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These Mm Rice Krispies Treats are a no-bake, easy, and delicious snack that comes together in just minutes—perfect for an after-school pick-me-up or a festive party platter.
I’ve always loved the crackle of crispy rice cereal coated in gooey marshmallow, but adding a rainbow of M&M’s takes it to a whole new level. You know what? There’s something so nostalgic about stirring a pot of melted butter and marshmallows, and back when I was a busy working mom, these treats saved the day more times than I can count. Bright colors, simple ingredients, zero oven time—what’s not to love? Plus, they’re easy to customize for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Why You’ll Love Mm Rice Krispies Treats
- No oven needed—keep your kitchen cool on hot days.
- Ready in under 20 minutes—ideal when you’re pressed for time.
- Kid-approved and grown-up-friendly thanks to those classic M&M’s.
- Only six main ingredients—straightforward and budget-friendly.
- Customizable: swap in your favorite mix-ins or flavor drizzles.
- Perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or impromptu gift boxes.
- Gluten-free option available with the right cereal.
- Melts in your mouth and still holds that satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (or swap half for coconut oil)
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 7 cups; fresh for best melt)
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal (use gluten-free brand if needed)
• 1 cup plain M&M’s (reserve a few for topping)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, but adds warmth)
• Pinch of fine sea salt (to balance the sweetness)
(Tip: Measure cereal loosely—gently fill the cup so your treats stay tender, not chalky.)
Directions
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly butter or spray the sides—this prevents sticking.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, melt butter gently until foaming edges appear.
- Add marshmallows and stir constantly with a silicone spatula until completely smooth (watch for little marshmallow islands—that’s your cue to swoop them in).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt, then fold in crispy rice cereal until every flake glistens.
- Quickly fold in most of the M&M’s, reserving a handful to scatter on top—press them lightly into the surface.
- Use a second piece of parchment to press the mixture firmly into the pan (this keeps hands less messy).
- Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, or pop in the fridge for 15 if you’re in a hurry.
- Lift the block from the pan, peel away parchment, and slice into squares or bars with a sharp knife (a light spray of nonstick helps cut clean lines).
Servings & Timing
Makes 12–16 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill/Rest Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Variations
• Peanut-butter swirl: Drop tablespoons of peanut butter on hot marshmallow mix and swirl before pressing.
• Salted caramel drizzle: Warm store-bought caramel and sea salt over the finished bars.
• Dark-chocolate twist: Use dark-chocolate M&M’s or stir in ¼ cup cocoa powder.
• Gluten-free: Choose certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
• Birthday sprinkle: Add rainbow nonpareils before chilling for a confetti effect.
• Vegan friendly: Swap vegan marshmallows and dairy-free butter.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—they stay perfectly chewy. For longer life, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; thaw on the counter for 15 minutes before serving. These treats aren’t meant for microwaving, but a quick 5-second blast (wrapped in a napkin) revives a little gooey warmth if you must.
Notes
I learned that slightly older marshmallows can take forever to melt, so always buy the freshest bag you can find. Pressing too hard risks a rock-hard block, so gentleness is key—your hands get the right amount of warmth and the treats keep their bouncy texture. If you crave extra chew, sneak in a tablespoon of honey with the butter.
FAQs
Q: Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
A: Absolutely—you’ll need about 40 large ones; just chop them roughly for quicker melting.
Q: Why are my treats too hard?
A: You probably pressed down too firmly or added extra cereal—ease off on the mash.
Q: What’s the best way to cut neat bars?
A: Chill completely and use a plastic knife or gently warm a metal blade under hot water and dry it.
Q: Can I swap in different mix-ins?
A: Yes! Try chopped pretzels, dried berries, or even crushed cookies for fun textures.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Only if you choose a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal—most major brands offer one.
Q: How can I make them extra colorful?
A: Use seasonal M&M’s—holiday reds, greens, or pastel Easter hues make a big impact.
Q: Can I double the batch?
A: Sure—just warm in a larger pot and use a 9×13 pan, or split between two pans for easier pressing.
Q: Do I need vanilla extract?
A: It’s optional, but a splash brightens the sweetness and layers in a rounded flavor.
Conclusion
Mm Rice Krispies Treats bring back happy memories with a colorful, candy-studded twist that’s both easy and downright delicious. Whether you’re packing them for snack time or serving them at your next gathering, these bars never fail to delight. Give them a try, let me know how they turned out, and check out my other no-bake snack recipes for more sweet inspiration!
M&M Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows mini marshmallows
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup plain M&M's plain M&M's
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract pure vanilla extract optional
- Pinch fine sea salt fine sea salt to balance the sweetness
Instructions
- Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly butter or spray the sides.
- Melt butter in a pot over low heat, then add mini marshmallows and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt, then fold in crispy rice cereal and M&M's.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan and let cool before slicing into bars.
