These M&M Rice Krispie treats are sweet, chewy, and incredibly simple to make. Adding brown butter, pretzels, flaked salt, and chocolate M&M’s gives them extra flavor and texture that elevates the classic treat.
These bars are a quick, family-friendly dessert that’s perfect for parties, school lunches, or an afternoon snack. Once you try them, they’ll likely become a go-to favorite.
Why you’ll love these
Quick & easy: Ready in about 15 minutes and simple enough for kids to help make.
Sweet & salty: Flaked sea salt and pretzels balance the sweetness of marshmallows and chocolate.
Crunchy & chewy: Pretzels and M&M’s add satisfying crunch alongside the chewy marshmallow base.
Ingredient notes
- Butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth without extra effort.
- Salt: Flaked sea salt is optional but helps balance sweetness.
- Marshmallows: Use mini marshmallows for faster, more even melting.
- Pretzels: Broken pretzels add a crunchy contrast to the chewy bars.
- M&M’s: Plain M&M’s work best — their candy shell resists melting and adds a crisp bite.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the treats:
Step 1 — Brown the butter. Melt 6 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over low–medium heat. Once it foams, continue stirring until the solids turn golden brown and the butter smells nutty. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 2 — Melt the marshmallows. Remove the pan from the heat. Add 10 oz mini marshmallows, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and 1/2 tsp flaked sea salt. Stir until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth.
Step 3 — Add cereal and pretzels. Return to a low heat if needed, then stir in 4 cups Rice Krispie cereal and 2 cups broken pretzels until everything is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. Let the pan sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Step 4 — Stir in M&M’s. Fold in 1/2 cup plain M&M’s until distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 5 — Press into pan. Pour the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 (or slightly smaller) pan. Press down firmly with wax paper or a spatula to compact the bars. Sprinkle extra M&M’s, pretzel bits, and flaked sea salt on top.
Step 6 — Cool and serve. Allow the bars to cool and set completely before slicing, about 30 minutes for best texture.
Expert baking tips
Use mini marshmallows for even melting. Press the mixture firmly with wax paper to avoid sticking and create compact bars. Plain M&M’s hold up best — larger filled varieties can make cutting more difficult.
FAQ
Using stale or firm marshmallows can make the texture dense and hard. Fresh, soft marshmallows melt more evenly and create a chewy bar.
Let them cool for at least 30 minutes. Cooling improves texture and makes cleaner slices.
Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes before folding in the M&M’s, or refrigerate the candies briefly before adding them.
Storing and freezing
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw to room temperature before serving.
Other recipes to try with brown butter
Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brown Butter Peach Crisp
Please leave a star review if you make these — feedback helps others find the recipe.
For more treats, follow the author on Instagram @thesaltedsweets and tag your photos if you try the bars.
M&M Rice Krispie Treats
Brooke Homec
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoon butter
- 10 oz (283.5 g) mini marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon flaked sea salt
- 4 cups (130 g) Rice Krispie cereal
- 2 cups (80 g) broken pretzels
- ½ cup (118 g) plain M&M’s
Instructions
- Spray an 8×8 (or slightly smaller) pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper and set aside.
- Brown the butter: melt 6 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over low–medium heat, stirring until golden brown and fragrant.
- Turn off the heat and stir in 10 oz mini marshmallows, ½ tsp vanilla, and ½ tsp flaked sea salt until melted.
- Remove from heat, add 4 cups Rice Krispie cereal and 2 cups broken pretzels, stirring until evenly coated. Let cool about 5 minutes.
- Fold in ½ cup M&M’s, then press the mixture into the prepared pan. Top with extra M&M’s, pretzel bits, and flaked salt.
- Allow to cool and set completely before cutting and serving.
Notes
I often use a slightly smaller 6×8 dish to achieve a taller bar, but any pan you have will work.
If you prefer no pretzels, add another 1 ½ cups Rice Krispie cereal instead.
Chocolate chips or other baking chips also work, but plain M&M’s keep a pleasant crunch.
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 8 g
Let us know how it went!