking vessel. Grab a sturdy 9×13 inch baking pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift out the treats later. Give the parchment paper a light spray with cooking oil or grease it with a tiny bit of butter to ensure absolutely nothing sticks.
• 2. Brown That Butter: This step is crucial for incredible flavor! In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt your unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter transforms. It will foam, then the milk solids will sink to the bottom and turn a beautiful golden brown. You’ll notice a distinct, wonderfully nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be vigilant – brown butter can burn quickly!
• 3. Get Marshmallowy: Immediately remove the browned butter from the heat and add your fresh mini marshmallows to the hot pan. Stir continuously with a heat-proof spatula until the marshmallows are completely melted and smoothly combined with the rich brown butter. The residual heat from the pan and butter will do most of the work. Stir in the vanilla extract for an added layer of aroma and flavor.
• 4. Mix It Up: With the pan still off the heat, quickly pour in your crispy rice cereal. Work efficiently to fold and stir the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until every piece is thoroughly coated in that delightful, gooey butter-marshmallow coating. Let the mixture sit for just about one minute to slightly cool and absorb the flavors.
• 5. Add Some Fun: Now for the vibrant additions! Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and a generous handful of extra mini marshmallows. The key here is to fold gently and quickly, as over-stirring can cause the sprinkles’ colors to bleed and dull your beautiful treats. You want those colors to pop!
• 6. Spread and Press: Transfer the entire sticky, wonderful mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking), press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan. Don’t press too hard, or your treats might become dense; a firm, even press is perfect.
• 7. Dress It Up: For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, sprinkle a few more rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows on top of the pressed treats. This garnish makes them look even more inviting and fun!
• 8. Cool Down & Enjoy: The hardest part of this recipe is waiting! Allow your delicious Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats to cool completely at room temperature. This setting time is crucial for them to firm up properly, making them easy to cut into clean squares. Resist the urge to dive in immediately – it’s worth the wait for perfectly set, gooey treats!

Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats

Don’t let the simplicity of easy Rice Krispy Treats fool you – a few expert tips can make all the difference in achieving perfection. Here are our top tricks for making these Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats truly exceptional and stress-free:

• Always Use Fresh Marshmallows: This cannot be stressed enough! Fresh marshmallows are soft and pliable, melting evenly into a smooth, gooey mixture. Older, tougher marshmallows will create lumps and a less desirable, tougher treat texture. Check the expiry date and opt for a new bag if yours feel stiff.
• Don’t Rush the Butter Browning: Browning butter is an art that requires patience. Keep the heat at medium-low and stir occasionally. The butter will bubble and foam, then the milk solids at the bottom will turn golden brown and release a distinct, nutty aroma. This process typically takes 5-7 minutes. Rushing will lead to burnt butter, which has a bitter taste and will ruin your treats.
• Identify the Golden Color and Nutty Aroma: As the butter browns, pay close attention to its transformation. It will develop a beautiful amber or golden-brown color, and a rich, toasted, nutty smell will fill your kitchen. This is your cue! Immediately remove it from the heat once you reach this stage to prevent burning.
• Maintain Low to Medium-Low Heat: When browning butter, using a controlled, lower heat setting is key. This prevents the butter from burning too quickly on the bottom of the pan while allowing the milk solids to toast evenly. A slower browning process yields a more complex and desirable flavor.
• Prep All Your Ingredients Beforehand (Mise en Place): Once the butter is browned and the marshmallows are melted, the process moves very quickly. Have your crispy rice cereal, sprinkles, white chocolate, vanilla, and prepared baking pan all measured out and ready to go. This will ensure a smooth, stress-free mixing process without any frantic scrambling.
• Gentle Folding for Mix-Ins: When incorporating the sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and extra mini marshmallows, do so with a gentle folding motion. Overmixing can cause the delicate colors of the sprinkles to bleed into the marshmallow mixture, resulting in a muted, less appealing appearance. It can also make the treats denser.
• Grease Everything That Touches the Mixture: Rice Krispy treat mixture is notoriously sticky. Lightly grease your spatula, your hands (if pressing by hand), and even the sides of your saucepan before you begin. This simple step will make transferring and pressing the mixture incredibly easy and prevent frustration.
• Allow Complete Cooling: While the smell is intoxicating, resist the urge to cut into your treats too soon! Allow them to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours (or until firm). This crucial step ensures they set properly, making clean, crisp squares that hold their shape perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats

Have questions about making these delightful homemade Rice Krispy Treats? We’ve got answers to help ensure your success!

