The Best Brown Butter Matcha Rice Krispies You’ll Ever Try
I’ve always loved Rice Krispies treats, but I wanted something a little more grown-up.
That’s when I tried mixing in brown butter and matcha—and let me tell you, it changed everything.
The brown butter makes them nutty and rich, while the matcha adds a fresh, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness. These are still chewy and fun like the classic version, but with a twist you’ll keep craving.
Why I Made This Recipe
Let me be real with you—I’ve always loved Rice Krispies treats. They’re sweet, chewy, and remind me of being a kid. But as I got older, I started to crave something a little more grown-up, something with a twist. That’s when I thought, what if I gave this childhood favorite a glow-up?
Enter brown butter and matcha. Brown butter makes everything taste richer and nuttier, while matcha adds that earthy, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly. The result? A treat that’s still fun and nostalgic, but way more delicious and unique.
If you’ve never tried this combo, trust me, you’re about to love it.
What Makes Brown Butter Special
So, why not just use regular butter? Here’s the thing: when you melt butter slowly until it turns golden brown, the milk solids caramelize and give you this deep, nutty, toffee-like flavor. It’s richer, it’s warmer, and it transforms basic recipes into something amazing.
For Rice Krispies treats, this means you get that classic marshmallow gooeyness but with a much deeper flavor. It’s like Rice Krispies grew up and went gourmet.
Why Matcha Works Perfectly
Now let’s talk about matcha. It’s not just for lattes. Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that’s a little grassy, slightly bitter, and super vibrant in color. It cuts through the sweetness of the marshmallows and gives your treats a flavor that feels fancy without being hard to make.
Plus, the green color makes them look so cool. Imagine pulling out a tray of bright green, buttery, chewy squares—it’s guaranteed people will ask for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything complicated here. Just a few simple ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon high-quality matcha powder
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Pinch of salt (optional, but I recommend it)
That’s it. Simple, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Butter
Place your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir often, and watch closely—it will melt, foam, and then turn golden brown with little brown bits at the bottom. Once it smells nutty and looks golden, you’re ready.
2. Add Marshmallows and Matcha
Turn the heat to low. Add your marshmallows to the brown butter and stir until completely melted. Once smooth, sift in the matcha powder. Stir well so the matcha blends evenly, giving you that gorgeous green color.
3. Mix in Rice Krispies
Take the pot off the heat. Add in the Rice Krispies and gently fold them in until every piece is coated in the gooey matcha marshmallow mixture.
4. Press Into Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the pan gently—don’t smash it down too hard or the treats will be dense.
5. Cool and Slice
Let them cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Then take a bite, and thank yourself for making them.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh marshmallows: Old ones won’t melt as well.
- Sift your matcha: It helps avoid clumps and gives you that smooth, even green color.
- Don’t pack too tightly: Press gently so the treats stay chewy.
- Try flavored marshmallows: Vanilla or even fruity ones can give a fun twist.
How These Taste
These aren’t just regular Rice Krispies. They’re chewy, gooey, and sweet like the ones you grew up with—but the brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor, and the matcha makes them earthy and balanced. You get that sweet-meets-sophisticated combo in every bite.
Honestly, I could eat the whole pan if I’m not careful.
FAQs About Brown Butter Matcha Rice Krispies
Q: Can I use regular butter instead of browning it?
Yes, but you’ll miss out on that rich nutty flavor that makes this recipe special.
Q: What kind of matcha should I use?
Go for a good-quality matcha (not the cheapest one). Culinary-grade works fine, but make sure it’s fresh and vibrant green.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They taste best the day you make them, though.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter and vegan marshmallows, and you’re good to go.
Q: My matcha clumped—what did I do wrong?
You probably didn’t sift it. Always sift matcha before adding it to hot mixtures.
The Best Brown Butter Matcha Rice Krispies You’ll Ever Try
Course: Dinner12
servings10
minutes10
minutes170
kcalIngredients
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon matcha powder (sifted)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Pinch of salt (optional)
Directions
- Brown the butter – In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep stirring until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
- Melt the marshmallows – Lower the heat, add the marshmallows, and stir until smooth.
- Add matcha – Sift in the matcha powder and stir until evenly mixed.
- Mix in cereal – Remove from heat, add Rice Krispies, and fold until everything is coated.
- Press into pan – Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and gently press the mixture in.
- Cool and cut – Let cool for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Sift matcha to avoid clumps.
Don’t press the mixture too hard—keep it light and chewy.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
