Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats are a childhood favorite that have stood the test of time, and they're bound to go over well with any generation. But, as much as we all love that classic rendition, there's one simple ingredient that can make them even better. Even more beloved. That ingredient is peanut butter. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are just as easy to make as their gooey predecessor, and they come together just as quickly.

Today, in addition to a gooey, soft and stretchy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treat, we'll also cover:

• Options for making them on the stovetop and the microwave!
• Tips for keeping them soft and gooey.
• The one thing you should do to avoid making them hard and overly chewy!
• Plus, how to store them, along with freezing tips and even how to package them for gifting!

If you love marshmallow treats, be sure to add these Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats to your baking lineup!

MARSHMALLOWS AND PEANUT BUTTER

Marshmallows and peanut butter go hand in hand. In fact, they go together so well, there's even a sandwich named after the combo -- Fluffernutters anyone? We think it's safe to say, you'll enjoy the combination just as much in Rice Krispie Treat form. These delicious Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats come well equipped with extra marshmallows and a little extra flavor thanks to the addition of salty-sweet peanut butter. They're soft, gooey, and would rival the quality of any bakery rendition.

PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPIE TREATS INGREDIENTS

• Rice Krispie Cereal
• Miniature Marshmallows - The Rice Krispie to marshmallow ratio makes all the difference in the world when it comes to a perfectly gooey and soft Rice Krispie Treat. This recipe was developed with extra marshmallows to ensure a bakery-style marshmallow treat you can easily make at home! In addition to this, the extra marshmallows added after the Rice Krispies are mixed in helps to make them pillowy soft. A dreamy combination with the crisp of the rice cereal.
• Peanut Butter - The only difference between making a classic batch of Rice Krispie Treats and Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats is the addition of peanut butter. Use only standard, creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Peter Pan brand.
• Unsalted Butter - Do not use salted butter. Your Rice Krispie Treats would be far too salty.
• Vanilla Extract - This simple addition is the difference between an "ok" Rice Krispie Treat and a stellar one. Use pure vanilla extract for best results. 
• Salt - Salt helps to bring out the flavor in everything, but especially in desserts. 

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPIE TREATS

1. Melt the Butter and Marshmallows - The first step in making homemade Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats is to melt the butter. If you are making your treats on the stovetop, you'll want to melt the butter over medium heat to prevent it from browning too quickly. As soon as your butter has melted, you'll add the of the majority marshmallows (not all of them) and stir until the marshmallows are melted and blended.
2. Add the Peanut Butter, Vanilla and Salt - Once the marshmallows and butter are melted and combined, the peanut butter goes in. In addition to the peanut butter, you'll also add the vanilla extract and salt at this point.
3. Add the Rice Krispies - After you've whipped up your peanut butter-marshmallow sauce, the Rice Krispies go in. This is as simple as adding and stirring, but be sure you actually measure the cereal. Add the Rice Krispie cereal and the extra marshmallows and stir.
4. Add to Casserole Dish - Lastly, you'll transfer the mixture to a buttered (or oiled) casserole dish, and gently press them into bar form. "Gently" is the keyword here. You'll want to use buttered hands for this. It's a sticky job.
5. Set - The Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats will take anywhere from 30-45 minutes to set, depending on the temperature and humidity level in your kitchen.

HOW TO MAKE RICE KRISPIE TREATS IN THE MICROWAVE

You can also prepare Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats using the microwave! Instead of melting the butter and marshmallows in a large pot on the stovetop...

1. Add butter and marshmallows to your largest microwave-safe bowl, and microwave at 45-second intervals until melted.
2. Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, and Kosher salt.
3. Add the Rice Krispies to a large mixing bowl, pour the marshmallow mixture over, and stir. Add the remaining marshmallows and stir once more.

WHY ARE MY RICE KRISPIE TREATS HARD?

If your Rice Krispie Treats are hard, pressing them with too much vigor into the prepared pan is likely the culprit. Save those muscles for another task, and use light hands for this process. Stop pressing as soon as the top is level.

HOW TO STORE RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Store your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. The snugger, the better. Rice Krispie Treats will start to turn stale and lose their freshness after about 3-4 days, but no worries if you've got goodies leftover beyond this point -- you can freeze them!

YOU CAN FREEZE RICE KRISPIE TREATS!

If you’d like to make your marshmallow treats in advance, you can make a batch, and place them in a freezer-safe, snug airtight container, separating the layers with sheets of wax paper. It also doesn't hurt to place wax paper on the bottom of your storage container -- these treats are a little sticky! Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

GIVING AS A GIFT?

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are beautifully speckled throughout with white fluffy marshmallows, and their quality rivals those you'll find at any professional bakery, making them a stellar gift idea. But, packaging them may have you a little stumped.

To package Rice Krispie Treats for a gift, stack them in a cellophane bag (found in the baking section of specialty craft stores like Michael's or Hobby Lobby), and separate each treat with a small, cut-out square of wax paper or parchment paper. Cut your squares relatively the same size as the Rice Krispie Treats.

Then, tie the baggie with a twist tie and finish it off with a festive ribbon!

You will love these gooey, soft Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats! The simple, delicious additions of peanut butter and extra marshmallows are a great way to breathe new life into a classic childhood favorite. A delicious treat gladly received by all! Please, enjoy!

5 MORE PEANUT BUTTER DESSERTS YOU’LL LOVE

• Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are thick, soft, and practically melt in your mouth with every single bite.
• Thumbprint Hershey Kiss Cookies are miniature, bite-sized cookies with the perfect cookie-to-kiss ratio!
• Peanut Butter Cookies Dipped in Chocolate are the all-time, ultimate homemade gift for the peanut butter lover!
• Cap’n Crunch No Bake Peanut Butter Pie features a Golden Oreo and Cap’n Crunch crust and a peanut butter pie filling made with salted caramel and cream cheese! The perfect make-ahead party dessert!
• Peanut Butter Butterfinger Blondies are dressed up for Halloween, but can be made any time of year! A blondie decked out with peanut butter, crushed Butterfinger candy, and a drizzle of dark chocolate.