There are days when you need a quick and delightful treat that brings joy to the whole family. For me, these Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms have always been a lifesaver at our family gatherings. Picture this: a bustling kitchen filled with laughter, kids running around, and the irresistible smell of sweet marshmallows wafting through the air. I made these scrumptious snacks for a family get-together, and honestly, they disappeared in the blink of an eye! The little ones couldn’t get enough, and even the grown-ups didn’t hold back.
I remember the first time I whipped up a batch of these treats. It was a last-minute decision when I realized we needed something fun and colorful on the dessert table. The process was almost as enjoyable as watching everyone devour them. Melting the butter with a hint of cookie butter creates a heavenly scent that fills the kitchen. As the marshmallows gradually melt into a gooey delight, it’s impossible not to sneak a taste—or two!
These treats are not only easy to make but also provide a wonderful opportunity to get creative. You can involve the kids in the process by letting them sprinkle those vibrant M&Ms on top. It’s a great way to bond and make cooking an enjoyable experience for everyone. Plus, seeing their faces light up when they taste the final product is simply priceless.
The best part? These Rice Krispie Treats are incredibly forgiving. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, the simplicity of this recipe ensures you’ll get it right every time. So, whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to make something special for your loved ones, these treats are a fantastic choice. Go ahead, give them a try, and watch them become a staple in your kitchen too!
How to Make Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms
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Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup cookie butter
- 20 ounces mini marshmallows (about two bags)
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 18-20 ounces mini M&Ms
Directions:
- Begin by placing the bags of mini M&Ms in the freezer to keep them from melting too quickly in the treats.
- Line a 9″x13″ baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large pot, melt the butter and cookie butter together over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in one bag of mini marshmallows, stirring continuously until they’re melted and blended.
- Add the second bag of marshmallows and crisp rice cereal. Stir swiftly to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Gently fold in half of the mini M&Ms, mixing carefully to keep them intact.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down evenly with a firm spatula or greased fingers, using parchment paper to prevent sticking if needed.
- Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top, pressing them gently into the mixture to set.
- Allow the treats to cool for at least 2 hours before cutting them into 12 squares. Enjoy!
Customizing Rice Krispie Treats: Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have cookie butter on hand, you can use creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist. Allergic to nuts? Sunflower seed butter makes an excellent substitute. For a different flavor, try using chocolate chips instead of M&Ms, or mix in mini marshmallows for added texture.
Best Ways to Store Rice Krispie Treats
To keep your Rice Krispie Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms
For an unbeatable combo, pair these treats with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of cocoa. They’re also fantastic served alongside fresh fruit or a simple vanilla ice cream scoop for an extra indulgent treat.
Cooking Hacks to Elevate Rice Krispie Treats
To enhance flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to the melted butter and marshmallow mixture. For easier pressing, slightly dampen your hands or spatula. Ensure a gooey texture by not over-packing the mixture into the pan.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Rice Krispie Treats
Get festive by adding themed M&Ms for holidays like red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for Easter. You can also incorporate dried cranberries or pumpkin seeds for a fall-inspired version.
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of mini ones?
Yes, regular M&Ms can be used if you prefer. However, mini M&Ms distribute more evenly throughout the treats, ensuring a consistent taste in every bite. If you use regular ones, chop them slightly to help distribute them better in the mix.
How do I prevent the M&Ms from melting?
Freezing the M&Ms before adding them to the mixture helps prevent them from melting. Also, ensure that the marshmallow mixture isn’t too hot when you mix in the M&Ms. Let it cool slightly for about 1-2 minutes before adding them.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Absolutely! These treats can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious. For longer storage, consider freezing them, but let them thaw completely before serving.
Is there a way to make these treats gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free crisp rice cereal and ensure that your other ingredients, like the cookie butter and marshmallows, are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy them without any dietary concerns.
How can I make these treats more festive?
For a festive touch, try using colored marshmallows or sprinkle additional festive toppings like colored sugar or edible glitter. Matching the color scheme to specific holidays or events can make the treats even more appealing and fun.
What’s the best way to cut the treats into squares?
Once the treats have cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut them. To ensure clean cuts without sticking, lightly grease the knife with butter or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This will help you get neatly cut squares every time.
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Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large pot
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup cookie butter
- 20 ounces mini marshmallows (about two bags)
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 18-20 ounces mini M&Ms
Instructions
- Begin by placing the mini M&Ms in the freezer to keep them from melting too fast during preparation.
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a large pot, combine the salted butter and cookie butter. Melt over medium heat until smooth.
- Remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes, then stir in one bag of mini marshmallows until they are fully melted.
- Once the first bag of marshmallows is melted, add the second bag along with the crisp rice cereal. Stir quickly to combine well.
- Gently fold in half of the mini M&Ms into the mixture, ensuring not to overmix to keep the M&Ms intact.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula or greased fingers to press it evenly into the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top and press them down gently to settle them into the treats.
- Allow the treats to cool for at least 2 hours before cutting them into 12 squares. Enjoy your delicious Rice Krispie treats!
