At the crackle of the first bite, these Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats arrive like a warm, familiar hug. The aroma of toasted peanut butter and butter mingles with the sweet, pillowy scent of melted marshmallows; the first taste is a velvet-rich peanut butter hit followed by a playful snap of cereal and a chewy, yielding finish. They’re buttery without being greasy, sweet without being cloying, and carry a nostalgia that makes them perfect for everything from school bake sales to a cozy movie night at home.

Whether you need a quick dessert to bring to a casual gathering, a make-ahead treat for a picnic, or a weekend project to share with kids, these bars deliver — fast, forgiving, and crowd-pleasing. If you love riffs on Rice Krispie treats, you might also enjoy a fruity spin like these banana Rice Krispie treats for a bright contrast to the peanut-butter richness.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 minutes (melting and combining)
Total Time: 20–25 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 12 squares (9×13 pan)
Difficulty Level: Easy — great for bakers of all skill levels

Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (1 of 12 squares). Values are approximate and calculated using USDA FoodData Central entries for ingredients and Kellogg’s product information where relevant; actual values will vary with brands and exact measurements.

Calories: ~324 kcal
Protein: ~6.3 g
Carbohydrates: ~36 g
- Sugars: ~21 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~1.3 g
Total Fat: ~18.5 g
- Saturated Fat: ~7 g
Cholesterol: ~20 mg
Sodium: variable (~120–200 mg depending on peanut butter and added salt)

Notes on these numbers: the majority of calories and fats come from the peanut butter and butter, while the marshmallows and cereal contribute most of the sugars and carbohydrate content. For readers tracking macronutrients closely, using reduced-fat peanut butter or trimming the butter slightly will lower total fat, but will affect texture and richness. (Nutrition estimates referenced from USDA FoodData Central and product nutrition facts.)

Why You’ll Love It
This recipe shines for its combination of comfort and convenience. The scent of warm peanut butter evokes fond memories for many families; the soft chew balances crisp cereal for a satisfying mouthfeel adults and kids both appreciate. It’s a brilliant recipe when you want:

A quick, reliable dessert for last-minute guests.
A nostalgic treat to bake with children (simple, safe stovetop steps).
Portable snacks for potlucks, lunchboxes, or road trips.
A cozy addition to holiday dessert tables or casual gatherings.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky, as preferred)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
10 oz mini marshmallows (about one standard bag)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional ingredients and substitutions

Salted peanut butter or 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
1/2 cup chopped peanuts for extra crunch
1/2 cup chocolate chips or peanut butter chips (fold in after mixing; do not melt in pan)
For vegan: use vegan marshmallows and a plant-based butter substitute; use a vegan peanut butter (note: texture may be slightly firmer)
For gluten-free: use a certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal

Method & Process

Prepare a 9×13 inch pan: lightly grease or line with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and peanut butter. Stir frequently until fully melted and smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Do not let it boil.
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and peanut butter. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is homogeneous, about 2–3 more minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Fold gently but thoroughly until every flake is coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared 9×13 pan. Using a greased spatula or parchment-lined hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Don’t press so hard that you compact them into a brick; firm, even pressure is best to keep them soft and chewy.
Allow to cool at room temperature (about 30 minutes) before lifting from the pan and cutting into 12 squares.

Practical tips

Work quickly once the cereal is added; marshmallow-based mixtures set as they cool.
If you prefer very soft bars, use slightly less cereal or press a little less firmly.
For neater cutting, chill for 20 minutes and use a hot, dry knife (wipe between cuts).

Serving Suggestions

Plain and classic: Serve at room temperature for the ideal soft-chewy texture.
With spreads: A light smear of jam or a thin drizzle of melted chocolate elevates each square.
Beverage pairings: Serve warm coffee, cold milk, or a rich hot chocolate alongside — the sweet-salty balance makes these bars shine with milky drinks.
Snack pack: Wrap individual squares in parchment for school lunches, picnics, or snack boxes.
Dessert plate: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for an indulgent finish.
For savory contrast at a gathering, consider serving alongside a small cheese board — the salty-sweet interplay can be delightful, or pair with a hearty dish like a spiced main (see a savory recipe example here) butter chicken and coriander rice with naan to balance the menu.

Keeping it Fresh

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3–4 days; keep out of direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigeration: You can refrigerate up to 7 days in an airtight container; bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Individually wrap squares in parchment and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Choose the right peanut butter: Natural peanut butter (stirred) can yield a slightly softer, more oily bar; commercial creamy peanut butter (stable emulsions) produces a sturdier chew. Use the one you prefer for flavor & texture.
Control chewiness: Less pressure when pressing into the pan + a slightly higher peanut-butter-to-cereal ratio = chewier bars.
Heat control: Melt butter and peanut butter gently over medium; overheating can cause the marshmallow mixture to seize or become grainy.
Mix-ins caution: If adding chocolate chips, stir them in off-heat so they don’t melt into a mess — or press chips on top of the formed bars for a clean appearance.
Cutting tip: For clean squares, cool fully and warm your knife under hot water, dry it, then slice in a single smooth motion.

Creative Twists

Chocolate-Peanut Butter: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top and allow to set.
Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts or pretzels for a salty crunch contrast.
PB&J Bars: Lightly press a thin layer of raspberry jam into the top of the warm mixture before it sets, then chill — a playful PB&J take.
S’mores Style: Swap half the Rice Krispies for graham cracker crumbs and stir in mini chocolate pieces for a campfire vibe.
Vegan/Allergy-friendly: Use vegan marshmallows and a plant-based butter alternative; swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to accommodate peanut allergies.

Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I substitute natural peanut butter?
A: Yes, but natural (oil-separated) peanut butter may make the bars slightly more oily and softer. Stir well before measuring.

Q: My bars are crumbly — what went wrong?
A: Likely not enough marshmallow mixture or not enough pressing when transferring to the pan. Gently warm and press to bind, or remelt a few additional marshmallows with a little butter and fold in.

Q: How can I make them less sweet?
A: Use unsweetened natural peanut butter and reduce marshmallows slightly (but not too much, or they won’t bind). Adding a pinch of coarse salt can also balance sweetness.

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Store at room temp in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Any healthier swaps?
A: Swap part of the peanut butter with powdered peanut butter (rehydrated) to reduce fat, use reduced-sugar marshmallows if available, or reduce total butter slightly — but note texture will change.

Conclusion

These Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a fast, comforting recipe that balances nostalgia with big peanut-butter flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture. Try them as-is or explore variations to suit your tastes — share your results, photos, and tips with the community; baking is more fun together.

For an alternative take and extra inspiration, see this classic Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats recipe from The Country Cook, and for another soft-and-chewy version with technique notes, check out this Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats guide.

Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Author: recipechangegmail-com
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a nostalgic and comforting dessert with a perfect balance of peanut butter flavor and chewy texture, making them ideal for gatherings or a cozy movie night.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
10 oz mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter), 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, 1/2 cup chocolate chips or peanut butter chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare a 9×13 inch pan by lightly greasing or lining it with parchment, leaving an overhang.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and peanut butter, stirring until melted and smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Do not let it boil.
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted mixture and stir until fully melted and homogeneous, about 2–3 more minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until all are coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it evenly without compacting too much.
Let cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting into 12 squares.

Notes

For a less sweet version, use unsweetened peanut butter and reduce marshmallows slightly. These treats can be stored at room temp for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 324
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 18.5g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1.3g
Protein: 6.3g
Cholesterol: 20mg