Easter is such a fun and colorful time of year! It is especially fun to see the excitement of the holiday unravel through the eyes of my children. When I pulled out the M&Ms and marshmallows to make these Easter M&M Rice Krispie treats, the kids ran for their stepping stools so they could help me in the kitchen.
Why Kids Love Making Easter M&M Rice Krispie Treats
M&M Rice Krispie treats are an easy, hands-on recipe that even toddlers can help with. Not only is it fun, but it also encourages bonding time and teaches valuable skills.
Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
Melt a stick of butter with a regular-sized package of marshmallows.
Stir it until smooth, then add 1 tsp of vanilla. This step fills your kitchen with the sweet smell of melted marshmallows, a bonus treat before you even get to the mixing!
Step 2: Combine with Rice Cereal
Once your marshmallow mixture is silky and smooth, it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually pour the marshmallows over 6 cups of rice cereal in a large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy spatula (or even a wooden spoon), stir everything together until the cereal is completely coated.
Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl as you mix, you don’t want any crispy little pieces left out of the fun! This step gives your treats their signature chewy texture and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Add Colorful M&Ms
Now comes the magical part—adding the color! Gently fold in a 12-ounce package of M&Ms to the cereal and marshmallow mix. For Easter, I went with pastel-colored M&Ms to bring a festive, springtime vibe to the treats. Try not to overmix here, as you don’t want to crush the candies; just fold them in lightly until they’re evenly distributed.
The bright pops of color sprinkled throughout the mixture make these treats almost too pretty to eat, but let’s be honest, no one can resist! If you’re making these for another occasion, feel free to swap in your favorite seasonally themed candies for a fun twist.
Step 4: Press into a Pan
Spray the pan and the back of a spatula with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking as you press the mixture for the M&M Rice Krispie treats flat into a 13×9 baking dish. You can use wax paper underneath, spilling out of the sides, so it’s easier to lift out once hardened.
Step 5: Let the Kids Lick the Spoon
This is where the real fun happens, let your kids lick the spoon! My kids love sitting on the counter and “helping” with recipes. Sure, it can get messy, but it’s also a fantastic learning opportunity. Cooking together teaches kids how food is prepared, how to measure, count, and divide, and how to be patient while waiting for something to cool or cook.
Let the M&M Rice Krispie treats sit for an hour or two to harden. If possible, make them in the morning and serve in the evening for the best results. On this particular day, Joshua asked me about 14 times when they would be ready!
Step 6: Cut and Serve Your Treats
After a couple of hours, use a sharp knife to cut the treats into squares or rectangles. These will disappear quickly, I promise! These M&M Rice Krispie treats are perfect for an Easter dessert table or your kid’s school party.
Some other dessert ideas you can make with your kids are my 13-minute Almond Joy cookies or 5 ingredient M&M peanut butter bars. My kids say that even the Easter Bunny loves sweet treats, so we’re planning to leave some out next weekend!
Plan Your Easter Menu
Speaking of Easter, have you made your menu yet? If not, check out my 13 Foolproof Recipes for Easter Sunday. You’ll find everything from a Coca-Cola glazed holiday ham to a pistachio coconut pudding cake, perfect dishes for hosting family and friends.
Happy cooking, y’all!
