First, you need to prepare your baking pan. For super thick Rice Krispie Treats, grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. If you're looking for regular-sized treats, then go for a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier for the treats to come out. Set the pan aside.
Next, we’re going to brown the butter. Place the butter in a large pot and melt it over medium heat. Stir it often until it foams and starts to smell nutty and brown, which should take about five minutes. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your treats.
Once the butter is browned, add the entire bag of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. You want to achieve a creamy mixture without any lumps.
Now, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. This is where the flavors start to come together beautifully. Next, add in the crispy rice cereal and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Gently stir until everything is well coated with the marshmallows.
To add a little more texture, fold in the additional mini marshmallows at this point. This will give your treats delightful pockets of gooey sweetness.
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan and lightly press it down using a greased spatula. You can also grease your hands and press the mixture into the pan. Just make sure not to press too firmly; otherwise, your treats may end up hard and dry.
If you want, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for an extra touch. It enhances the sweetness and brings out the flavor.
It’s best to let your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats sit for about an hour before cutting them. This will help them to set properly. Once they’ve cooled, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy!
