The Transformative Power of Browned Butter

Browned butter is a well-loved ingredient in the culinary world, known for its rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to all kinds of dishes, from savory to sweet. The process of browning butter is simple yet requires careful attention. It’s easy to go from perfectly browned to burnt in a heartbeat. The secret lies in keeping the heat on medium-low and watching the butter closely as it foams. The golden hue signals that it’s nearly ready—once you catch the warm, nutty aroma wafting from the pan, it’s time to take it off the heat.

The Role of Sea Salt

While any salt can provide the necessary seasoning, using sea salt takes it up a notch. Its unique texture and flavor create a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallows while complementing the nuttiness of the browned butter. The result is a perfect balance that keeps you reaching for more. Even a pinch can elevate your treats, enhancing their flavor profile and leaving a lingering savor that’s simply irresistible.

A Journey with Smitten Kitchen

I first came across this amazing recipe in The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman, and I still can’t believe it took me so long to try it. This cookbook is filled with incredibly well-tested recipes, and this one is among my favorites. The simplicity of the recipe coupled with the transformative ingredients makes this a treat you’ll want to make over and over again.

How to Make Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 10 oz bag of marshmallows
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, melt the stick of butter over medium heat. While the butter is melting, prepare your baking pan by lining it with plastic wrap and lightly spraying it with cooking spray, ensuring there’s about a one-inch overhang on each side.
2. Once the butter has fully melted, it will start to foam. Watch it closely; transitioning from a perfect brown to burnt can happen in the blink of an eye. When the butter reaches a light golden amber color and emits a nutty aroma, it’s ready. Stir it briefly and then remove it from the heat.
3. Immediately add the marshmallows to the pan and stir vigorously until fully melted, which should take about 3 minutes. If the marshmallows aren’t melting quickly enough, you can return the pan to low heat.
4. Once the marshmallows have turned into a shiny, gooey mixture, remove it from the heat and mix in the sea salt and Rice Krispie cereal. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. To ensure an even shape, press it down firmly. Then, cover the top with plastic wrap, allowing it to cool in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes or until firm.
6. After cooling, cut the treats into squares and store them in an airtight container. Enjoy at your leisure!

Tips for the Perfect Rice Krispie Treats

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Old marshmallows can lose their stickiness, making it difficult to achieve the desired gooeyness.
2. Don’t Rush the Browning Process: The key to a great flavor is in the browning of the butter—patience will pay off!
3. Store Properly: Keep these treats in an airtight container to maintain their texture. They can stay fresh for up to a week, though they’re likely to disappear long before that!
4. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for additional flavor and texture.