Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats are rich, gooey, and packed with sweet butterscotch flavor in every bite. They take the classic cereal treat you love and elevate it with a warm, caramel-like twist that's completely irresistible. If you're looking for an easy no-bake dessert that stands out, this recipe is a must-try.
Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe Essentials
- 🍽️ Course: Dessert / Snack
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- 🍴 Servings: 12 squares
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Sweet, buttery, rich butterscotch, gooey
- 🍚 Best Served With: Milk, coffee, dessert platters with Ritz muddy buddies
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Yes
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These butterscotch rice krispie treats are perfect when you want something quick, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. The butterscotch adds a deeper sweetness that pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy texture. They're easy enough for beginners and always a hit with both kids and adults.
This butterscotch rice krispie treat recipe was inspired by my Rice Krispie Hay Bales and M & M's Rice Krispie Treats on this site, and pairs well with these amazing s'mores brownies.
Jump to:
- Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe Essentials
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Variations
- How To Make Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
- Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats Expert Tips
- Storage Directions
- Serving Suggestions
- Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe FAQs
- More Rice Krispies Recipes
- Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick, easy, and budget-friendly: This no-bake dessert comes together in under 15 minutes with simple, affordable ingredients and no oven required.
- Rich flavor and irresistible texture: Butterscotch adds a deep caramel-like sweetness to these soft, gooey, perfectly chewy treats.
- Perfect for parties and families: Easy to make, simple to slice and serve, and always a crowd-pleasing favorite with kids and adults alike like our lazy cookie bars.
- Customizable and make-ahead friendly: Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings, then store them for an easy sweet treat whenever you need one.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple pantry staples to make these butterscotch Rice Krispie treats, making them a quick and easy dessert option.
- Salted butter: Adds rich buttery flavor and helps create the smooth melted base for the marshmallow mixture.
- Mini marshmallows: Melt into the gooey binder that holds the treats together while creating their signature soft, chewy texture.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Provides the classic light, crispy crunch that balances the sweet marshmallow mixture.
- Butterscotch chips: Add the deep sweet, buttery caramel-like flavor that makes these treats extra special.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Variations
- Add Chocolate: Add chocolate chips or chunks for a layered flavor
- Peanut Butter Butterscotch Treats: Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter, off heat once marshmallows are melted for a Scotcheroo-style treat
- Nutty Treats: Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, peanuts or shredded coconut for crunch
- Add chocolate layer on top: After pressing treats into pan melt 2 cups of chocolate chips and a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter in microwave in 20-25 second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until smooth. Immediately pour over the Rice Krispie treats and spread evenly with an offset spatula or spoon. Set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
How To Make Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
These butterscotch Rice Krispie treats are incredibly easy to make. Add your butter to a large pot over medium-low heat.
Step 1: Melt and mix. Let your butter melt completely. Add marshmallows and stir until marshmallows are totally melted.
Fold in the butterscotch chips and then cereal, making sure the cereal is evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture.
Step 2: Gently press. Carefully spread the mixture into a 9x13 inch pan. Allow to cool on the counter for an hour before slicing.
Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats Expert Tips
- Use Mini marshmallows: They're going to be a lot easier to accurately measure and melt better than regular sized marshmallows.
- Use low heat when melting the marshmallows: Slow, gentle heat keeps the marshmallows soft and smooth.
- Add butterscotch chips off heat: Stir them in after removing the pot from the burner so they soften and melt slightly without scorching or becoming grainy. Immediately after add cereal and gently stir until coated.
- Grease everything that touches the mixture: Lightly grease your pan, spatula, sharp knife for slicing and even your hands if needed to make spreading the sticky mixture much easier.
- Don't press the mixture too firmly into the pan: Gently press it into an even layer so the treats stay light, soft, and easy to bite instead of becoming dense and hard.
- Let them cool completely before slicing: Giving the treats time to fully set at room temperature makes it much easier to cut clean, even squares without a sticky mess.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Oreo Rice Krispies squares and salted caramel Rice Krispies treats.
Storage Directions
Room Temperature: Store cooled treats in an airtight container on counter up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking, before start to become stale.
Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days (will firm up)
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months
Reheat: Microwave 10 seconds to soften
Make Ahead: Prepare 1-2 days in advance
Serving Suggestions
- Serve at parties on dessert trays
- Pack in lunchboxes
- Pair with ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate on top
- Enjoy as a snack anytime with chocolate peanut butter popcorn
Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe FAQs
Butterscotch Rice Krispie treats use butterscotch chips in addition to marshmallows, giving them a richer, deeper caramel-like flavor compared to the traditional version.
To keep them soft, melt the marshmallows over low heat and avoid overcooking. Press the mixture gently into the pan instead of packing it tightly, which helps maintain a light, chewy texture.
Use a sharp knife lightly greased with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps create neat, even squares without tearing the treats.
They usually become hard if the marshmallows are overheated or if the mixture is pressed too firmly into the pan. Using fresh marshmallows and gentle handling will help keep them soft.
More Rice Krispies Recipes
Do you like Rice Krispies? Here some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Add your butter to a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir until butter is melted completely.
- Add marshmallows and stir until they're also melted completely.
- Remove from heat and stir in butterscotch chips until melty and evenly distributed.
- Carefully fold in cereal (to avoid crushing it) making sure it's evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- Gently press mixture into a 9x13 inch pan and allow to cool on the counter for an hour. Cutting them while hot can cause them to fall apart.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use Mini marshmallows: They're going to be a lot easier to accurately measure and melt better than regular sized marshmallows.
- Use low heat when melting the marshmallows: Slow, gentle heat keeps the marshmallows soft and smooth.
- Add butterscotch chips off heat: Stir them in after removing the pot from the burner so they soften and melt slightly without scorching or becoming grainy. Immediately after add cereal and gently stir until coated.
- Grease everything that touches the mixture: Lightly grease your pan, spatula, sharp knife for slicing and even your hands if needed to make spreading the sticky mixture much easier.
- Don't press the mixture too firmly into the pan: Gently press it into an even layer so the treats stay light, soft, and easy to bite instead of becoming dense and hard.
- Let them cool completely before slicing: Giving the treats time to fully set at room temperature makes it much easier to cut clean, even squares without a sticky mess.
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