Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips are the ultimate no-bake dessert bars. They blend chewy marshmallows, crispy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and melty chocolate into one fun and irresistible treat. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, school event, holiday dessert tray, or just a sweet craving at home, these bars deliver every time with bold flavor, colorful presentation, and nostalgic comfort.
What makes these treats so satisfying is the contrast of textures. The gooey marshmallow mixture wraps around crisp rice cereal to create that classic bite, while M&M’s and chocolate chips bring in melty, crunchy bursts of sweetness. Adding peanut butter gives the bars a salty, creamy depth that balances out the sugar perfectly. If you want inspiration for decorating and serving these fun bars, check out Pinterest M&M dessert bars for vibrant ideas featuring candy toppings and drizzle techniques.
These bars are also super quick to make, requiring just 15–20 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients. Because they’re no-bake, they’re a favorite during summer months or busy holiday prep when oven space is tight. For families with kids, it’s also an easy recipe to make together — no complicated steps, no electric mixers, just melt, mix, press, and cool. The base for this recipe comes from the beloved Rice Krispies cereal treat tradition, which has been a staple of American dessert culture for decades.
And the best part? These treats can be customized for every season. Use red and green M&M’s for Christmas, pastel ones for Easter, or spooky colors for Halloween. They also hold up well for gifting or packing in lunchboxes. Keep reading for all the ingredient breakdowns, tips, and variations you need to make this recipe a repeat favorite.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There’s a reason why Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips are always a hit — they combine everything people love in a dessert: creamy peanut butter, gooey marshmallows, crunchy cereal, and bursts of colorful chocolate. It’s the perfect fusion of flavor, texture, and visual appeal in every bite.
The base of these bars is built around the classic Rice Krispies cereal, which gives them a light, crisp texture. When melted marshmallows and butter are folded in, it creates a soft, chewy coating that holds everything together. The addition of peanut butter gives the bars a rich, slightly salty undertone that balances the sweetness. For a deeper dive into peanut butter’s creamy versatility in desserts, check out peanut butter and how it’s used in baking.
The M&M’s and chocolate chips elevate these treats beyond your average cereal bar. As the mixture cools slightly before adding the candies, the M&M’s retain their crunch and color while the chocolate chips gently melt into little pockets of richness. This method avoids melting the candies completely, preserving their bright look. If you’re looking for creative candy combinations or topping ideas, Pinterest cereal treat ideas showcases dozens of ways to mix it up with colors and textures.
Another reason these treats are a go-to? They’re no-bake, quick to make, and ideal for busy weeks or last-minute dessert needs. From birthday parties and after-school snacks to holiday trays and potlucks, they’re a reliable option that doesn’t require advanced baking skills or fancy tools. Their long shelf life and easy portability also make them a top pick for gifting or storing for later.
Ingredients Breakdown
Making Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips only takes a few simple pantry ingredients. The magic lies in how these elements come together to create chewy, crunchy, chocolatey bars that hold their shape yet melt in your mouth.
Main Ingredients:
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Butter – Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows evenly. Unsalted is best to control salt levels.
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Peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter is ideal for a smooth texture and deep nutty flavor. Avoid natural peanut butters, which can be too oily. Read more about peanut butter and its role in baking.
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Mini marshmallows – These create the signature sticky, chewy base. You can also use large marshmallows, but mini ones melt faster.
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Rice Krispie cereal – This classic puffed rice cereal provides the crispy structure. See Rice Krispies for its origin and use in desserts.
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Chocolate chips – Semi-sweet or milk chocolate work great, but white chocolate or peanut butter chips also taste amazing. Learn about different types of chocolate chips.
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M&M’s – Regular or mini M&M’s add pops of color and crunch. Add them last so they don’t melt. M&M’s come in seasonal varieties you can use for themed treats.
Optional Add-ins and Variations:
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A dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor
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Sea salt flakes for a salty-sweet twist
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Chopped pretzels for extra crunch
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Peanut butter M&M’s for added nuttiness
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Holiday-themed M&M colors or sprinkles
Check out Pinterest M&M dessert bars for mix-in inspiration and topping ideas.
