Looking for an ooey-gooey treat to munch on for a sweet fix? These M&M Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect balance of crunchy, sticky, sweet, and chocolate!
A nostalgic treat with the addition of classic candy-coated chocolate M&M’s makes for a new twist on the humble Rice Krispie Treat. This simple and colorful sweet treat recipe is as easy as it is delicious, requiring no baking!
As an environmental scientist, I am always trying to find ways to combat food waste, and cereal is one of those things I buy on sale, thinking they’ll be a great solution to busy mornings, but then forget about the box in the back of the pantry.
But when you add marshmallows and butter and candy-coated chocolate, you better believe no one in my family is letting these go to waste!
Green tip: Of the billions of pounds of food wasted annually, it is estimated that 50% of it happens in our homes. Properly storing and enjoying leftovers is a great way to reduce your individual contribution to food waste.
M&M Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter. It’ll help melt down the marshmallows and avoid your treats from sticking to the pan.
- Marshmallows. You can use large or mini marshmallows.
- Rice Krispies. Or a similar brand of “crispy rice” cereal.
- Classic M&M’s. A colorful, chocolatey addition to this classic treat.
Salted Vs Unsalted Butter for Rice Krispy Treats
Listen, I truly love a salt and chocolate moment, but you can definitely take it too far in this Rice Krispie treats recipe. Using salted butter makes these treats overall slightly too salty for my taste.
If you want your Rice Krispie Treats a little saltier, it’s best to add some flaky salt on top at the end of this no-bake dessert, rather than use salted butter.
Green tip: Look for organic and palm oil-free butter if you can. Buying organic means you are supporting farms that do not use damaging pesticides and fertilizers, and palm oil production is a huge driver behind deforestation.
M&M Rice Krispie Treats Tips and Tricks
Keep It Low and Slow
Once you gather your ingredients, the first step is to melt your marshmallows and butter. Add them to a large pot and set your heat source to low. Stir frequently as the butter and marshmallows start to melt together.
Once your butter and marshmallows are completely melted, you should be left with a sticky paste.
If your M&M Rice Krispie Treats turn out too hard, it most likely means you heated your marshmallows for too long, causing them to seize. Make sure you keep your heat source low and be patient.
Add Your Rice Krispies to the Pot
Adding your Rice Krispies directly to the pot means less clean-up! Remove the pot from heat, add your Rice Krispies, and use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the cereal in until it is completely coated.
Green tip: Speaking of cleanup, if you have a dishwasher-use it! Comparing dishwashing to handwashing, using an efficient dishwasher uses 1/6th the amount of water to get your dishes clean!
Act Fast
Once you fold in your Rice Krispies, your mixture will start to harden to form Rice Krispie Treats. The quicker you transfer your mixture out of the pot and into your baking dish, the better!
That means that prepping your baking dish is key. You can opt for a 9″ x 13″ baking dish to get treats that are about 1 inch thick, or you can use a 9″ x 9″ square baking dish for thicker treats like the ones pictured.
Quick Note: Add parchment paper to the bottom to make it easier to lift out of your dish.
Be careful! Your mixture is hot! Use a spatula or wooden spoon to flatten it down into your baking tray.
Add Your M&M’s Last
It’s important to not allow the M&M’s to get too hot. The color on the candy coating can easily melt and spread, and the chocolate can melt, too. So, it’s best to add them last.
Add half of your mixture to your baking dish of choice and flatten it down with a spatula or spoon. Then, add roughly half of your M&M’s on top, trying your best to distribute them evenly.
Add More M&M’s on Top
Next, add the remaining Rice Krispie treat mixture, spread it out, and add the rest of the M&M’s to the top. I love baking with M&M’s (see also: Chewy M&M Christmas Cookies!) not only for the chocolatey flavor with the outer crispy crunch, but they also add such fun color!
At this point, I like to use a piece of parchment paper to place on top and press the Rice Krispies down flat to shape these no-bake treats perfectly.
Don’t Cut ‘Em ‘Til They’re Set
Once you’ve transferred your mixture to the baking dish, it will need to be set completely. Give it an hour or so before removing it from the dish and cutting it into strips, roughly 2 inches by 2 inches.
To speed up the setting process, you can stick them in the refrigerator. That way, they’ll be set in about 45 minutes.
How to Properly Store Rice Krispy Treats with M&M’s
Rice Krispie treats do not have to be refrigerated. In fact, they are best kept at room temperature. They tend to get a little too hard to bite into when they are kept in the fridge.
Store your treats at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week! Make sure to seal them in an airtight container to avoid staleness.
To freeze, store cut pieces in an airtight freezer-safe bag and thaw before enjoying. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months.
Why You Should Make These M&M’s Rice Krispie Treats
- They’re nostalgic! One bite of a Rice Krispie Treat and I feel like a kid again!
- They’re easy. Just stir, press, and set!
- They’re fun! The colorful M&M’s add a fun crunch to every bite!
If you’re loving these M&M’s Rice Krispie Treats and want more cereal fun, check out these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats dipped in chocolate and Fruity Pebbles Cookies.
Colorful M&M Rice Krispie Treats
Print Save RateIngredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 16 ounces marshmallows (regular preferred, but mini works too)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies
- 1 cup classic M&M's
Instructions
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Use a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish to get treats that are about 1 inch thick, or you can use a 9-inch x 9-inch square baking dish for thicker treats like the ones pictured.
- Add butter and marshmallows to a large pot over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and fold in Rice Krispies.
- Working quickly, add half of the Rice Krispies mixture to the lined baking dish and use a spatula or wooden spoon to push it into the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle roughly half of the M&M's on top, distributing them as evenly as possible.
- Layer the rest of the Rice Krispies mixture on top, and add the rest of the M+M's. Use a piece of parchment paper to lay on top and press down on the Rice Krispies and M&M's to shape your treats.
- Allow them to set at room temperature for about an hour, or in the refrigerator for 45 minutes before removing from the tray and cutting into 2-inch x 2-inch squares.
Pro Tips
- Use unsalted butter to avoid your treats being too salty.
- Love cereal? I’m sure you’ll love this collection of my best recipes using cereal!
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2 thoughts on “Colorful M&M Rice Krispie Treats”
These Rice Krispie treats are the best I ever had!!!!
So ooey gooey!! So glad you enjoyed!