Meet the nostalgic Rice Krispies treat you grew up on, but dressed up for Valentine’s Day and fully living its best life. These Brown Butter Chocolate Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats take the classic no-bake bar and give it a serious glow-up with nutty brown butter, salty crushed pretzels, rich dark chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles for a little extra fun. They come together in minutes, require zero baking skills, and hit that perfect sweet-salty balance that makes it impossible to stop at just one.
Friends, I will always have a soft spot for recipes that tap straight into childhood nostalgia, especially when they’re no-bake and somehow even better than you remember. Rice Krispies Treats fall firmly into that category for me. They’re simple, familiar, and endlessly adaptable, which makes them the perfect canvas for a little glow-up. Enter these Brown Butter Chocolate Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats: the classic you grew up on, but richer, saltier, and absolutely delicious.
For this version, I’m using Hu dark chocolate baking chips, and truly… Hu is a household name at this point. But you can use any dark chocolate chips you love! The dark chocolate melts beautifully into the warm cereal mixture, giving you little pockets of chocolatey goodness without overpowering the classic flavors of these treats.
What I love most about these treats is that they feel fun and festive without being difficult at all. Browning the butter adds that deep, nutty flavor, the pretzels bring the perfect salty crunch, and the sprinkles make them feel instantly celebratory. They’re ideal for Valentine’s Day parties, gifting to friends, or keeping on the counter for a little extra treat as needed. No oven or stress needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Delicious Rice Krispie Treats
- Butter: Browning the butter is what gives these bars their deep, nutty, almost caramel-like flavor. You can use regular unsalted butter or a dairy-free butter substitute—both work great.
- Mini Marshmallows: These melt down into the gooey base that holds everything together and gives you that classic Rice Krispies treat chewiness.
- Vanilla Extract: A small but important addition that rounds out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the brown butter and chocolate.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The crisp, airy base that brings structure and that signature crunch to every bite. Any similar crispy rice cereal will work.
- Pretzels: Crushed pretzels add a salty crunch that balances the sweetness and takes these treats to another level.
- Dark Chocolate Baking Chips: Rich, melty dark chocolate adds depth and just the right amount of sweetness. I love Hu Chocolate, but use any high-quality chocolate you love.
- Valentine’s Sprinkles: Highly encouraged for a festive pop of color and fun. They really give it the extra flair!
How to Make These Brown Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats
To make these treats, start by adding the butter to a large pot set over low-medium heat. Let it melt, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden and nutty with brown flecks forming on the bottom of the pot, about 4–5 minutes. Once browned, immediately turn off the heat.
Next, add the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract directly to the hot brown butter. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Then, add the Rice Krispies cereal, crushed pretzels, dark chocolate baking chips, and Valentine’s sprinkles. Gently fold everything together until the cereal and pretzels are evenly coated and the chocolate chips are just beginning to melt.
Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×11-inch baking dish. Press it down evenly using a spatula or the palm of your hand, then sprinkle a few extra sprinkles on top if desired. Let the bars set for about 30 minutes before slicing into 18 pieces and serving.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Ingredients
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter
- 10 Ounces Mini Marshmallows
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal, or similar
- 2 Cups Pretzels, crushed
- ¾ Cup Dark Chocolate Baking Chips, I love Hu chocolate
- 3 Tablespoons Valentine's Sprinkles
Instructions
- To make these treats, start by adding the butter to a large pot set over low-medium heat. Let it melt, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden and nutty with brown flecks forming on the bottom of the pot, about 4–5 minutes. Once browned, immediately turn off the heat.
- Next, add the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract directly to the hot brown butter. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Then, add the Rice Krispies cereal, crushed pretzels, dark chocolate baking chips, and Valentine’s sprinkles. Gently fold everything together until the cereal and pretzels are evenly coated and the chocolate chips are just beginning to melt.
- Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×11-inch baking dish. Press it down evenly using a spatula or the palm of your hand, then sprinkle a few extra sprinkles on top if desired. Let the bars set for about 30 minutes before slicing into 18 pieces and serving.
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