Brown Butter Cheerio Marshmallow Treats
These Brown Butter Cheerio Marshmallow Treats are gooey, chewy, and have that extra layer of flavor thanks to nutty browned butter.
They are a fun, no-bake treat that’s both nostalgic and a little elevated.
They come together in just a few minutes and are perfect for after-school snacks, family get togethers, or when you want something sweet without turning on the oven.
Why you’ll love this cheerio marshmallow treat recipe
There are plenty of cereal bar recipes out there, but this one stands out.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
Brown butter flavor: Browning the butter gives these treats a nutty, toasty depth that makes them taste gourmet.
Simple ingredients: Just 5 pantry staples are all you need for this recipe.
Quick and no-bake: Ready in about 10 minutes with zero oven time required.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients for this recipe:
- Cheerios
- Marshmallows
- Butter
- Vanilla
- Salt
How to make brown butter cheerio marshmallow treats
Making these treats is super simple. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare your pan – Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Brown the butter – In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 4–6 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.
- Melt the marshmallows – Turn off the heat. Add the marshmallows to the browned butter and stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Add flavor – Stir in the vanilla extract and the salt.
- Mix in the cereal – Quickly stir in the Cheerios until they’re fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Press into the pan – Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Lightly butter your hands or a spatula and gently press the mixture down evenly (don’t press too hard or the treats will be dense).
- Cool and cut – Let the treats cool for about 20 minutes. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Tips for success
- Work quickly: Once the marshmallow mixture is ready, you’ll want to stir in the cereal and press into the pan right away before it sets.
- Don’t overpack: Pressing too firmly will make the bars dense and potentially break up the cereal. A light hand keeps them chewy and soft.
- Use fresh marshmallows: Older marshmallows don’t melt as smoothly and can make the bars less gooey.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. To keep them extra soft, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers.
Conclusion
These Brown Butter Cheerio Marshmallow Treats are a simple treat made extra special thanks to the extra step of of the browning the butter.
With their gooey texture, nutty flavor, and quick prep time, they’re the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re whipping them up for your kids, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
Brown Butter Cheerio Marshmallow Treats
September 6, 2025
Ingredients
- 4 TBS butter
- 5 oz Mini marshmallows
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 cups Cheerios cereal
Instructions
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir frequently and cook until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma (about 4–6 minutes). Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.4 TBS butter
- Remove from the heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.5 oz Mini marshmallows
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.½ tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp salt
- Quickly add the Cheerios and stir until evenly coated in the browned butter, marshmallow mixture.3 cups Cheerios cereal
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Lightly butter a spatula or your hands and gently press the mixture down evenly.
- Let the bars cool for about 20 minutes before cutting into 9 equal squares.
