M&M Rice Krispie Treats Recipe: Colorful No-Bake Snack

These fun and easy M&M Rice Krispie Treats get an upgrade with brown butter, mini marshmallows, colorful M&Ms, and a chocolate topping. Drizzle or spread melted chocolate over the bars for an extra-indulgent finish.

Rice Krispie treats are simple to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for parties, bake sales, or an easy after-school snack. This version builds on the classic by browning the butter for a nutty depth of flavor, folding in mini marshmallows for gooey pockets, mixing in M&Ms for color and chocolate, and finishing with a melted chocolate topping.

Why this recipe works

• Base ingredients are familiar—butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies—so the texture is reliably chewy and nostalgic.
• Leaving a portion of the mini marshmallows unmelted creates soft, gooey pockets throughout the bars.
• A pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla balance and amplify the sweetness and chocolate flavors.
• Brown butter adds a toasty, caramel-like note that lifts the whole recipe above the ordinary.
• M&Ms provide colorful chocolate bites inside the bars, and melted chocolate on top makes these feel extra special.

Ingredients

Notes on key ingredients—see the recipe card below for quantities and the full ingredient list.

• Unsalted butter: Brown the butter for a richer, nutty flavor. Watch carefully as the milk solids brown and the aroma turns toasty.
• Mini marshmallows: Use mini marshmallows. Most melt into the butter to bind the cereal, while a portion added later stays slightly intact for chewy pockets.
• Rice Krispies: Original Rice Krispies cereal gives the classic crisp-tender texture.
• Salt: A small amount balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
• Flaky sea salt: Optional—sprinkling a little on top adds a gourmet finish.
• M&Ms: Add color and extra chocolate in every bite; mini M&Ms work well, too.
• Chocolate chips: Melt semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate for the topping depending on your preference.

Instructions

Overview of the method. Refer to the recipe card for exact measurements and timing.

Step 1: Brown the butter. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Once it foams, whisk constantly until it turns light amber and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and continue whisking briefly to avoid burning.

Step 2: Melt most of the marshmallows. Off the heat, stir in the majority of the mini marshmallows until they melt into the brown butter and form a glossy mixture.

Step 3: Add cereal and flavorings. Stir in vanilla, salt, and the Rice Krispies until the cereal is thoroughly coated. Let the mixture cool in the pot for about five minutes so it’s easier to handle.

Step 4: Fold in remaining marshmallows. Gently fold in the reserved mini marshmallows so some remain intact and gooey after chilling.

Step 5: Stir in M&Ms. Fold the M&Ms into the mixture quickly so the colors stay bright and the candies don’t fully melt.

Step 6: Press into pan and chill. Turn the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan (leave excess parchment on two sides for easy removal). Use greased or slightly wet hands or a spatula to gently press the mixture evenly—avoid compacting too much so the bars remain tender. Let set for about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Slice and top with chocolate. Lift the set slab using the parchment, slice into squares or rectangles, then drizzle or spread melted chocolate across the tops. Microwave chocolate in short bursts and stir until smooth. Optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt for contrast.

Hint: Lightly spray the pan before lining with parchment to make removal easier.

Substitutions

• Chocolate: Use dark or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
• M&Ms: Swap for mini M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or another candy you prefer.
• Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows can replace minis, though minis distribute more evenly.
• Brown butter: If short on time, plain melted butter works fine though it won’t have the same nutty depth.

Variations

• Patriotic: Use red, white, and blue M&Ms for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.
• Easter: Choose pastel M&Ms for a spring-themed batch.

Recipe FAQs

Recipe card

M&M Rice Krispie Treats

Natalie

These chocolate-covered M&M Rice Krispie Treats are gooey, buttery, and fun to make. They’re perfect for celebrations or easy weeknight treats.

Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Course No Bake

Cuisine American

Servings 24 bars

Calories 159 kcal

Ingredients

M&M Rice Krispie Treats

• 11 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 11 cups mini marshmallows, divided
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• ¾ cup M&Ms
• Flaky sea salt, optional for sprinkling

Chocolate Topping

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (melted; use ½ cup to drizzle or 1 cup to fully coat)

Instructions

M&M Rice Krispie Treats

1. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with baking spray and line with parchment, leaving excess to lift the slab out later. Lightly spray the parchment.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk occasionally until it foams, then whisk constantly as it turns light amber and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat.
3. Stir 9¼ cups of the mini marshmallows into the brown butter off the heat until melted and smooth.
4. Stir in vanilla and salt.
5. Add the Rice Krispies and stir until evenly coated. Let the mixture cool in the pot for about 5 minutes.
6. Fold in the remaining 1¾ cups of mini marshmallows and the M&Ms.
7. Turn the mixture into the prepared pan and press gently to an even layer using greased or slightly wet hands or a spatula. Avoid compacting too much. Let set about 30 minutes.
8. Lift the slab from the pan, slice into bars, then drizzle or spread melted chocolate over the tops. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Chocolate Topping

1. Microwave chocolate chips in short bursts (about 20–25 seconds), stirring between bursts, until just melted and smooth.
2. Drizzle, spread, or dip bars in the melted chocolate as desired. Sprinkle flaky sea salt if using.

Notes

*Use ½ cup chocolate chips for a drizzle, or 1 cup if you want to dip or fully coat the bars.

Store leftover M&M Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.