Gooey Brown Butter Oreo Rice Krispie Treats: The Ultimate No-Bake Cookies & Cream Dessert
Prepare for an irresistible treat that will transport you straight back to childhood, but with a gourmet twist! These incredibly gooey and wonderfully chewy Oreo Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful take on a classic no-bake dessert. Crafted with the rich depth of browned butter and packed generously with crunchy crushed Oreo cookies and creamy white chocolate chips, they offer an elevated flavor experience in every bite. With just 8 simple ingredients and a mere 20 minutes of prep time, these cookies and cream-inspired bars are perfect for any occasion, from quick cravings to delightful party favors.
This beloved recipe was first introduced in February 2021 and has since been meticulously refined with updated images and an even more perfected cooking method to ensure maximum gooeyness and flavor.
Let’s be honest, there’s hardly anything more comforting and nostalgic than a classic Rice Krispie Treat. But what if we told you it could get even better? Much like our popular M&M Rice Krispie Treats, these Oreo Rice Krispie Treats are a super simple, entirely no-bake dessert that you can whip up in less than 20 minutes. Forget the oven and complicated steps; this recipe is all about ease and indulgence!
These extraordinary Rice Krispie Treats with Oreos are generously loaded with perfectly chopped chocolate sandwich cookies and luscious white chocolate chips, creating a harmonious “cookies and cream” symphony. What truly sets them apart is their incredible softness and chewiness, a secret achieved by incorporating a touch of sweetened condensed milk into the marshmallow base. This special ingredient ensures your treats remain delightfully soft and gooey, never hard or stale.
If your heart beats for even more Oreo-infused delights, you absolutely must explore our other fan favorites! Dive into the decadent world of our Oreo Cinnamon Rolls, marvel at the stunning layers of our Oreo Layered Drip Cake, or enjoy the ultimate chewy bite with our Chocolate Chip Cookies with Oreos. There’s an Oreo dessert for every craving!
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Oreo Rice Krispie Treats!
- Effortlessly Easy Recipe: You only need 8 common ingredients and a mere 20 minutes to prepare these no-bake cookies and cream sensations. This makes them perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone looking for a quick, satisfying dessert without the fuss of complicated techniques or extensive cleanup.
- Infinitely Customizable: One of the best features of these Oreo Rice Krispie Treats is their versatility. While classic Oreos are fantastic, you can easily switch up the type of Oreos you use to match any festive season or holiday. Imagine Halloween Oreos for a spooky treat, or red and green ones for a festive Christmas dessert. You can also experiment with other flavors like Mint Oreos, Peanut Butter Oreos, or even Golden Oreos for a different twist.
- The Ultimate No-Bake Dessert: This quick and simple recipe is a lifesaver, especially when it’s too hot to turn on the oven, or when you simply want to avoid a mountain of dishes. No baking means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creations! They are ideal for potlucks, parties, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
- Explosive Oreo Flavor: These Rice Krispie Treats are not just sprinkled with Oreos; they’re *packed* with chopped-up Oreo cookies, ensuring a rich, authentic cookies and cream flavor in every single bite. The texture combination of chewy marshmallow, crispy cereal, and crunchy Oreo pieces is simply divine. If you’re looking for something with an even more intense chocolate flavor, consider trying our decadent chocolate-covered Rice Krispie Treats!
The Secret to Superior Treats: Brown Butter & Sweetened Condensed Milk
These Oreo Rice Krispie Treats build upon the successful foundation of my M&M Rice Krispie Treats, but with a crucial enhancement: the addition of sweetened condensed milk. Inspired by baking guru Jessie Sheehan’s technique, incorporating sweetened condensed milk is the key to maintaining an incredibly soft and pliable texture, preventing the treats from becoming hard and brittle. This small tweak makes a huge difference, ensuring each bite is perfectly gooey and chewy. While the condensed milk is highly recommended for that extra soft quality, rest assured that these treats are still fantastic without it if you don’t have any on hand.
Beyond the condensed milk, the true star elevating these treats to gourmet status is the browned butter. Browning butter is a simple process that transforms regular butter into a rich, nutty, and slightly caramel-flavored base. This golden elixir infuses the entire treat mixture with a depth of flavor that a regular melted butter simply cannot provide. It adds a sophisticated background note that complements the sweet marshmallows and the chocolatey Oreos beautifully, making these bars truly unforgettable.
Essential Ingredients for Your Gooey Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
Crafting these delectable Oreo Rice Krispie Treats requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Marshmallows: Whether you opt for regular-sized marshmallows or mini marshmallows, the most important tip is to use a fresh bag. Opened or stale marshmallows can lead to tough, rather than gooey, treats. Fresh marshmallows melt more smoothly and contribute to that coveted soft, chewy texture.
- Oreo Cookies: For this recipe, we’re using classic regular Oreos, which provide that iconic chocolate sandwich cookie flavor. However, feel free to get creative! You can experiment with different Oreo flavors like Golden Oreos, Mint Oreos, or even seasonal festive editions to add a unique twist to your treats. A mix of finely crushed crumbs and larger chunks provides the best texture.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The essential crispy component! You can confidently use either name-brand Rice Krispies cereal or a store-brand rice cereal. We’ve thoroughly tested this recipe with both, and there is no discernible difference in the final product’s quality or taste.
