Crispy treats are a dangerous thing at my house. I cannot leave them alone. I’m not sure why I torture myself by coming up with new and equally addiction new versions of the old classic. I can’t be stopped!
The other day I was at the grocery store and they had a killer deal on cold cereal. My husband happened to be with me that day and he can’t be helped when it comes to good deals. He insisted we buy about twenty boxes of cereal. I saw about five boxes of Cocoa Puffs and that’s when they wheels started turning. I knew I wanted to mix them in melted butter and marshmallows!
Not only do I love crispy treats. I also adore Reese’s Pieces, especially the mini ones. Let’s face it, puppies, calves, kids and Reese’s Pieces are cuter when they are little!
I love crispy treats for other reasons than just because I love them. The are a good choice because everyone loves them. When I’m racking my brain for a dessert idea and I only have about 10 minutes before I need it, I always turn to crispy treats. In addition to all of those reasons, they are the perfect lunch box treat. They don’t crumble, get smashed or dry out. And they bring really good money during the 4th grade lunch hour!
If you have ten extra minutes you should definitely whip up a batch of these!
Reese's Pieces Cocoa Puff Bars
Ingredients
- 3 T. butter
- 1 10 oz. bag mini marshmallows
- 1/2 c. peanut butter
- 1 t. vanilla
- 6 c. cocoa puffs
- 1 1/2 c. Reese's Mini Pieces
Instructions
- Grease 9" x 13 " pan.
- Measure cereal in separate bowl.
- In a large microwavable bowl, melt butter, about 30 seconds.
- Toss marshmallows in butter to coat. Cook in microwave until marshmallows are puffy and soft, about 1 minute.
- Add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- Toss Cocoa Puffs with butter/peanut butter mixture until coated.
- Pour into greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle Reese's Pieces on top of bars. Press Reese's Pieces firmly into the bars so they will stick.
- Cool. Cut in bars.
S says
Can you freeze these or do they go soggy?
Amy Engberson says
I wouldn’t recommend freezing these cookies. I think it might make the cookies hard, although I’m just guessing because I’ve never tried it before. The good news is they don’t take very long to make and can be made the day before you need them. Hopefully that makes the recipe a bit more doable! Enjoy!
Ayzee says
Thanks for this fantastic recipe! It’s so easy to modify. I often use Reese’s Puffs instead of Cocoa Puffs.
Amy Engberson says
Yay! I’m so glad you liked them and I love that you are substituting for whatever ingredients you have on hand! I bet they were supper yummy!
Traci says
These are amazing! As with anything with melted marshmallow, you’ll need your arm muscles to stir, but so worth it. I couldn’t find the mini Reese Pieces at the store so I used mini M & M. Yum!
Amy Engberson says
I agree! All that stirring just means I deserve to eat a few more treats right! M&M’s are a great choice!
Barbara says
They taste wonderful, but I probably won’t make these again. I’ve made Rice Krispie Treats many times, but they were NEVER as sticky as these. I think it might have been the peanut butter mixing with the marshmallows, because that’s when I started having problems. The mix stuck to everything! I sprayed my hands twice with cooking spray to be able to pat it down into the pan. Also, the mini Reeses Pieces are very hard to find. But it does taste good, if you can keep it from sticking to your hands.
Amy Engberson says
These are pretty tasty! Rice crispy treat making can be a little messy, especially if you work with them while they are still pretty warm. I prefer my treats a little sticky rather than a little dry. I guess it’s worth the mess to me! Happy Fall!
Lauren @ Ease and Carrots says
How fantastic are these!? LOVE Reeses Pieces 🙂
Amy Engberson says
Chocolate, peanut butter, and easy is my kind of dessert!
Cecila says
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz respond as I’m looking to design my own blog and
would like to find out where u got this from. thank you
Amy Engberson says
Thanks Cecila! I did some of the design work myself. I also hired someone to help me with other parts. My theme is a Genesis Theme. Good luck!
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
I like it that you talk about “needing” a dessert. I think it’s a necessity too! These look delicious and very cute too, Amy!
Amy Engberson says
I need two desserts every day. One after lunch and one after dinner. Someday’s even require dessert after breakfast!
Pyper says
LOVE THIS!! I recently successfully made rice crispie treats for the first time–like, last month. So I’m all excited about making more. I’m gonna try this–looks awesome! Do you think melting a scoop of peanut butter in with it is a good idea? Would it work? Might add some more yumminess to this treat!
Amy Engberson says
Yea for you! Rice crispy treats are bad for me! I cannot resist them! These actually have peanut butter mixed in with the marshmallows. Yes, it is very yummy and easy!
Pyper says
Duh, I read that later . . . . My bad:)
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
OH MY YES! These look fantastic!
Amy Engberson says
How can you go wrong with crispy treats + peanut butter + chocolate? You know that combo is going to be a winner!
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says
My hubby would flip for these! Thanks for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.
Amy Engberson says
Don’t tell him how easy they are to make! He will love them!
Elaine Duckett says
Nobody but Justin buys that much cold cereal at one time. Good thing the wheels in our mind go around and around and you can be creative with you two year supply.
Mom
Amy Engberson says
At least he’s not standing at the grocery store limiting what I put in the cart. When he comes to the grocery store with me I’m always surprised at what I find when I put groceries away!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
These bars are PERFECT Amy! Love my Reese’s 🙂 Pinned!
Amy Engberson says
Thanks Trish! I figure you can’t go wrong with Reese’s and chocolate! No bake makes it even better!