Tools You’ll Need
These no-bake treats require minimal tools and cleanup, making them perfect for busy days or cooking with kids.
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Large saucepan or microwave-safe bowl – For melting butter, peanut butter, and marshmallows
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Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring the mixture and pressing it into the pan
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Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ratios
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9×13 inch baking dish – Use for a classic batch size; line with parchment for easy removal
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Parchment paper or wax paper – Helps with pressing and prevents sticking
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Optional: offset spatula – For smoothing the top evenly
Need help picking tools? Our no-bake dessert tools guide breaks down everything you’ll need for beginner-friendly recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper or spray with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Melt the base
In a large pot over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter and ¾ cup creamy peanut butter. Stir until smooth. Add 1 (10 oz) bag of mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
Step 3: Add cereal
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispie cereal until fully coated in the marshmallow mixture.
Step 4: Cool and add chocolate
Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. Then quickly fold in ½ cup chocolate chips and ½ cup M&M’s. This keeps them from melting completely and helps retain color.
Step 5: Press into pan
Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula or greased hands to press down evenly. Top with extra M&M’s and chocolate chips for a festive finish.
Step 6: Set and slice
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour) before cutting into squares. For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.
Looking for visuals? Explore Pinterest cereal treat ideas to see different layering and topping techniques.
Fun Flavor Variations
These bars are easy to customize for any holiday or flavor preference. Try these creative twists:
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Holiday-themed – Use red and green M&M’s and a drizzle of white chocolate
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Pretzel crunch – Add chopped salted pretzels for extra texture
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Chocolate lovers – Press a melted chocolate layer on top and chill until set
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Peanut overload – Use peanut butter chips and peanut M&M’s for a double nut punch
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Sweet & salty – Top with flaked sea salt or mix in mini pretzels and caramel bits
Check out Pinterest Krispie treat flavors for even more ideas.
Storage & Freezer Tips
One reason Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips are so popular is because they store well and hold their texture.
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat.
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Refrigerator: Bars may harden slightly, but this extends freshness to 7 days. Let sit at room temp before serving.
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Freezer: Layer bars with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
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Thawing: Let sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before eating.
For more guidance on chocolate storage, read how chocolate behaves in different conditions.
Recipe Tips for Best Results
Make perfect bars every time with these quick tips:
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Don’t overheat the marshmallow mixture — it can make the bars too stiff
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Let the mix cool a bit before adding M&M’s to prevent melting
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Use fresh cereal for the best crunch — stale cereal results in soft bars
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Press the mixture gently to keep it light and chewy, not dense
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Add extra toppings (M&M’s, chips, sprinkles) after pressing into the pan
Need holiday-themed visuals? Find them on Pinterest M&M bars.
Nutrition Estimate
Per bar (based on 24 bars from a 9×13 pan):
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Calories: 180
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Total Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Sugar: 15g
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Protein: 2g
Values may vary depending on candy mix-ins and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended. Natural peanut butter can separate and cause oily or dry bars. Stick with creamy, no-stir versions.
Do the M&M’s melt in the mixture?
Not if you let the mixture cool slightly before stirring them in. Mini M&M’s are especially good for keeping their shape.
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes — skip the peanut butter and add more marshmallows and a bit of butter, or use sunflower seed butter as an alternative.
How do I cut the bars cleanly?
Let them set completely, then use a sharp knife. Lightly greasing the knife or wiping between cuts helps prevent sticking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a large sheet pan for double batches, and spread evenly before setting.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
Description
These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips are chewy, crunchy, and bursting with colorful candies. A no-bake favorite that’s easy to make in minutes and perfect for holidays, parties, or quick weeknight desserts.
Ingredients
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
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6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
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1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
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1/2 cup M&M’s (regular or mini, holiday colors if desired)
Instructions
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until melted and fully combined.
Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so the chocolate doesn’t melt too much when added.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and M&M’s.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or wax paper to gently press down without compacting it too much.
Let cool at room temperature until set, then cut into squares.
Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until melted and fully combined.
Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so the chocolate doesn’t melt too much when added.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and M&M’s.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or wax paper to gently press down without compacting it too much.
Let cool at room temperature until set, then cut into squares.
Store in an airtight container.
