Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Pan**: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. This will help prevent the treats from sticking once they’re set.

2. **Melt the Butter and Peanut Butter**: In a large saucepan, melt the butter and peanut butter together over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it melts evenly. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows to the pan and continue stirring until they are fully melted and smooth. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

3. **Add Vanilla and Salt**: Once the marshmallows are completely melted, stir in the vanilla extract (if using) and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. The vanilla adds a nice depth to the sweetness of the marshmallows, while the salt helps balance the richness.

4. **Mix with Rice Krispies Cereal**: Immediately pour the melted marshmallow and peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to coat the cereal evenly with the sticky mixture. It’s important to do this quickly so that the cereal doesn’t have a chance to get soggy.

5. **Add M&M’s and Chocolate Chips**: Once the cereal is well-coated, fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips. Be sure to leave a few M&M’s and chocolate chips to sprinkle on top for decoration. This will give the treats an extra pop of color and make them look even more tempting.

6. **Press into the Pan**: Transfer the sticky mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using a piece of parchment paper or a spatula, gently press the mixture into the pan to create an even, compact layer. Be careful not to press too hard or the treats may become too dense. Just press enough to hold everything together.

7. **Let Them Set**: Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator to speed up the process.

8. **Cut and Serve**: Once the treats are firm, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

#### Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats:

– **Use Fresh Marshmallows**: Fresh marshmallows will melt more smoothly, ensuring that your treats are gooey and sticky. Older marshmallows can become harder and may not blend as well with the peanut butter and butter mixture.

– **Mix Gently**: When stirring in the Rice Krispies cereal, do so gently to avoid breaking the crispy pieces. The goal is to have a light, airy texture, not a crushed cereal mass.

– **Customize the Add-ins**: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! You can add extra goodies like mini pretzels, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. You could even use different types of chocolate, like white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips.

– **For a Softer Treat**: If you prefer a softer, chewier treat, you can slightly reduce the amount of Rice Krispies cereal. On the other hand, adding more cereal will give you a firmer, crunchier treat.

– **No-Stick Trick**: Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to press the mixture into the pan. This will keep it from sticking to your hands, making the process much easier.

#### Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips:

1. **Irresistible Sweet and Salty Combination**: The peanut butter adds a rich, savory depth that perfectly balances the sweetness of the marshmallows, chocolate chips, and M&M’s.

2. **Quick and Easy to Make**: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time. It’s a perfect option when you need a fast and satisfying dessert or snack.

3. **Customizable**: You can tailor the recipe to suit your tastes by swapping out the M&M’s for other candies or adding different mix-ins like butterscotch chips or chopped candy bars.

4. **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a birthday, school event, or family movie night, these treats are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Their colorful appearance makes them especially fun for kids’ parties, and they’re easy to package for gift-giving.

5. **Make Ahead and Store**: These treats can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They’re great for lunchboxes, bake sales, or simply keeping on hand for when the sweet tooth strikes.

#### Conclusion:

**Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s and Chocolate Chips** are a fun, delicious, and easy dessert that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. They combine the nostalgic comfort of Rice Krispies treats with the added richness of peanut butter and a burst of sweetness from the chocolate and candy. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a party treat, or a fun way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars hit the spot every time.