Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Peeps?

Absolutely! Regular marshmallows work perfectly in this recipe, though you'll lose the fun colors that Peeps provide. Use about 4-5 cups of mini marshmallows or 40 regular-sized marshmallows as a substitute.

My treats turned out too hard. What happened?

The most common cause is overbaking. Check your oven temperature (some run hotter than others) and watch carefully during baking. Next time, try reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Remember that the treats will firm up more as they cool.

Can I make these in the microwave instead of the oven?

Yes! Place the Peeps and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Then stir in the Rice Krispies and press into your prepared pan. The oven method gives a more even melt, but microwave works in a pinch!

How do I prevent my treats from sticking to my hands when pressing them into the pan?

Spray your hands lightly with non-stick spray or wet them with cold water before pressing the mixture into the pan. You can also use a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap as a barrier between your hands and the sticky mixture.

Peeps Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Name: Peeps Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups Rice Krispies; 16-20 Peeps (feel free to mix colors for a festive touch); 6 tablespoons Butter, sliced thinly

This delightfully colorful Peeps Rice Krispie Treats recipe transforms the classic marshmallow squares into a fun, festive dessert that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. By using Peeps instead of plain marshmallows, you get beautiful pops of color and an extra sweet flavor that makes this treat extra special. Best of all, this recipe requires just three ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes – perfect for when you need a quick dessert that looks like you spent hours on it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: With just three ingredients and minimal steps, even beginner bakers can nail this recipe on the first try.
Ultra-Fast: From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in about 20 minutes – most of which is hands-off baking time!
Customizable Colors: Use different colored Peeps to match any holiday or occasion – pink and yellow for Easter, orange for Halloween, or red and green for Christmas.
Kid-Friendly: Children absolutely love helping with this recipe, from arranging the colorful Peeps to pouring in the cereal.
No Stovetop Required: Unlike traditional Rice Krispie treats, this version bakes in the oven, eliminating the need to stand over a hot stove stirring a sticky mixture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rice Krispies: The star cereal that gives these treats their signature crunch and texture. You could also experiment with Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate version or even try Fruity Pebbles for an extra colorful twist.
Peeps: These colorful marshmallow treats are the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary Rice Krispie treats into something special. Their vibrant colors create a beautiful marbled effect when melted. Different seasonal shapes work perfectly – bunnies, chicks, ghosts, whatever you can find!
Butter: Creates that rich, buttery flavor we all love in Rice Krispie treats and helps everything stick together perfectly. Salted butter adds a nice contrast to the sweetness, but unsalted works wonderfully too.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Version

Drizzle melted chocolate chips over the top after baking, or mix in chocolate chips once the mixture has cooled slightly but is still warm enough for them to soften without fully melting.

Holiday Editions

Customize your Peeps selection based on the holiday – use ghost Peeps for Halloween, heart Peeps for Valentine’s Day, or Christmas tree Peeps for winter holidays.

Sprinkle Explosion

Add a handful of colorful sprinkles to the Rice Krispies before baking for even more color and fun.

Peanut Butter Paradise

Swirl in a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter with the melted Peeps for a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.

How to Make Peeps Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This is important to get the perfect melt on your Peeps! Spray your baking dish (an 8×8 or 9×9 works well) and a spatula with non-stick spray. The spatula prep is crucial – it will make pressing down the treats so much easier.

Step 2: Arrange Your Peeps

Separate your 16-20 Peeps and arrange them in the baking dish. You can create a pattern with different colors or just scatter them randomly – either way, they’ll melt into a beautiful swirl of colors.

Step 3: Add Rice Krispies and Butter

Pour the 4 cups of Rice Krispies over the arranged Peeps, distributing them evenly. Then place your thinly sliced butter pieces evenly throughout the dish. Thin slices ensure even melting and distribution.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the Peeps have melted completely and the butter has incorporated throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Press and Cool

Remove from the oven and immediately press the mixture down with your prepared non-stick spatula to compact everything together. Let cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Warm Enjoyment: These treats are absolutely divine when enjoyed slightly warm, with the marshmallow still gooey and stretchy!
Easy Release: Line your baking dish with parchment paper that overhangs the sides for the easiest removal and cutting.
Even Thickness: Press down firmly and evenly with your spatula to ensure consistent thickness throughout your treats.
Color Control: If you want more distinct color sections, group same-colored Peeps together in the pan rather than mixing them.
Clean Cuts: Use a knife sprayed with non-stick spray or dipped in warm water between cuts for cleanly sliced squares.

How to Serve

Sweet Pairing

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert that combines warm and cold textures beautifully.

Dessert Platter

Create a colorful dessert platter with these treats as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh berries and chocolate dipped pretzels.

Gifting

Stack a few treats in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that’s perfect for Easter baskets or party favors.

Party Display

Arrange on a tiered cake stand for a colorful display at birthday parties or holiday gatherings – they double as both a treat and decoration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These treats freeze surprisingly well! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked gooeyness, microwave individual treats for 10-15 seconds, just enough to slightly warm them without melting completely.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Peeps?

Absolutely! Regular marshmallows work perfectly in this recipe, though you’ll lose the fun colors that Peeps provide. Use about 4-5 cups of mini marshmallows or 40 regular-sized marshmallows as a substitute.
My treats turned out too hard. What happened?

The most common cause is overbaking. Check your oven temperature (some run hotter than others) and watch carefully during baking. Next time, try reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Remember that the treats will firm up more as they cool.
Can I make these in the microwave instead of the oven?

Yes! Place the Peeps and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Then stir in the Rice Krispies and press into your prepared pan. The oven method gives a more even melt, but microwave works in a pinch!
How do I prevent my treats from sticking to my hands when pressing them into the pan?

Spray your hands lightly with non-stick spray or wet them with cold water before pressing the mixture into the pan. You can also use a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap as a barrier between your hands and the sticky mixture.

Final Thoughts

These Peeps Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect blend of nostalgic flavor and playful presentation. I love how they transform ordinary Rice Krispie treats into something special with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute Easter treat, a colorful addition to your dessert table, or a fun kitchen project with kids, this recipe delivers big on both simplicity and smiles. Give these treats a try – they might just become your new go-to for quick, impressive desserts!