If you love the classic chewy, buttery texture of Rice Krispie treats and the irresistible flavor of peanut butter cups, you are in for a real treat with this Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. This delightful twist brings together gooey marshmallows, crispy cereal, and plenty of Reese’s peanut butter cup minis, peanut butter chips, and chocolate chips, creating a dessert that’s bursting with peanut butter and chocolate deliciousness in every bite. Whether it’s a party, a quick snack, or an indulgent dessert, these treats are sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats Recipe comes from its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building those perfect layers of flavor and texture that make these treats unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Mini marshmallows: Essential for that classic gooey, sticky texture that holds everything together perfectly.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Adds that signature crispy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey marshmallows.
- Reese’s peanut butter cup minis: Peanut butter and chocolate-packed bites that make these treats extra special.
- Reese’s peanut butter chips: Packs in creamy peanut butter flavor to intensify every bite.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Adds just the right hint of chocolatey richness to complement the peanut butter.
How to Make Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lightly greasing the bottom of an 11×14-inch baking pan with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your treats won’t stick and makes cleanup easier. It’s a simple step but sets the stage for perfect bars later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Salt
In a large pot over low heat, melt one stick of unsalted butter and stir in ½ teaspoon of salt. The butter should be melted gently to avoid browning. This combination adds a rich, savory undertone that balances the sweet marshmallows perfectly.
Step 3: Melt Most of the Marshmallows
Before adding marshmallows to the pot, set aside 1½ cups for later use. Add the remaining marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly over low heat until completely melted and smooth. Remove the pot from heat as soon as the marshmallows melt to prevent burning.
Step 4: Mix in Cereal and Reese’s Treats
Immediately add 7 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, the reserved 1½ cups of mini marshmallows, 1 cup of halved Reese’s peanut butter cup minis, ½ cup of Reese’s peanut butter chips, and ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently but thoroughly fold everything together to make sure every bite has that perfect combo of crispy, gooey, peanut buttery, and chocolatey goodness.
Step 5: Press the Mixture into the Pan
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Be careful not to pack the mixture too tightly; you want to keep those crispy textures light and airy. This will result in the best chewy but crunchy texture when cooled.
Step 6: Top with More Reese’s and Press Gently
Scatter the remaining halved Reese’s peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and semisweet chocolate chips on top of your pressed mixture. Gently press them into the surface to help them stick while still keeping their distinct shapes for a gorgeous final look.
Step 7: OPTIONAL Drizzle Addition
If you’re feeling fancy, melt extra peanut butter chips and/or chocolate chips to drizzle over the top. This adds a lovely decorative touch and extra bursts of flavor that make these treats even more irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool on the counter in the pan for 30 to 45 minutes. This resting time lets them set perfectly so your Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats Recipe slices cleanly into bars without crumbling.
How to Serve Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For serving, consider topping your bars with a sprinkle of crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant presentation. A few whole mini peanut butter cups alongside the bars can add visual appeal and a hint of extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These treats pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience. If you want a snack combo, fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas offers a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by cutting the treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or gift-giving. Wrapping individual pieces in colorful parchment and tying with a ribbon can turn them into the sweetest homemade gifts that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats Recipe bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and preserves their chewy, gooey texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your treats longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for an hour or so.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm treat, microwave a single bar for 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften the chocolate and peanut butter chips, creating a melty, dreamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups instead of minis?
Absolutely! You can chop regular Reese’s peanut butter cups into bite-sized pieces and use them in the same quantities. Just be sure to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture for balanced flavor.
What if I don’t have Reese’s peanut butter chips?
If you can’t find peanut butter chips, you can substitute with extra peanut butter cups or even add a tablespoon or two of creamy peanut butter to the melted marshmallows for extra peanut butter flavor.
Can I make these Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free crispy rice cereal instead of the regular Rice Krispies. Most other ingredients like marshmallows and Reese’s treats are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be sure.
Why should I set aside some marshmallows before melting?
Adding mini marshmallows that haven’t been melted just before pressing the mixture into the pan adds extra gooey texture and pockets of softness, giving these treats a more interesting and luscious bite.
Can I prepare this recipe in a microwave to save time?
You could melt the butter and marshmallows in the microwave using short bursts and stirring often, but melting on the stovetop gives better control and less risk of burning. Just be careful and patient for the best results!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into homemade Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats Recipe packed with luscious peanut butter, chocolate, and that perfect crispy-chewy texture. Whether you’re making them for yourself or as a crowd-pleasing dessert, I promise these treats will become an instant classic in your kitchen. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’re going to love every single bite!
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Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 15-20 bars
Description
These Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic marshmallow and Rice Krispies cereal base with the rich flavors of Reese’s peanut butter cup minis, peanut butter chips, and semisweet chocolate chips. Perfectly gooey and chocolaty, these no-bake treats are an irresistible dessert or snack for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces mini marshmallows, divided
- 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups Reese’s peanut butter cup minis, halved and divided
- ¾ cup Reese’s peanut butter chips, divided
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease the bottom of an 11×14 inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the treats.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the salt. Set aside 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows to add later. Add the remaining marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly over low heat until completely melted. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Combine Ingredients: Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal, the reserved 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup halved Reese’s peanut butter cup minis, ½ cup peanut butter chips, and ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips into the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined, taking care not to crush the cereal.
- Press into Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly without packing it down too tightly, keeping the treats light and crispy.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining Reese’s peanut butter cup minis, peanut butter chips, and semisweet chocolate chips on top. Gently press them into the treats to help them stick to the surface.
- Optional Drizzle: If desired, melt extra peanut butter chips and/or chocolate chips and drizzle over the top to add a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the Rice Krispie treats to cool on the counter in the pan for 30-45 minutes until set. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the marshmallow mixture constantly and remove from heat as soon as melted to prevent scorching.
- Do not press the cereal mixture too firmly into the pan to keep the treats light and airy.
- The optional drizzle adds a nice touch but is not necessary for flavor.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- For easier cutting, use a sharp knife sprayed lightly with cooking spray or warmed in hot water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
