Peeps Rice Krispies Treats Recipe: Fluffy Marshmallow Chick Squares

These colorful Easter Peeps Rice Krispies treats are an easy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and lunchboxes. Kids will love the bright, rainbow layers made from Peeps marshmallows mixed into classic Rice Krispies cereal.

Peeps rice krispie treats on a plate with Peeps on the side.
Peeps Rice Krispie treats.

These Peeps Rice Krispies combine classic cereal with colorful Peeps marshmallow candies for a fun twist on a nostalgic treat.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Bright, festive rainbow layers that are perfect for Easter.
  • Quick and simple no-bake method — no oven required.
  • Make ahead and store easily for party planning or school snacks.

Ingredients

Ingredients: food color, vanilla extract, butter, 4 different colored peeps, rice krispies.

Peeps: Choose several packets in different colors — for a rainbow effect I used green, yellow, blue and pink. You can substitute your favorite Peeps colors.

Rice Krispies: Use regular Rice Krispies cereal (sometimes called rice bubbles). They give the best texture and appearance.

Unsalted butter: A small amount helps the mixture set; using unsalted butter lets you control the final salt level.

Optional: A few drops of food coloring can intensify the colors, since Peeps are sometimes white inside. A teaspoon of vanilla extract brightens the flavor if desired.

How to make Peeps Rice Krispie treats

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and timing.

Grease and line an 8″ (20cm) square tin with parchment paper. Use a small knife to remove the tiny black eye dots from the Peeps if you prefer a smooth appearance. Set up four pans on the stove and add one-quarter of the butter to each pan along with one packet of Peeps (faces removed).

Process shots: picking the eyes off the peeps with a small knife, adding peeps to melted butter, four different colored peeps and butter mixes, adding food color to some mixes.

Heat the butter and Peeps on low to medium-low, stirring frequently until the marshmallows melt and combine with the butter. If the melted color looks pale, add a few drops of matching food coloring and stir through. Do not increase the heat — high heat can burn the butter or caramelize the sugar.

Process shots: adding rice krispies to each of the four different colored melted peeps and butter mixes.

Divide the Rice Krispies into four bowls. Add one bowl of cereal to each pot of melted Peeps mixture and stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the melted marshmallow.

Process shots: layering spatula fulls of different colored peeps mix into a lined tin in a haphazard pattern. Adding about three vertical layers until all mixes used up.

Use two clean spatulas to spoon alternating dollops of the different colored mixes into the lined tin until all mixtures are used. I built about three layers for a cheerful rainbow effect; try not to place identical colors directly next to each other. If any mix begins to set while working, return it to very low heat for a minute to loosen it.

Once the tin is filled, smooth the top gently with a spatula and leave the tray to set at room temperature for at least two hours before slicing.

How to serve

Peeps rice krispie treats on a plate with Peeps on the side, surrounded by Easter desserts and Easter decorations.
Easter Peeps Rice Krispie treats.

Cut into squares and arrange on a serving plate. They make a cheerful addition to an Easter dessert table and are great for kids’ lunchboxes. Add a few whole Peeps around the tray for decoration if you like.

How to store

Store these Easter Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container layered with parchment paper at room temperature for up to a week. They remain safe to eat after that but may firm up over time.

Peeps rice krispie treat on a plate with a Peep on the side and plate with rest of treats in the background.
Peeps Rice Krispies.

Recipe tips and frequently asked questions

Can you use Peeps to make Rice Krispie treats?

Yes — Peeps are essentially marshmallows and can replace plain marshmallows one-for-one in Rice Krispie treat recipes.

Can I add extra decorations?

Absolutely. Easter sprinkles, crushed candy, or a drizzle of melted chocolate make attractive additions.

Can I adapt these for other holidays?

Yes. Choose seasonal Peeps colors for Halloween, Christmas, or other occasions to match your theme.

Why did my treats set too hard?

Two common causes:

  • Too high heat — cook on low to medium-low to prevent the sugar from hardening.
  • Over-pressing — press gently when filling and smoothing the tin to keep them tender.

Have you made this recipe? Share your results in the comments and tag your photos on Instagram so the author can see your creations!

Looking for more dessert ideas?

Try other fun treats like Rice Krispie nests, mini cheesecakes, brownies or themed cookies for the holidays.

Close-up Peeps rice krispie treats with Peeps.
Rainbow Peeps Rice Krispie treats.

📋 Recipe

Peeps Rice Krispies Treats

Easy no-bake rainbow Rice Krispie treats made with Peeps marshmallows. Serves about 12 squares.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Setting time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 4 packets (approx 3 oz / 85 g each) different colored Peeps
  • ⅔ stick (¼ cup plus 1 tbsp / 75 g) unsalted butter
  • 7 cups (245 g) Rice Krispies cereal

Optional

  • Several drops food coloring to match the Peeps
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Grease and line an 8″ (20 cm) square tin with parchment. Remove the Peeps’ black eye dots if desired.
  2. Set up four pots. Add one-quarter of the butter and one packet of Peeps to each pot.
  3. Heat on low to medium-low, stirring until the Peeps melt into the butter. Add food coloring and vanilla if using.
  4. Add one-quarter of the Rice Krispies to each pot and stir, scraping the bottom to incorporate all melted marshmallow.
  5. Spoon alternating dollops of the different colored mixes into the lined tin to form about three layers, alternating colors where possible.
  6. Gently smooth the top and allow to set at room temperature for about two hours before slicing.

Notes

Storage: Keep in an airtight container lined with parchment at room temperature for up to a week. They may firm up after that but remain edible.

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Peeps rice krispie treats on a plate with Peeps on the side.
Easy Peeps Rice Krispie treats.