Gooey, buttery, and thick, these M&M Rice Krispie Treats are a step up in the BEST way! And this sweet recipe is so EASY.
This post is all about how to make M&M Rice Krispie Treats.
Rice Krispie treats are a fun and sweet (anytime) snack that kids and adults LOVE. So, what happens when you up the ante and add M&M’s? Delicious magic!
M&M Rice Krispie Treats are soft and chewy with bits of crunchy chocolate. They’re the perfect celebratory goodie to enjoy year-round, especially on birthdays and Valentine’s Day. Because M&M’s come in various colors and flavorings (peanut butter & caramel), the themes and tastes can be expanded depending on the holiday or your craving.
Another bonus to this All-American snack is that no baking is involved, and the recipe is easy and quick! Check out the step-by-step instructions below because there are a few GOOD reasons why this is the BEST M&M Rice Krispie Treat recipe!
M&M Rice Krispie Treats
Why Are These Rice Krispies Treats With M&M’s The Best?
There are THREE great REASONS why this recipe is better than any plain ole Rice Krispies treat! First, this dessert bar includes vanilla extract, which is a flavor enhancer for the other ingredients added, and YES, it makes a difference.
Secondly, adding salted butter is better than unsalted because salt enhances and accentuates the sweet marshmallows and M&M chocolates. Lastly, adding chocolates (as in M&M’s) to plain Rice Krispy treats balances the sweet flavors and adds texture and a colorful appearance. In a nutshell, M&M’s add a gourmet-tasting flair NO ONE will forget!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Rice Krispies Cereal, 5 Cups (I did use an off-brand, and it turned out great!)
- M&M’s, 10-ounce bag or measure 1 .25 cups (I used regular size M&M’s, but you could replace them with mini M&M’s, still use 10 ounces.)
- Salted Butter, 3 Tablespoons, room temperature
- Marshmallows, 10-ounce package (I used large whole marshmallows. If you want to use mini marshmallows, still use a 10-ounce bag.)
- Vanilla Extract, 1 Teaspoon
Equipment Needed:
- Sharp Knife – for cutting the treats into squares.
How Far In Advance Can You Make Rice Krispie Treats?
These treats are best enjoyed the day you make them. However, if you store them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag at room temperature, you can enjoy them for up to three days.
How To Make M&M Rice Krispie Treats, Step-By-Step
Step 1: Add the M&M’s to the freezer. This will help keep their shape and form after they are mixed with the warm marshmallows, butter, and Rice Krispies. Spray non-stick cooking spray all over an 8 x 8, 9 x 9, or 13 x 9 pan and set aside.
Step 2: Add the marshmallows and room-temperature butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Add the bowl to the microwave and heat the marshmallows and butter in 30-second increments, stirring in between (FYI, the marshmallows will puff up, which is normal. Once you stir, the puff goes away). I did three 30-second increments to get the ingredients melted, smooth, and mixed.
Step 3: Add the vanilla extract to the microwave-safe bowl and mix.
Step 4: Next, add the Rice Krispies cereal to the warm mixture and stir until they’re coated and incorporated.
Step 5: Add the cold M&M’s to the cereal treat mix and fold gently.
Step 6: Transfer the M&M Rice Krispy Treat mix into the greased pan, spreading the mix evenly. Use a spatula to press down the Rice Krispies into the bottom of the pan.
Step 7: Allow them to sit and cool in the pan for two hours before cutting them into squares. I put mine in the refrigerator, and they set up perfectly. You can cut them into 16 squares, or I did 12 larger squares.
*Tip: You must allow the proper time for the M&M Rice Krispy Treats to set up because if you don’t, they can fall apart if cut too soon.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe:
- They’re SWEET, Gooey, Buttery, and Delicious!
- M&M’s make everything taste BETTER.
- This NO-BAKE dessert snack is so SIMPLE and easy.
FAQs & Expert Tips For M&M Rice Krispie Treats
How Do You Make M&M Rice Krispie Treats On The Stove-Top?
