Brown Butter Rice Krispie Christmas Wreaths
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows (one standard bag)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Green gel food coloring
- 6 cups puffed rice cereal
- Red cinnamon candies or red mini M&Ms (for decoration)
- Non-stick cooking spray or extra butter for greasing
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Butter. Place the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Melt the butter, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the butter begins to foam and turn a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. Watch closely so it does not burn. You should see small brown bits at the bottom of the pan.
- Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows. Turn the heat down to low. Add the mini marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pot from the heat immediately to prevent the marshmallows from becoming tough.
- Step 3: Add Color and Flavor. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Add a few drops of green gel food coloring. Mix well, adding more coloring until you reach your desired shade of “Christmas wreath” green. Using gel coloring provides a more vibrant hue without thinning the mixture.
- Step 4: Combine with Cereal. Pour the rice cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Using a greased spatula, gently fold the cereal into the green marshmallow cream until every piece of cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal while mixing.
- Step 5: Shape the Wreaths. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper. Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Scoop a handful of the mixture (about 1/3 cup) and shape it into a log, then join the ends to form a circle. Place it on the parchment paper and use your finger to widen the hole in the center.
- Step 6: Decorate and Set. While the wreaths are still sticky, press three red cinnamon candies or red M&Ms onto each wreath in a small cluster to represent holly berries. Let the wreaths sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to firm up completely before serving.