- White Chocolate Chips: These add a wonderful touch of creamy sweetness and complement the “cookies and cream” theme beautifully. However, if white chocolate isn’t your preference, feel free to swap them out for regular milk or dark chocolate chips, or even omit them entirely.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is our secret weapon for achieving truly superior, super soft, and gloriously gooey rice krispie treats. While it is an optional ingredient, its inclusion significantly enhances the chewiness and prevents the treats from hardening. If you don’t have it on hand, your treats will still be delicious, just slightly less soft.
- Unsalted Butter: Crucial for making the browned butter, which adds an incredible nutty, caramel depth to the treats. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in the recipe.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch of kosher salt perfectly balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate. Note that Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is recommended; if using Morton Kosher Salt or fine table salt, halve the amount as they are saltier by volume.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note to the sweet marshmallow base.
For precise measurements and quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
How to Craft Your Perfect Oreo Rice Krispie Treats: Step-by-Step
Creating these delightful no-bake treats is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps to ensure gooey, chewy perfection every time:
Step 1: Brown the Butter for Depth of Flavor. Begin by placing the unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. As the butter melts, it will start to foam and sputter. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula. You’ll notice white milk solids separating and settling at the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking, keeping a close eye on it (you may need to reduce the heat to low, especially on a gas stove), until these dairy solids transform into a beautiful golden brown color and release a rich, nutty aroma. This browning process is key to the unique flavor of these treats.
Step 2: Create the Gooey Marshmallow Base. Once the butter is perfectly browned, immediately add the sweetened condensed milk (if you’re using it for extra softness), marshmallows, kosher salt, and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Continue to stir gently over low heat. The marshmallows will gradually melt down into a smooth, cohesive, and incredibly sticky mixture. This should take about 3-5 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and no lumps remain.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cereal. Turn off the heat completely. Swiftly add all of your Rice Krispies cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture in the saucepan. It’s crucial to work quickly in this step as the mixture will begin to set once it cools.
Step 4: Ensure Even Coating. Using your sturdy rubber spatula, work rapidly to stir and fold everything together. Make sure every single piece of cereal is thoroughly and evenly coated by the warm, gooey marshmallow mixture. Don’t leave any dry patches!
Step 5: Fold in Your Oreo Goodness. Now, add the crushed Oreo cookies and the white chocolate chips to the mixture. Gently stir until they are just combined and evenly distributed throughout. Avoid overmixing, as this can break down the Oreos too much and diminish the distinct chunks you want for texture.
Step 6: Press, Set, and Slice. Pour the entire mixture into an 8×8 inch baking pan that has been previously lined with parchment paper and lightly greased. Take a separate greased spatula or piece of parchment paper and use it to gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Remember, do NOT press down too hard, as this will compact the treats and make them tough instead of soft and gooey. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional crushed Oreos and white chocolate chips over the top before setting. Allow the treats to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until firm enough to cut. Once set, lift the treats out using the parchment paper and slice into 16 bars. Enjoy!
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
Achieving perfectly gooey, chewy, and flavorful Oreo Rice Krispie Treats is simple with a few insider tips:
- Perfectly Crushed Oreo Cookies: For the ideal texture, you want a mix of fine Oreo crumbs and larger, satisfying chunks. To achieve this, you have a couple of options:
- Food Processor: Pulse the cookies in a food processor until you get your desired consistency. Be careful not to turn them into a fine powder.
- Ziploc Bag & Rolling Pin: Place the Oreos in a sturdy ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This method is great for controlling chunk size and can be a fun activity!
Aim for a combination of textures for the ultimate Oreo experience.
- Work Quickly: Once you add the Rice Krispies cereal to the warm marshmallow mixture, it will begin to cool and set relatively fast. To ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated and that you can spread the mixture smoothly into your pan, have your prepared baking pan, crushed Oreos, and white chocolate chips ready and measured out before you even start melting the butter. Speed is your friend here!
- Always Use Fresh Marshmallows: This is a non-negotiable tip for truly soft and gooey treats. If you have an old, opened bag of marshmallows tucked away in your pantry, resist the urge to use them! Stale marshmallows tend to be drier and harder, resulting in rice krispie treats that are tough and lacking that desirable chewy quality. A fresh bag guarantees superior melt and texture.
- Don’t Over-Press: When transferring the mixture to your prepared baking pan, use a greased spatula or a piece of parchment paper to gently press it down. The key word here is “gently.” If you press too firmly, you’ll compact the treats, making them dense and hard instead of light and airy. A light touch ensures that signature soft, chewy bite.
- Making a Big Batch: If you’re hosting a party, bake sale, or simply need more of these delicious treats, easily double all the ingredients. For a doubled recipe, use a larger 9×13-inch baking pan to accommodate the increased volume.
