Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Recipe
These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips are a fun and delicious twist on the classic cereal treat. Combining creamy peanut butter, sweet corn syrup, and crunchy Rice Krispies cereal, these no-bake bars are studded with colorful M&M’s and mini chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime you want a quick and satisfying sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup or honey
- 1 cup sugar
Cereal and Mix-ins
- 5–6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup M&M’s (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Melt & Mix the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter, corn syrup (or honey), and sugar. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture just starts to bubble—do not let it boil. This process takes about 4 to 5 minutes and is essential for combining the ingredients into a smooth, sticky base.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring that every piece of the cereal is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture, which helps the treats hold together.
- Shape the Treats: Scoop the coated cereal mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using lightly greased hands or a spatula, press the mixture into clusters or flatten it evenly into bars. This shaping step takes approximately 3 minutes and sets the foundation for the finished treat.
- Add the Fun Toppings: While the mixture is still slightly warm, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and M&M’s evenly on top. Gently press the toppings into the surface so they adhere properly. This step adds color and flavor, taking about 2 minutes.
- Cool & Enjoy: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature until firm, which usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Once cooled, cut into bars or clusters as desired and enjoy your sweet, crunchy snack.
Notes
- You can substitute honey for light corn syrup for a more natural sweetener.
- Lightly greasing your hands or spatula will make handling and shaping the sticky mixture easier.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness and crunch.
- For a nut-free variation, try sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, but be aware this will alter flavor and texture.
- Adding more M&M’s and chocolate chips on top increases both sweetness and decorative appeal based on your preference.
Keywords: peanut butter, rice krispie treats, M&M’s, chocolate chips, no bake, snack, dessert, homemade treats
