These M&M Rice Krispie Treats are buttery, gooey, and full of colorful chocolate candies. They cost just $7.20 for the batch, or $0.45 per serving, making them a fun, budget-friendly sweet treat.
With eight kids in our family, treats like these are always fun to make together. The kids love helping add the colorful M&Ms, and they’re easy to bring along to school parties, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Quick & Easy – About 15 minutes in the microwave, no oven, and no stovetop needed.
- Chewy & Crunchy – Perfect combination of gooey marshmallows and crispy rice cereal.
- Colorful & Fun – M&M candies add vibrant color, making them festive for any occasion.
- Customizable – Add different candy mixes, sprinkles, or drizzle with chocolate for extra flair.
I’ve been developing recipes for over 10 years, and one thing I’ve learned with cereal treats is not to press the mixture too firmly into the pan. Gently pressing it into an even layer keeps the bars soft and chewy instead of making them dense and hard to bite.
The entire family also loves Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats and Cookie Butter Rice Krispie Treats for more easy no bake treats.
Ingredients
- Rice Krispie Cereal – Use fresh crispy rice cereal for the best crunch; avoid stale cereal.
- Salted Butter – Adds flavor and helps create a smooth, gooey texture.
- Marshmallows – Use a fresh bag of mini marshmallows; they melt faster and smoother than large ones. For a fluffier version, see our Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Fluff.
- Mini M&Ms – Mini M&Ms are ideal for even distribution, but regular M&Ms can also be used.
How To Make M&M Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1 – First, spray a 9X13 inch pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2. Next, melt the butter and mini marshmallows in a large bowl that is microwave safe. Heat it in 30 second increments and stir until completely melted.
Step 3. Once melted, mix in the Rice Krispie cereal until completely coated using a rubber spatula. Allow this mixture to set at room temperature for 5-8 minutes to cool slightly. You don’t want it to melt the chocolate.
Step 4 – Fold in the mini M&M candies gently so that they do not melt.
Step 5. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. Use a piece of wax paper to press the Rice Krispies into the bottom of the pan. I spray the wax paper with a non-stick spray so that it doesn’t stick to the wax paper. Press gently. Packing it down hard makes the treats dense and hard.
Step 6. Let the treats set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then cut into 16 squares with a knife sprayed with nonstick spray.
Can You Make This Recipe Using The Stove Top?
Yes, if you do not have a microwave, these treats can be made on the stovetop.
- In a large saucepan melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir.
- Heat on low heat and stir with a spoon until fully melted.
- Then remove from heat and pour this mixture over the cereal in a separate bowl or large pot or large saucepan.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then gently fold in the mini M&Ms and press the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Serve the rice crispy treats and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Cereal – Make sure your Rice Krispie cereal is fresh for maximum crunch.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows Slowly – Melt together over low heat or in short microwave intervals to avoid burning.
- Customize Immediately – Add sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or extra candy while the mixture is still warm.
- Save a few M&Ms for the top. Press a handful onto the surface right after spreading so the colors show.
- Add a splash of vanilla. ½ teaspoon stirred into the melted marshmallows makes them taste like bakery treats.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Twist – Add a layer of melted peanut butter or swirl it into the marshmallow mixture.
- Chocolate Lovers – Drizzle melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white) over the top for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Crunch – Fold in chopped peanuts, almonds, or other nuts for added texture.
- Candy Mix-In – Mix in other small candies like mini Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips.
- Sprinkles Galore – Add colorful sprinkles on top while the treats are still warm for extra fun.
- Mini Treats – Press the mixture into mini muffin tins for bite-sized portions.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use certified gluten-free rice cereal for a safe option.
Make Them for Any Holiday
- Thanksgiving: Fall-colored M&Ms (orange, brown, yellow).
- Christmas: Red and green holiday M&Ms with a few white sprinkles for Christmas Rice Krispie Treats.
- Valentine’s Day: Pink, red, and white M&Ms.
- Easter: Pastel M&Ms.
- 4th of July: Red, white, and blue M&Ms.
The recipe stays exactly the same — just swap the bag of candy.
Storage
Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and chewy.
Avoid Refrigeration – Refrigerating can make the treats firm and harder to bite.
Freezing – Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
This recipe is perfect in a 9×13 baking dish. The ones with the lid are really handy if you are taking this dish somewhere.
Overheating the butter and marshmallow mixture will cause your treats to be too hard when they set.
Make sure to watch this mixture closely and heat until just melted being careful not to overheat the mixture.
Let the marshmallow and cereal mixture cool for 5–8 minutes before folding them in. Mini M&Ms also hold their color better than regular ones.
Try More Rice Krispie Treats
Love these M&M Rice Krispie Treats? Give them a 5-star rating and leave a comment below! Share your favorite mix-ins, fun topping ideas, or how you served them. Don’t forget to save or share this recipe so you can make these colorful, chewy, chocolatey treats anytime, whether for parties, holidays, or a quick homemade snack.
M&M Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
- 6 Tablespoons Butter
- 10 ounce package of Marshmallows
- 1 10 oz bag of mini m&ms
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Spray a 9X13 pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows in a large microwave safe bowl. Heat it in 30 second increments and stir between each one until fully melted.
- Once it’s melted, mix in the Rice Krispie cereal until completely coated. Allow this mixture to set up room temperature for 5-8 minutes to cool slightly.
- Fold in the mini m&ms gently so that they don’t melt.
- Spread evenly into the prepared pan. Use a piece of wax paper to press the Rice Krispies into the bottom of the pan. I spray the wax paper with a non-stick spray so that it doesn’t stick to the wax paper.
- Allow to cool completely before serving. Slice, serve and enjoy!
- *You can make half of this batch for thinner rice krispie treats. We love thick rice krispie treats!
- *Do not store in the refrigerator. They are best left to cool at room temperature so that they remain gooey and delicious!
I always wondered how to add candy without it melting all over lol! This is so simple but perfect. Thank you for posting this recipe!