If you have a sweet tooth and love a satisfying crunch with a little twist, the Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine the perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter, the classic crispy cereal bite, and bursts of colorful, melty chocolate from M&M’s and mini chocolate chips. These treats bring childhood nostalgia with a gourmet upgrade that’s impossibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, hosting a party, or just craving a cozy snack, this recipe is pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started only requires a handful of everyday pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the irresistible texture and flavor of these treats. From the creamy richness of peanut butter to the sweet snap of M&M’s, every piece adds something special.
- Peanut butter: Use creamy for smooth, luscious binding and rich peanut flavor that holds everything together.
- Light corn syrup or honey: Adds sweetness and helps keep the treats chewy instead of crumbly.
- Sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness and helps create that slight caramelized edge when heated.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The crunchy foundation of the treats that brings that iconic crisp texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of melty chocolate that nestle perfectly among the cereal clusters.
- M&M’s: Colorful, candy-coated chocolate bits that add crunch, fun, and extra chocolate flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Peanut Butter Mixture
Start by combining the peanut butter, light corn syrup (or honey), and sugar in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat like you mean it until the mixture gently bubbles and everything is perfectly combined. This step is crucial because it melts the sugar just enough to add that chewy texture without crystallizing.
Step 2: Coat the Rice Krispies
Next, pour the warm peanut butter syrup over your Rice Krispies in a large bowl. Stir with love and patience until every crispy grain is coated in that golden peanut butter glaze. This creates those magically sticky clusters that make these treats so addictive.
Step 3: Shape the Treats
Once mixed, scoop the peanut butter and cereal clusters onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can press them into bars, clusters, or any shape you fancy. The parchment sheet makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking, giving you perfectly formed treats every time.
Step 4: Add the Chocolatey Goodness
Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips and M&M’s generously on top. Don’t just scatter them—press lightly to embed them slightly into the warm surface so they stick well but still pop with color and flavor after cooling.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe to cool completely until firm. This usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature. Then dig in! The combination of textures and flavors is pure magic.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
While these treats already shine on their own, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra-special look. Sprinkling a few sea salt flakes enhances the peanut butter flavor brilliantly if you want a sweet-salty twist.
Side Dishes
Pair these treats with a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy vanilla yogurt dip to balance the sweetness. They also make an excellent sweet contrast alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices for a fun snack platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a colorful tray for parties. Or wrap individual treats in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can even press the mixture into muffin tins for perfect single-serve portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
Want to keep them longer? Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature for about an hour.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them softer, microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate chips will soften deliciously, and the peanut butter gets even more luscious.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful extra texture, making each bite even more interesting while keeping all the essential flavor.
What if I don’t have light corn syrup?
Light corn syrup helps with chewiness, but you can substitute honey as the recipe suggests. Just note honey will add a slight floral note and may make treats a bit stickier.
Can I omit the M&M’s or chocolate chips?
Sure! While the M&M’s and chocolate chips add fun color and chocolatey bursts, the treats still taste amazing without them. You could also swap in raisins or nuts if you prefer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Rice Krispies cereal is often made from rice and gluten-free ingredients, but it’s essential to check the packaging. Use certified gluten-free cereal for a safe gluten-free version.
How do I make these treats less sticky?
Make sure to press your mixture firmly when shaping and let the treats cool fully. Using parchment paper and lightly greasing your hands or spatula can also prevent sticking while working with the mixture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a treat that’s quick, cheerful, and simply bursting with flavor, your quest ends with this Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again because it hits every note perfectly—sweet, nutty, crunchy, and chocolatey. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite go-to snack or party treat. Happy snacking!
Print
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on a classic childhood favorite, combining creamy peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and bursts of colorful M&M’s and mini chocolate chips. Easy to make and perfect for parties or snacks, these treats offer a sweet, crunchy, and chocolatey bite that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup or honey
- 1 cup sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 5–6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Toppings
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&M’s (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the mixture: In a saucepan, combine the peanut butter, light corn syrup (or honey), and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture just starts to bubble. Remove from the heat promptly to prevent burning.
- Mix with cereal: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Form the treats: Scoop portions of the coated cereal mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press down gently to form clusters or shape them into desired bars or squares.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and M&M’s evenly over the formed treats. Press them lightly into the surface so they stick as the treats firm up.
- Cool and serve: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature until they become firm and set. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy or package for later.
Notes
- You can substitute honey for the corn syrup for a slightly different sweetness and texture.
- Press the treats firmly to ensure they hold together well once cooled.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with a seed butter, but note that flavor will change.
- Adding a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture enhances the flavor balance.
