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These M and M Rice Krispie Treats pack everything you want in a no bake dessert crispy cereal, gooey marshmallow, pools of brown butter, and loads of chocolate bits. Whenever I bring these to a party the pan is empty in minutes and everyone asks for the recipe. The brown butter and flaky salt make these a little more grownup than childhood versions while all the mini marshmallows and candies keep them super fun.
The first time I gave these to my niece she said they taste like a treat from a fancy bakery. The best part is you can make the whole batch in a single pot and have dessert ready before dinner is on the table.
Ingredients
- Butter: brings rich flavor and browns for depth use either salted or unsalted
- Mini marshmallows: for classic gooeyness divide for melt and for folding in
- Vanilla: gives warmth make sure to use real vanilla for best taste
- Salt: balances sweet consider flaky sea salt for topping to pop the flavors
- Rice Krispies: breakfast staple provides crunch choose fresh cereal for crispest treats
- Marshmallow fluff: amps up chewiness and stick gives extra marshmallow flavor
- M and M candies: give color and chocolate try mini size for best candy distribution and freeze before mixing so they stay bright
- Mini chocolate chips: for pockets of melty chocolate use as extra topping for fun
- Flaky sea salt on top: makes all the flavors sing opt for good quality sea salt flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Candy:
- Start by freezing the M and M candies for at least thirty minutes so they stay whole and do not melt when mixed into the warm cereal blend
- Brown the Butter:
- Place your butter in a large pot on medium heat cook while stirring for eight to ten minutes until it is a deep amber color with nutty aroma take care not to rush this step as the flavor builds here
- Melt the Marshmallows:
- Remove three cups of marshmallows for later Fold the remaining mini marshmallows into the browned butter and stir gently until completely melted and smooth
- Add Flavors:
- Off the heat blend in the vanilla salt and marshmallow fluff Keep stirring until everything is creamy and combined
- Mix the Base:
- Working in your pot or a giant bowl gently stir in the cereal the reserved mini marshmallows and two cups M and Ms Mix just until coated try not to crush the cereal pieces
- Pan and Top:
- Grease a nine by thirteen inch pan or line with parchment Spread the mixture into the pan lightly grease your hands and press the treats gently so they stay airy Top with the last quarter cup of M and Ms mini chocolate chips and plenty of flaky salt
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the pan rest for at least thirty minutes up to an hour so the bars set Once cool slice into squares and cover with plastic wrap to store
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I always sneak a little extra flaky salt on top because that pop of salty crunch against the soft marshmallow layers is totally addictive. Some of my favorite memories are letting the kids decorate the top with extra candies and seeing their pride when their treat tray becomes the star of a birthday table.
Storage Tips
Keep these treats fresh by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. They will stay soft at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage you can freeze squares in a single layer then stack with parchment in between.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap regular M and Ms or use seasonal colors for holidays. If you do not have marshmallow fluff you can just add one more cup of mini marshmallows but the texture will be a bit less chewy. Use any crispy rice cereal you like but avoid ones that have gotten stale or too soft.
Serving Suggestions
Cut into small squares for bake sales or shape into rounds and stick on popsicle sticks for party treats. Serve as a lunchbox dessert or crumble a bar over ice cream for a fabulous sundae topping.
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Cultural Context
Rice Krispie Treats have been a classic American snack since the 1930s when home cooks first combined cereal and marshmallows as an easy fundraiser recipe. Adding candies and chocolate chips gives the recipe a modern spin that works for every celebration and gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → What does browning the butter add?
Browning the butter gives a rich, nutty aroma and deepens the overall flavor, making the bars more indulgent.
- → Why freeze the M&Ms before mixing?
Freezing prevents the M&Ms from melting when mixed into the warm marshmallow base, keeping their shape and color bright.
- → Can you skip the extra mini marshmallows?
Extra mini marshmallows stirred in at the end add a gooey, chewy texture—leaving them out will result in a firmer bar.
- → Is parchment paper necessary for the pan?
Parchment paper or greasing the pan helps release the bars easily and keeps them from sticking after cooling.
- → How should these bars be stored?
Cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep them soft and fresh for several days at room temperature.