Name: Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M's and Chocolate Chips
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 4 cups mini marshmallows; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup mini M&M’s; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

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Peanut butter Rice Krispie treats with M&M’s and chocolate chips are everything I want in a no-bake dessert—sweet, salty, chewy, and full of crunch. The peanut butter adds richness, while the chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s make every bite fun and satisfying. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that I love making for parties, bake sales, or just to keep around for a sweet snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and fast this recipe comes together—no oven, no fuss, and just a handful of ingredients. The peanut butter takes traditional Rice Krispie treats to a new level, adding flavor and moisture, while the melty chocolate and candy crunch make them impossible to resist. They’re kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for gifting or enjoying straight from the pan.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rice Krispies cereal
Mini marshmallows
Peanut butter (creamy)
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Mini M&M’s
Mini chocolate chips

directions

I lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large pot, I melt the butter over low heat. I stir in the marshmallows and mix until fully melted and smooth.
I remove the pot from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
I gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Once slightly cooled (but still warm), I fold in half of the M&M’s and mini chocolate chips so they don’t completely melt.
I press the mixture into the prepared pan using a greased spatula or wax paper, pressing down gently to flatten.
I sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and chocolate chips over the top and press them in lightly.
I let the bars cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 squares, depending on how I cut them. It takes me 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cool and set—making it a perfect quick-fix dessert.

Variations

Sometimes I use crunchy peanut butter for more texture or drizzle melted chocolate over the top once the bars have set. I’ve also mixed in pretzel pieces or chopped peanuts for a salty crunch. Around the holidays, I like using seasonal M&M’s for a festive twist.

storage/reheating

I store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I wrap individual bars and freeze them for up to a month. They thaw quickly and still taste great. I don’t recommend reheating since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but I make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily. Traditional peanut butter holds the treats together a bit better.

Why are my treats too hard?

I avoid pressing the mixture down too firmly and make sure not to overcook the marshmallows—they should be just melted, not boiled.

Can I make these without butter?

You can substitute coconut oil or a plant-based alternative, but I find butter gives the best flavor and texture.

How do I keep the M&M’s and chocolate chips from melting?

I let the mixture cool slightly before mixing in the candy, and I press the remaining chips on top once it’s already in the pan.

Can I use other cereals?

Yes, I’ve used cornflakes, Chex, and even puffed rice cereal for different textures. The base still works beautifully with the peanut butter and marshmallow combo.

Conclusion

Peanut butter Rice Krispie treats with M&M’s and chocolate chips are a nostalgic, easy-to-make treat that never fails to bring joy. With their chewy texture, rich peanut butter base, and colorful candy crunch, they’re always a hit wherever I take them. Whether I’m whipping them up for a party or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars deliver on flavor, fun, and simplicity.