- Proper Storage for Lasting Freshness: Once sliced, store your Oreo Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delicious gooeyness and freshness for up to 5 days. We do not recommend freezing these treats, as it can significantly alter their texture, making them dry or crumbly upon thawing.
- Clean Slices: For perfectly neat squares, lightly grease your knife with a little butter or non-stick spray before slicing. This prevents the sticky marshmallow from clinging to the blade and gives you clean cuts every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
While browning the butter, as we do with these chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispie Treats, adds an incredible nutty, caramel depth that truly elevates the flavor, it is not strictly mandatory. If you’re short on time or prefer a more classic butter flavor, you can simply melt the butter and proceed with the recipe. However, we highly recommend the browned butter step for a uniquely rich and complex taste profile.
The sweetened condensed milk is a fantastic addition to these treats, acting as our secret ingredient to keep them extra soft and wonderfully gooey for longer. It significantly improves the texture and prevents them from becoming too firm. However, if you don’t have a can of sweetened condensed milk readily available, feel free to omit it. The treats will still be delicious and hold together well; they just won’t have that extra layer of ultimate softness. We’ve tested both versions, and while we prefer the condensed milk version, both yield excellent results!
There are many fun ways to decorate your Oreo Rice Krispie Treats! For a simple yet elegant touch, you can melt white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even both, in the microwave and drizzle it artistically over the tops of the cooled treats using a spoon or a piping bag. Another easy option is to sprinkle extra crushed Oreo cookies on top immediately after you’ve pressed the mixture into the pan, before it sets. For a truly decadent experience, you could melt a generous amount of chocolate and spread it over the entire surface of the treats, similar to how we create a thick chocolate layer on our chocolate-covered Rice Krispie Treats.
Absolutely! If you prefer to use marshmallow creme (also known as marshmallow fluff), simply follow our dedicated Rice Krispie Treats recipe with Marshmallow Fluff. Then, once you’ve prepared the marshmallow base, integrate the crushed Oreo cookie crumbs and white chocolate chips as directed in this recipe to create your cookies and cream version!
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats will remain fresh and delightfully gooey for up to 5 days. For the best taste and texture, we recommend enjoying them within the first 2-3 days.
Yes, you can! To make these treats gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and certified gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies (there are several brands available that mimic Oreos). Always check the labels of all your ingredients to confirm they are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Discover More Irresistible No-Bake Desserts!
If you loved the ease and deliciousness of these Oreo Rice Krispie Treats, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic no-bake recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth without ever having to turn on the oven:
- Easy Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake (No Bake)
- Biscoff Rice Krispie Treats
- Oreo Peanut Butter Pie (no bake)
- Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Fluff
If you’ve made this recipe and loved it, we’d be thrilled to hear from you! Make sure to leave a ⭐️ rating and a thoughtful review below! Your feedback helps us and other home bakers. We absolutely adore seeing your culinary creations, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @alpineella so we can admire what you’ve made! You can also follow along and get more delicious inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and TikTok!
Recipe
Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
Ella Gilbert
Pin Recipe
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Equipment
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8×8 inch baking pan
Ingredients
- ½ stick unsalted butter
- 4 cups rice krispie cereal
- 10 oz marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk optional
- 10 oreos chopped up
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
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Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting, and set aside. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or non-stick spray.
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Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue cooking and stirring until the butter foams, sputters, and the milk solids at the bottom turn golden brown, creating a nutty aroma (this is brown butter!).½ stick unsalted butter
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Add the marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk (if using), vanilla extract, and kosher salt to the browned butter. Stir continuously over low heat until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth – about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat.10 oz marshmallows, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
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With the heat off, add the Rice Krispies cereal to the saucepan. Using a rubber spatula, quickly mix everything together until the cereal is thoroughly coated with the marshmallow mixture.4 cups rice krispie cereal
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Gently stir in the crushed Oreo cookies and white chocolate chips until they are just combined and evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep distinct Oreo chunks.10 oreos, ¾ cup white chocolate chips
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Pour the mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch pan. Using a greased spatula or a piece of greased parchment paper, gently press the mixture down to create an even layer. Do not press too hard, as this will result in a tough, dense treat.
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Allow the treats to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until firm enough to easily handle and slice. Once set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and slice into 16 delicious bars.
Video
Notes
Salt: We recommend using Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt. If you’re using Morton Kosher Salt or fine table salt, which are saltier by volume, halve the amount called for in the recipe to prevent your treats from becoming too salty.
Oreos: The type of Oreo is entirely up to you! Feel free to swap out regular Oreos for holiday-themed versions (e.g., Halloween, Christmas) or experiment with different flavors like Mint, Peanut Butter, or Golden Oreos for unique twists.
Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty, and complex flavor that truly elevates these treats. However, if you prefer, you can simply melt the butter in the saucepan and immediately proceed to add the marshmallows, condensed milk, salt, and vanilla. The treats will still be delicious!
Storage: For optimal freshness and gooeyness, slice the treats into bars once set and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 5 days. We do not recommend freezing these treats as it will likely alter their desirable soft and chewy texture.
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