Vanilla & Brown Butter Crispy Treats

January 4, 2012 • Alaska from Scratch, Cookies & Bars, Desserts, Recipes

Weather: 1 degree and gorgeous with snow on the trees
What I’m listening to:
Norwegian Recycling

I’ve gone and done something ridiculous. I made rice crispy treats with brown butter. And vanilla. And some sea salt. And then I ate one while it was still warm.

There, I’ve confessed.

And now I’m going to try to convince you to try it, too. But, I’m not going to try very hard. I’m just going to let you look at the picture and try to smell the richness of the browned butter and the warmth of the vanilla and the sweetness of the melted marshmallows. It didn’t take much, did it?

Vanilla & Brown Butter Crispy Treats

Adapted from [Smitten Kitchen|http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/11/salted-brown-butter-crispy-treats/]

  • 1/2c butter
  • 10oz mini marshmallows, 1/4c reserved
  • 1t vanilla
  • 6c crispy rice cereal
  • 1/4t coarse sea salt

In a large pot, brown the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. The butter will melt, then foam and bubble, then begin to brown. As soon as it smells nutty and the color has changed, remove from heat (if you don't watch it closely here, it will burn).

Pour marshmallows, followed by vanilla, directly into hot browned butter and stir until marshmallows melt and are smooth. Add cereal and salt. Stir to coat and fold in reserved mini marshmallows.

Press lightly into a 9 inch round (for triangles) or square (for squares) pan. Allow to firm up a bit - at least 10 minutes - before slicing.