If you don’t want to use the microwave, heat the butter and marshmallows in a large saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir frequently and heat the marshmallows and butter until the mix is smooth.
Why Have Rice Krispies Been Discontinued?
The cereal has not been discontinued. The Kellogg’s strike in October of 2021 lasted 71 days until both sides could agree on a new contract. Because the strike lasted so long, some Kellogg’s products, like Rice Krispies, were in short supply. However, they did play catch up, and you shouldn’t have a problem purchasing a box today.
How Do You Make A Larger Batch Of M&M Rice Krispie Treats?
Easy! Just double this recipe.
What Are The Nutrition Facts And Calories For M&M Rice Krispie Treats?
While every recipe differs, this particular one has about 400 calories per serving. These treats aren’t necessarily the most nutritious and should be eaten in moderation and according to your dietary needs.
How Do You Keep M&M Rice Krispie Treats From Falling Apart?
Adding extra marshmallows will cause the treats to fall apart. Follow this recipe exactly, and you should have no problem!
Can I Buy Chocolate Rice Krispies Cereal For This Recipe To Add Variation?
You can purchase a box of Cocoa Krispies to replace plain Rice Krispies. In return, you’ll have M&M Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats.
How Do I Not Overcook The Marshmallows?
Stir frequently between the 30-second microwave sets or if warming over the stove. Once the mixture is smooth, it’s ready to add to the dry cereal.
Is Overmixing Bad For This Rice Krispies M&M Dessert Recipe?
Yes! Once you add the melted marshmallows to the dry cereal, mix gently just until the Rice Krispies are covered in the mixture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
You can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for two to three days.
Do I Need To Refrigerate M&M Rice Krispie Treats?
It’s not advised to store these treats in the refrigerator because they will become less chewy and soft. The marshmallows will get hard if stored in the fridge for over a day.
Can You Freeze Rice Krispie Treats?
It’s not recommended to store these dessert bars in the freezer. Once defrosted, they don’t taste the same as when fresh.
M&M Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 1 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 Pan
- 1 Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sharp Knife – for cutting the treats into squares.
- Spatula
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray
Ingredients
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 5 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal (I used an off-brand cereal, and it turned out great.)
- 1.25 Cups M&M's, 10-ounce bag, or measure 1.25 cups. (I used regular size M&M's, but you could use mini M&M's, still use 10 ounces.)
- 3 tbsp Salted Butter, room temperature
- 10 ounces Marshmallows, 10-ounce package. (I used large whole marshmallows. If you want to use mini marshmallows, still use a 10-ounce bag.)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
How To Make M&M Rice Krispie Treats, Step-By-Step
- Add the M&M’s to the freezer. This will help keep their shape and form after they are mixed with the warm marshmallows, butter, and Rice Krispies. Spray non-stick cooking spray all over an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 pan and set aside.
- Add the marshmallows and room-temperature butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Add the bowl to the microwave and heat the marshmallows and butter in 30-second increments, stirring in between (FYI, the marshmallows will puff up, and that’s normal. Once you stir, the puff goes away). I did three 30-second increments to get the ingredients melted, smooth, and mixed.
- Add the vanilla extract to the microwave-safe bowl and mix.
- Next, add the Rice Krispies cereal to the warm mixture and stir until they’re coated and incorporated.
- Add the cold M&M’s to the cereal treat mix and fold in gently.
- Transfer the M&M Rice Krispy Treat mix into the greased pan, spreading the mix evenly. Use a spatula to press down the Rice Krispies into the bottom of the pan.
- Allow them to sit and cool in the pan for two hours before cutting them into squares. I put mine in the refrigerator, and they set up perfectly. You can cut them into 16 squares, or I did 12 larger squares.
- *Tip: It’s important you allow the proper time for the M&M Rice Krispy Treats to set up because if you don’t, they can fall apart if cut too soon.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts On M&M Rice Krispie Treats
These M&M Rice Krispie Treats are the BEST, and all ages will enjoy this sweet treat! Remember, the three critical ingredients to leveling up this recipe are salted butter, vanilla extract, and of course, M&M’s.
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