Pretzel Pumpkin Patch Rice Krispie Treats
These gooey brown butter Rice Krispie treats are loaded with salty pretzels and Halloween Oreos, then topped with crushed Oreo dirt and candy corn pumpkins for the cutest sweet and salty Halloween dessert!
Servings: 9 slices
Ingredients
For the treats:
- ½ cup salted butter you can use unsalted if you prefer
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup roughly chopped mini pretzels
- 1 cup roughly chopped Oreos I used Halloween Oreos but you can use whatever kind you prefer!
- 5 cups Rice Krispies
For the topping:
- ½ cup Oreos finely crushed into 'dirt'
- candy corn pumpkins as many as desired!
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly mist with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, continue stirring as the butter begins to foam. The butter will foam up twice, and after the second time it will begin to turn golden brown and give off a nutty aroma. Immediately remove from the heat to prevent burning.
- Carefully add the vanilla extract to the brown butter. The mixture will bubble and sizzle, so continue stirring for about 30 seconds until the bubbling subsides. Add half of the mini marshmallows to the pot and stir until almost completely melted. Add the remaining marshmallows and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. If needed, return the pot to low heat briefly to help the marshmallows melt.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal about 2 cups at a time, gently stirring until evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture. Fold in the roughly chopped mini pretzels and Oreos until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared 8×8-inch pan. Lightly wet your hands or spatula with water and gently spread the mixture toward the edges of the pan. Be careful not to press down too firmly, as this can make the treats dense.
- While the mixture is still sticky, evenly sprinkle the finely crushed Halloween Oreos over the top to create the dirt. Gently press the crumbs into the marshmallow mixture. Arrange the candy corn pumpkins across the top, lightly pressing each one into the Oreo dirt so it stays in place. Allow the treats to set at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes before lifting them out of the pan and cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Brown Butter: Watch the butter carefully as it browns. Once you see golden brown specks and smell a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately.
- Pretzels: Roughly chop the pretzels rather than crushing them completely so you get salty, crunchy pieces throughout.
- Oreos: Halloween Oreos give these a festive orange color inside, but regular Oreos will work just as well.
- Sticky Marshmallows: Lightly wet your hands or spatula with water before spreading the mixture to prevent sticking.
- Don't Overpack: Gently spread the mixture into the pan without pressing down firmly to keep the treats soft and gooey.
- For a Larger Batch: Double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. The treats may be slightly thicker, but they'll be just as delicious!
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed within the first 1–2 days for optim