Crisp and crunchy, chewy and peanut buttery, these Rice Krispies no‑bake cookies with Reese’s Pieces are a fast and easy treat everyone will love. They come together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients and are perfect for bake sales, school parties, or a last‑minute dessert when time is tight. The rice cereal adds a delightful crackle while the Reese’s Pieces bring creamy chocolate and peanut butter notes in each bite.
These no‑bake cookies are a great recipe to make with kids. They require no oven, very little hands‑on time, and provide a good opportunity to teach basic kitchen skills like measuring, stirring, and working quickly while a sugar syrup is still warm. Because they don’t need baking, they’re also a reliable choice for humid or hot days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
Rice Krispies no‑bake cookies are a versatile dessert: swap the mix‑ins to suit your pantry or preferences, change the cereal for a different texture, or dress them up with a drizzle of melted chocolate. The combination of brown sugar, granulated sugar, and light corn syrup forms a glossy peanut butter sauce that clings to the cereal, creating a chewy center with crisp edges after it cools.
What Do I Need To Make Rice Krispies No Bake Cookies?
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups crisp rice cereal
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces candies
Step by Step Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper, parchment, or a nonstick mat and set it aside. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and light corn syrup. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a full boil.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Work quickly so the sauce stays pourable.
3. Stir the crisp rice cereal and Reese’s Pieces into the peanut butter sauce until everything is evenly coated. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared sheet. If you prefer uniform cookies, shape each scoop with lightly oiled or damp hands to smooth the edges.
4. Let the cookies cool and set completely at room temperature. This usually takes 15–30 minutes depending on room temperature and humidity.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to preserve their chewy texture and crisp cereal crunch.
Tips and Variations
- Peanut butter: Use creamy for a smoother texture or chunky for extra bite. Natural peanut butter may make the mixture a bit looser; if needed, chill briefly before scooping.
- Mix‑ins: Substitute mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or M&M’s for Reese’s Pieces. For a double‑chocolate version, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the sugar mixture and increase peanut butter slightly.
- Texture: If you like a firmer cookie, add an extra ½ cup of cereal. For softer, chewier cookies, reduce cereal by ¼ cup.
- Shaping: Use a small cookie scoop for consistent portions. Wetting your hands with a little water or oil helps shape without sticking.
- Make‑ahead: These cookies hold well for 2–3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to a week if refrigerated. Let refrigerated cookies come to room temperature briefly before serving for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rice Krispies no‑bake cookies as a sweet snack with coffee or milk, or arrange them on a platter for parties and holiday gatherings. They’re portable and kid‑friendly, making them ideal for lunchboxes, potlucks, or classroom events.
Rice Krispies No Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups crisp rice cereal
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces candies
Instructions
- Line a sheet of waxed paper, parchment, or a nonstick mat on a flat surface.
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium until it reaches a full boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Quickly fold in crisp rice cereal and Reese’s Pieces until well coated.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared sheet and shape if desired. Allow to cool and set.
Notes