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Yes, you can certainly use salted butter if that’s what you have available. However, be mindful that salted butter contains varying amounts of salt, which might affect the overall taste. If you use it, you might want to consider omitting any additional salt if the recipe called for it, or reducing it slightly, to avoid an overly salty flavor. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning.

Q: Can I skip browning the butter?

A: While you can skip browning the butter, we highly recommend against it! The browned butter is a key ingredient that imparts a rich, nutty, and deeply caramelized flavor, making these Rice Krispy Treats truly exceptional and different from a basic version. Without it, your treats will still be good, but they won’t have the same depth and complexity of flavor that makes this recipe so special.

Q: How can I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding their color?

A: To keep your rainbow sprinkles vibrant and prevent their colors from bleeding, the trick is gentle handling and quick work. Once the cereal is coated in the marshmallow mixture, let it cool for just a minute. Then, fold in the sprinkles and white chocolate chips very gently and quickly, rather than vigorously stirring. This minimizes their contact with the hot, moist mixture, preserving their crisp colors.

Q: How long do the treats need to cool before cutting?

A: For best results and clean cuts, allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 to 2 hours. This gives them enough time to fully set and firm up, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully when sliced. While it’s tempting to cut into them sooner (and I admit, I’ve only waited 5 minutes myself because I couldn’t resist!), patience will lead to perfectly structured, less sticky squares.

Storing and Freezing Your Delicious Treats

To maintain the optimal freshness and gooey texture of your Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats, proper storage is key. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. For an extra layer of protection, you can wrap individual treats or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. Avoid stacking them too tightly to prevent unnecessary compression. Enjoy these delightful treats within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor. After that, they may start to become a bit firmer.

Freezing – Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats

While many desserts freeze well, we generally recommend against freezing Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats. The main reason is that the marshmallow component tends to become overly stiff and hard when frozen and then thawed. This can significantly alter the delightful gooey texture that we cherish in these treats, making them less enjoyable. For the best experience, always enjoy them fresh or stored at room temperature.

Here are some of the random tools and kitchen essentials I used and recommend to make this recipe a breeze:

• Large Saucepan: A good quality, large saucepan is essential for browning the butter evenly and providing ample space to mix in the cereal without spilling. A heavy-bottomed pan helps prevent scorching.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: A sturdy, heat-resistant mixing spoon or spatula is crucial for stirring the sticky marshmallow mixture and ensuring all the cereal is well coated.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: This standard-sized pan is perfect for achieving the ideal thickness for your treats. Its rectangular shape makes for easy cutting into uniform squares.
• Parchment Paper or cooking spray: Absolutely essential for lining the baking pan! This prevents the sticky treats from adhering to the pan, ensuring easy removal and cleanup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking consistency. Good quality measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the perfect ratio of butter, marshmallows, and cereal every time.
• Silicone Spatula: A flexible, non-stick silicone spatula is ideal for stirring the hot, sticky marshmallow mixture and pressing the treats into the pan without them sticking.

If you adore this recipe or have any questions, remember to LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW AND A COMMENT below! Your feedback means the world. Also, make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for daily doses of fun baking content, tips, and inspiration!

FOR MORE SPRINKLE-RELATED RECIPES, EXPLORE THESE DELIGHTFUL OPTIONS:

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• Easy Birthday Cheesecake Cake Recipe
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Recipe

Sprinkle Rice Krispy Treats

Molly Murphy

Gooey Rice Krispy Treats that have extra butter, the addition of festive sprinkles, miniature marshmallows, and creamy white chocolate. They are extra gooey, exceptionally flavorful, and absolutely delicious!

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe
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Servings 16

Ingredients

 

 

FOR THE RICE KRISPY TREATS

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ package about 15 oz mini marshmallows, plus some for a garnish
• 8 cups crispy rice cereal like Rice Krispies
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips
• Handful of mini marshmallows

Instructions

 

• Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray or grease with butter. Set aside.
• In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Continue to cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns a rich golden brown color and gives off a distinct nutty aroma (approx. 5-7 minutes). Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Once the butter is browned, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the marshmallows to the pan and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smoothly combined with the brown butter. Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
• Quickly add the crispy rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated. Let it sit for 1 minute to slightly cool. Then, gently fold in the white chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, and the extra handful of mini marshmallows. Fold carefully to avoid overworking and to prevent the sprinkles from bleeding their colors.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Using a greased spatula or greased hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish. Garnish the top with a few more sprinkles, marshmallows, and white chocolate chips for added visual appeal.
• Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before cutting into squares. This ensures they are properly set and easy to slice.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!