Brown Butter Rice Krispy Treats

Grease a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and start whisking as it melts. The butter will foam up (continue to whisk) then turn a golden color with specks on the bottom of the pan. Continue to whisk until it is brown in color and starts to smell nutty. Be careful to not burn the butter.

Place the mini marshmallows in a large, microwave-safe, bowl. Pour the butter over the mini marshmallows and stir with a spatula. Add the pinch of salt and food coloring, if using. If the marshmallows do not melt from the heat of the butter, microwave in 30-second intervals until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the rice cereal until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the greased pan and pat down with the spatula or waxed paper. Scatter the mini chocolate chips over the top.