Sweet Butterscotch Crunchies Recipe

Irresistible Butterscotch Crunchies Recipe: Sweet Joy in Every Bite

Sweet memories flood back with these irresistible butterscotch crunchies that blend nostalgic comfort with crisp, delectable textures.

The classic butterscotch crunchies recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich, caramel-like sweetness and satisfying crunch.

Every bite carries the warmth of homemade goodness and childhood afternoons spent in grandmother’s kitchen.

Butter, brown sugar, and crisp cereals create a magical combination that melts in your mouth.

Each golden-brown morsel promises a delightful blend of softness and crackle.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary treat that sparks joy and conversation.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch these butterscotch crunchies become your new favorite dessert sensation.

Ways To Share Butterscotch Crunchies

  • Sweet Snack Companions: Pair these butterscotch crunchies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat experience.
  • Dessert Platter Partner: Arrange crunchies alongside other bite-sized desserts like mini brownies or chocolate truffles for a delightful presentation.
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Pack these crunchy clusters in small containers for a quick energy boost during work or school breaks.
  • Movie Night Munch: Serve these crispy treats in a communal bowl during family movie time as a delicious shared snack.

Best Storage For Butterscotch Crunchies

  • Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Place clusters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the refrigerator for faster setting, helping them firm up within 15-20 minutes.
  • Smart Container Selection: Store butterscotch crunchies in an airtight glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Freshness Time Frame: Enjoy these delightful treats within 5-7 days when stored at room temperature, or extend their life to 2 weeks by keeping them refrigerated.
  • Temperature Tip: Keep crunchies away from direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent butterscotch mixture from softening, which could compromise their delightful crispy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 11

All You’ll Need For Butterscotch Crunchies

For Base Ingredients:
  • Butterscotch Chips: Provides rich, caramel-like sweetness and creates the signature golden color for the crunchies.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds creamy texture and nutty depth, helping bind the ingredients together smoothly.
For Crunch and Structure:
  • Crispy Rice Cereal: Delivers delightful crunchiness and creates the signature light, airy texture of the treat.
  • Marshmallows: Introduces extra sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy element within the crunchy base.
For Optional Enhancement:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking during the cooling process, making cleanup a breeze.

Tools To Create Butterscotch Crunchies

  • Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting butterscotch and peanut butter smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cereal with the melted mixture.
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet: Helps create and set the crunchies without sticking.
  • Spoon: Useful for stirring, dropping, and shaping the clusters.
  • Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient portioning.

How To Make Butterscotch Crunchies With Ease

How To Make Butterscotch Crunchies With Ease
  • Melting Magic

In a cozy kitchen, grab a microwave-safe bowl and combine butterscotch chips with creamy peanut butter. Zap the mixture in short bursts, stirring between each interval until it transforms into a smooth, golden river of deliciousness. For traditionalists, a gentle dance over low heat works just as well.

  • Crunchy Harmony

Pour the molten butterscotch blend over crispy rice cereal in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold the mixture, ensuring every morsel gets a luxurious butterscotch coating. If marshmallows are calling your name, now’s the time to welcome them into the party.

  • Sweet Sculptures

With a trusty spoon, dollop the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Craft little clusters of joy, using the spoon’s back to shape these delectable morsels. Let your creativity flow as you create bite-sized pieces of happiness.

  • Chilling and Serving

Slide the baking sheet into the refrigerator and let the crunchies set for about half an hour. Once firm and fabulous, transfer these golden treats to an airtight container. They’re ready to delight taste buds and spark smiles whenever hunger strikes.

Helpful Tips For Butterscotch Crunchies Perfection

  • Texture Perfection: Use fresh, crisp rice cereal to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy clusters. Stale cereal can make the treats less appealing and lose their signature crunch.
  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter for a unique twist. Each alternative adds a subtle, distinctive flavor profile that can transform the classic recipe.
  • Allergy-Friendly Options: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Gluten-free rice cereal works perfectly for those with gluten sensitivities, making the treat accessible to more people.
  • Decadent Upgrades: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or crushed pretzels into the mixture for extra texture and depth. A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top can elevate these simple treats to a gourmet dessert experience.
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Sweet Butterscotch Crunchies Recipe

Sweet Butterscotch Crunchies Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Delectable butterscotch crunchies sparkle with nostalgic sweetness and buttery charm. Crisp edges and tender centers invite home bakers to savor classic comfort in each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bag (11 oz/310 g) butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup (250 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 4 cups (100 g) crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
  • 1 cup (120 g) mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until smooth and fully integrated.
  2. Combine Base: Pour the glossy melted mixture over crispy rice cereal in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold to ensure complete and even coating of each cereal piece.
  3. Add Texture: Fold marshmallows into the mixture, distributing them thoroughly throughout the crunchy base to enhance sweetness and create varied textures.
  4. Shape Treats: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, drop small mounds of the mixture onto the surface, pressing lightly to create rustic, uniform clusters.
  5. Chill and Store: Refrigerate the butterscotch crunchies for 30 minutes until firm and fully set. Transfer to an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.

Notes

  • Prevent Chip Burning: Microwave butterscotch chips in short, controlled bursts, stirring frequently to avoid scorching and maintain smooth consistency.
  • Cereal Coating Technique: Fold rice cereal gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated with the butterscotch-peanut butter mixture for maximum flavor distribution.
  • Marshmallow Integration: Add marshmallows when mixture is slightly cooled to prevent melting, creating pockets of soft sweetness throughout the crunchy base.
  • Storage Strategy: Keep butterscotch crunchies in a cool, dry place inside an airtight container to preserve their crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption, maintaining optimal taste and crunch for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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