Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats

Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 16 treats
Ingredients: 4 cups rice cereal; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 cup peanut butter; 1 cup chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons butter

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats for special occasions or just as a cozy treat at home. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates a delightful balance that satisfies my sweet tooth. These treats are not only easy to prepare but also fun to customize with your favorite toppings. I always find that they disappear quickly, so I like to double the batch for parties to ensure everyone gets a taste. You'll find this recipe to be a crowd-pleaser every time!

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:26:37.181Z

Making these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats has become a favorite activity in my kitchen. I remember the first time I tried adding mini marshmallows for extra sweetness, and it changed everything! They add just the right chewy texture that contrasts with the crunchy rice cereal. I also found that melting the chocolate with a little coconut oil helps it coat the treats perfectly, giving them a beautiful finish.

Another tip that I learned is to let the treats cool fully before cutting them into squares. It might be tempting to slice them right away, but allowing them to set ensures they hold their shape better and makes for cleaner cuts. This little trick has drastically improved my presentation for gatherings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfectly sweet and salty flavor profile
Chewy texture with a satisfying crunch
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When making Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats, the quality of the ingredients can significantly impact the final flavor. Opt for high-quality peanut butter, as it not only adds creaminess but also brings a depth of flavor. Natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils works well, but be aware that it may alter the texture slightly, making the treats a bit drier. To ensure maximum flavor, use chocolate chips that you truly enjoy eating, whether they're semi-sweet, dark, or a mix.

The rice cereal you choose should be fresh and crispy to ensure the perfect texture. Stale rice cereal can lead to a soggy treat. For a twist, consider using flavored rice cereal varieties, such as cocoa or cinnamon, to add a unique taste dimension to your treats.

Techniques for the Perfect Texture

Melting the marshmallows and butter on low heat is crucial for achieving a smooth, cohesive mixture. If the mixture starts to bubble rapidly, reduce the heat immediately to prevent the marshmallows from burning. Stir continually until the mixture is glossy and the marshmallows are completely melted; you should achieve a thick, pourable consistency that will coat the rice cereal effectively.

When combining the rice cereal with the marshmallow mixture, use a folding motion rather than stirring vigorously. This method helps maintain airiness in the mixture, resulting in treats that are both chewy and crunchy, rather than dense. The cooking pot's sides may still have a bit of marshmallow residue, but don't worry—once you spread it into the pan, it will blend nicely.

Customizations and Storage Options

If you want to make these treats more festive, consider adding toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even drizzling caramel sauce over the chocolate. You can also substitute some of the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for an extra peanut flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing in dried fruits or even tiny candies to create various flavors and textures for special occasions.

For storage, keep the completed treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated or even frozen. To freeze, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed freezer bag. When ready to eat, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before serving.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Treats

4 cups rice cereal
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter

Feel free to add toppings like crushed nuts or additional chocolate drizzle for an extra touch!

Instructions

Instructions:

Gather Your Ingredients

Start by measuring out all the ingredients to make the process smoother.

Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter and mini marshmallows together, stirring until smooth.

Add Peanut Butter

Once melted, stir in the peanut butter until fully combined and smooth.

Combine with Rice Cereal

Remove from heat and fold in the rice cereal until well coated with the mixture.

Prepare the Chocolate

In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth.

Combine and Shape

Spread the rice crispy mixture into a greased baking pan and drizzle the melted chocolate over the top.

Cool and Cut

Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

These treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, though they rarely last that long!

Pro Tips

For a fun variation, try adding in some crushed pretzels for an extra salty crunch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While making these treats, if the marshmallow mixture seems too sticky and hard to pour, it might indicate that the marshmallows were overheated. Try adding a small splash of water and heating it gently while stirring to loosen the mixture. Always keep an eye on the consistency; it should be thick but still pourable.

If your treats turn out overly soft or fall apart, it might be a sign that there was too little rice cereal in the mix or that the marshmallow mixture was too wet. When in doubt, adjust the amount of rice cereal slightly and make sure to mix well until every piece is coated.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up for larger gatherings is easy and fun. Simply double or triple the ingredient quantities while keeping the proportions the same. For instance, if you're making twice the amount, use 8 cups of rice cereal and 2 cups of chocolate chips among other ingredients. Just ensure you have a sufficiently large pot and a bigger baking pan to accommodate the increased volume.

When doubling the batch, remember to allow extra cooling time before cutting, as the thicker layer may take longer to set. Additionally, larger portions might require a few more minutes in the refrigerator to firm up properly before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

When serving these delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. They can also be cut into smaller squares and served alongside coffee or milk for an afternoon snack that satisfies the sweet tooth.

For a fun presentation, try stacking the treats in a pyramid on a decorative platter or arranging them in colorful cupcake liners. This can make them look enticing and is perfect for parties or special occasions!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of nut butter?

Yes, feel free to substitute almond or cashew butter if you prefer.

→ How do I store the treats?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan butter alternative.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors!