Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe is one of those joyful desserts that combines nostalgic crunch with irresistible peanut butter goodness, colorful bursts of M&M’s, and gooey pockets of chocolate chips. These treats bring a playful twist to a classic snack, making them perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or whenever you want to brighten your day with something sweet, chewy, and downright addictive. The blend of textures and flavors creates a fun and comforting experience, making this recipe a must-try for anyone who loves simple homemade treats with a gourmet touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness. These basics are pantry-friendly but come together to make a crowd-pleaser that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Use a creamy variety for smooth binding and rich, nutty flavor that’s the heart of the treat.
- 1 cup light corn syrup or honey: This sweetener helps hold everything together with a glossy finish and chewy texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the peanut butter syrup mixture just right.
- 5-6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy, airy base that brings delightful crunch to every bite.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Melts slightly for bursts of chocolate that contrast wonderfully with the crisp cereal.
- 1/2 cup M&M’s (or more, to taste): These colorful candies not only add fun pops of color but also give a sweet, candy-shell crunch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Create the Peanut Butter Syrup
First, grab a medium saucepan and mix together your peanut butter, light corn syrup (or honey if you prefer), and sugar. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it just starts to bubble—don’t let it boil vigorously. This slow warm-up blends the flavors and textures into a smooth, sticky syrup perfect for coating your cereal.
Step 2: Combine with Rice Krispies
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately pour the warm peanut butter syrup over your Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl. Stir thoroughly to make sure every crispy morsel is fully coated with the luscious peanut butter mix, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and has that signature chewy crunch.
Step 3: Shape Your Treats
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper as the base for your treats. Scoop out the coated cereal mixture and press it into clusters or your preferred shapes—whether bars, squares, or fun bite-sized blobs. The parchment paper makes it easy to remove the treats later and keeps cleanup simple.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and M&M’s
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and M&M’s generously over the top of your shaped treats. Gently press them in so they stick firmly as the treats set, creating a colorful and chocolatey finish that makes these beauties as pretty as they are delicious.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe cool at room temperature until firm, about 30-45 minutes. Once set, they’re ready to be enjoyed! These treats are perfect for sharing or savoring on your own for a sweet pick-me-up.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of fun and flavor, sprinkle a few extra M&M’s or chocolate chips on top just before serving. You can even dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate over for a gourmet finish. These little details make the treats feel special and festive.
Side Dishes
Serve these treats alongside a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the sweet richness with a refreshing or soothing drink. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit for a more rounded snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re planning to serve these at a party, consider cutting them into fun shapes using cookie cutters or stacking them in a colorful jar layered with extra M&M’s and cereal for a delightful display. Wrapping individual portions in parchment paper tied with string makes for charming party favors or lunchbox treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and chewy for up to 3-4 days—perfect for enjoying over the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy their perfect texture.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. If you prefer them a bit softer, microwave a single portion for 10-15 seconds before eating to gently warm the peanut butter and chocolate chips without melting the M&M’s too much.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Natural peanut butter tends to separate with oil on top and can make the mixture a bit greasier. For best results, use creamy peanut butter with a smooth, even consistency to help bind the treats evenly.
Is it okay to substitute honey for corn syrup?
Absolutely! Honey is a great natural alternative that works just as well, adding a slight floral sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Can I use other cereals besides Rice Krispies?
Yes, but keep in mind that Rice Krispies are uniquely light and crispy. Alternatives like puffed rice or crisped wheat can work but may alter the texture of the final treat.
How do I keep the M&M’s from melting into the mixture?
Adding the M&M’s after you shape the treats and pressing them lightly on top helps prevent melting. Avoid mixing them into the warm cereal mixture to keep their candy shells intact.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use a gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep these treats safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe that brings out the kid in all of us. These treats strike the perfect balance between crunchy and chewy, sweet and nutty, simple yet indulgent. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick snack or a special occasion, they never fail to bring smiles and satisfaction. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to treat!
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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 with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips are a fun and delicious twist on the classic crispy cereal treat. Combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with a touch of sweetness from corn syrup or honey, these treats are enhanced by colorful M&M’s and mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for parties, snacks, or an easy dessert, they come together quickly with minimal ingredients and no baking required.
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
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&M’s (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut butter mixture: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup light corn syrup or honey, and 1 cup sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently until it just starts to bubble. This ensures the sugar dissolves and the mixture incorporates well. Then, promptly remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Mix with cereal: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over 5 to 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to make sure every bit of cereal is coated evenly with the peanut butter mixture, helping the treats stick together when set.
- Shape the treats: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop the sticky mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture into clusters or mold into your desired shapes, such as bars or squares. This step helps the treats set properly and makes them easier to handle.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup M&M’s evenly over the tops of the clusters. Gently press these toppings into the treats so they adhere well and won’t fall off when handled.
- Cool and serve: Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature until they firm up, which will take about 15 to 30 minutes. Once firm, they are ready to be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert.
Notes
- For a slightly healthier option, substitute honey for the light corn syrup.
- You can customize the add-ins by using other candies or nuts instead of or in addition to chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- Press the mixture firmly when shaping to ensure the treats hold together well.
- If the mixture cools too much before shaping, warm it slightly to make it more pliable.
