Elevate rice krispie treats like never before with this unique and flavorful Brown Butter Chai Rice Krispie Treats recipe! Browned butter and our legendary homemade chai spice mix add a warm and comforting flavor to these classic treats — perfect for the fall weather.

PS: I’m also sharing a protein-packed version that uses a whole cup of whey protein powder, and it’s so dang delicious!

I can’t help but put our homemade chai spice on everything from these Chocolate Chai Overnight Oats to this cozy Chai Tea Latte. Our next victim is the brown butter chai rice krispie treats recipe, and woo wee, it’s a flavor party up in here!

You’ll make this recipe just like any other rice krispie treat recipe, except you’ll add in some brown butter and our chai spice mix. It’s the perfect addition to classic rice krispie treats!

1. Salted butter: Adds a savory richness to the treat and pairs perfectly with the warm chai spices.
2. Homemade chai spice: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, and cloves screams fall and adds a warm and comforting flavor to this recipe.
3. Marshmallows: We used a regular 12 oz. bag of large marshmallows for this recipe.
4. Rice Krispy cereal: You can’t make rice krispie treats without the classic Rice Krispy cereal!

We used our homemade chai spice, but you’re welcome to use a store-bought version. Just know that the flavor of the chai will determine the flavor of the rice krispie treats!

Make This Rice Krispie Recipe with Added Protein

I tested these rice krispies with a whole cup of vanilla whey protein powder, and it’s so dang delicious! I even made them spooky with googly eyes in honor of Halloween.

Protein Brown Butter Chai Rice Krispie Treats 

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons salted butter 
• ½ teaspoon homemade chai spice
• ~48 large marshmallows  (1 regular 12 oz. bag of small marshmallows)
• 1 cup Tera’s Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 
• 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

Instructions

1. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. 
2. Heat the butter in a large pot over medium/high heat. Melt the butter until little brown bits form in the butter. Remove the pot from the heat so it doesn’t burn. 
3. Whisk the chai spice into the brown butter. 
4. Add the marshmallows to the pot and stir until they are coated in butter and begin to melt. Then add the protein powder and stir until combined.  
5. Transfer the mixture into the lined pan and lightly press the rice crispies into the pan.  Option to dust the top with more chai spice. 
6. Let the mixture set for at least 30 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

try it!

Toasted Rice Krispie Treats

Big rice krispie treat fan? You’re in luck — we have these toasted rice krispie treats recipe

How to Make Homemade Chai Spice

Not sure where to start when it comes to making your own chai spice blend? Well, whaddya know, we’ve got our own Homemade Chai Spice Mix recipe right here! Here’s the basics on how to make it:

Ingredients

• 2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 2 tsp. ground allspice
• 2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp. ground cloves
• 6 tsp. ground ginger

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Then add it to your brown butter rice krispie treats recipe!

These rice krispie treats are best when enjoyed within 3-4 days, but can last up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Make this protein-packed pumpkin spice puppy chow! A fun, seasonal twist on a classic treat that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and full of fall flavor.
Ya’ll loved my OG protein puppy chow so much, the gals and I set out to create a pumpkin version — and omg it is so dang good and a perfect start to Fall.

Ingredients Needed

Pumpkin pie spice: Any pumpkin pie spice will do, but here’s my opportunity to plug my homemade pumpkin pie spice. I keep a jar on hand in my spice cupboard!

Pumpkin puree: This is crucial to the pumpkin flavor of this puppy chow! I tested this recipe with ONLY pumpkin pie spice instead of pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree, and it definitely wasn’t pumpkin-forward enough in the flavor department.

Peanut butter:

Chocolate chips and butterscotch chips:

Protein powder: My go-to protein powder is Garden of Life Vanilla, but you can also use collagen protein (I’ve tested this, and it works great!). Swap the protein powder for collagen powder 1:1. My favorite collagen is Vital Proteins Vanilla or Unsweetened.

Fun Halloween toppings: You can choose your own adventure here, but I like using Halloween m&ms or Reese’s Pieces or even candy corn to make things extra festive!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Protein Puppy Chow

A Protein-Packed Feel-Good Treat

Not only is this a delicious treat that feels indulgent, but it’s also full of protein. I’m talking about 14g of protein per serving, which is such a massive improvement in the protein department from traditional puppy chow or muddy buddies recipes . Plus, my kids gobble it up every time I make it, so that’s obviously a big win, too!

After the Chex are coated in protein powder, allow the chocolate to coating to harden. Store the puppy chow in an airtight container in a cool place out of direct sunlight for up to 5-7 days

More Pumpkin Treats to Try

FAQs

Is it called Muddy Buddies or puppy chow?

Should I use regular M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces M&Ms?

Can I make this ahead for a party?

This no-bake protein balls recipe is one of my favorite healthy snacks! It’s easy to make with simple ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and flax.

When I need an afternoon energy boost, these protein balls are the perfect bite-size snack! Made with peanut butter, honey, and mini chocolate chips, they’re lightly sweet, nutty, and delicious. They’re super satisfying too—oats and ground flaxseed add plenty of fiber, and a couple scoops of protein powder give them a nice protein bump.

They’re similar to the energy balls I’ve shared in the past, but with one key difference: you don’t need a food processor to make them. You can just stir together the ingredients in a bowl before shaping the mixture into balls. So easy!

I always get requests for healthy snack recipes during back-to-school season. If you’re looking for ideas, definitely try these no-bake protein balls. They’re super simple and SO much better than any store-bought bar. I think you’ll love them!

Protein Energy Bites Ingredients

You need 7 basic ingredients to make this protein balls recipe:

• Whole rolled oats – I love their chewy texture in these energy bites. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you need this recipe to be gluten-free.
• Creamy peanut butter – It adds rich, nutty flavor and helps the oats stick together. I always use natural peanut butter when I make this recipe, but if you keep conventional peanut butter on hand, I think it would work here too.
• Ground flaxseed – It helps bind the balls together and adds fiber and healthy fats.
• Honey – For sweetness. Its sticky texture also helps hold the balls together.
• Protein powder – Feel free to use any protein powder you like. I recommend vanilla protein powder or an unflavored one. My go-to is Whole Foods’ Unflavored Pea Protein Powder.
• Vanilla extract – For warm depth of flavor. It makes these energy bites taste like cookie dough!
• Mini chocolate chips – I love sneaking a little chocolate into any healthy snack.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Make Protein Balls

These no-bake protein balls are super simple to make!

Start by combining the ingredients. Place the oats, peanut butter, flaxseed, honey, protein powder, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a large bowl and stir to combine.

• Heads up: The mixture will be very thick. If it’s too thick or dry to mix, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, as needed to help it come together.

Next, form the mixture into balls. I like to portion out the dough with a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, then use my hands to roll the scoops into balls.

Finally, chill the energy bites. Place them in a single layer on a large plate or baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator until firm, 1 to 2 hours.

Once the peanut butter energy balls are firm, they’re ready to eat!

More Healthy Snacks to Try

If you love this peanut butter protein balls recipe, try one of these easy healthy snacks next:

No-Bake Protein Balls

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Serves 20

These protein balls are one of my favorite healthy snacks! They’re delicious, made with peanut butter and chocolate chips, and easy to make in one bowl. No food processor required!

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

• In a large bowl, mix together the oats, peanut butter, flax, honey, protein powder, vanilla, and chocolate chips. The mixture will be thick.

• Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the mixture, then use your hands to roll it into balls. 

• Chill in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm.

• The protein balls keep well in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well.