Ritz Marshmallow Treats

Buttery, salty, sweet, these Ritz marshmallow treats are sure to be your next favorite dessert. Similar to the classic cereal bar, these chewy, no bake treats are easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

The first time I had these Ritz marshmallow treats at a party I knew I had to go home immediately and try making them. Chewy, sweet, salty, these marshmallow treats have it all.

You are probably familiar with the classic cereal marshmallow treats, but Ritz crackers add a delicious buttery, salty flavor that really take these up a notch.

These treats are great on their own but I decided to use mini M&M's for a pop of color and chocolate flavor but I have also had them with Rolos and other candies and sprinkles.

Want more Ritz cracker recipes, be sure to try these Ritz cracker sandwiches and Ritz party crackers.

Why you'll love this recipe

Simple ingredients. Only a few ingredients needed to make these tasty treats.
Savory and sweet. The saltiness of the crackers pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the marshmallows and candy.
Fresh is best. These treats are best served the first couple days of making.

Ingredients

Ritz marshmallow treats can be made with just a few ingredients.

Box of Ritz crackers, bag of marshmallows, butter, vanilla, and m&ms.

Butter - Unsalted butter is used
Ritz crackers - Crumbled Ritz crackers are buttery, salty, and crunchy.
Marshmallows - Marshmallows are melted to hold the treats together
Vanilla extract - Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness.
Mini M&M's - These are optional but add delicious chocolate flavor. You can substitute with other candy like Rolos or Reeces Pieces.

How to make Ritz marshmallow treats

Here is a step by step process of making these Ritz marshmallow treats. Scroll to the bottom for the full printable recipe.

Place the butter in a large pot. Melt on medium heat until fully melted.

Stir in the marshmallows. Keep stirring until the marshmallows melt.

Pot with melted butter and mini marshmallows.

Remove the pot from the stove. Stir in the vanilla extract, a few extra mini marshmallows, and the crushed Ritz crackers.

Pot with melted marshmallows and crushed Ritz crackers.

Stir in the mini M&M's and then quickly spread out in a baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Use the butter wrapper or a spatula greased with cooking spray to press the treats into the baking dish.

Let the treats rest until set. Cut into squares.

Recipe tips

Work fast. Once the marshmallows have melted, stir in the crushed crackers and candy immediately. The bars will set fast.
Grease your spoon and baking dish. This will help prevent from sticking.
Don't crush the Ritz crackers too small. You want to have a few bigger pieces to keep the crunch and flavor.

Variations

Make these Ritz krispie treats your own with a few changes. Here are some suggestions:

Candy: Swap out the M&M's for other candy like Rolos, Reeces Pieces, sprinkles, and more.
Peanut butter: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the melted marshmallows.
Nuts: Give these treats some crunch by mixing in chopped peanuts or pecans.
Cereal: Substitute the crackers with cereal like Golden Grahams, Cheerios, or classic Rice Krispies.

Storage

Store any leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to break up the Ritz crackers?

It's best to break the crackers up into smaller pieces, not crumbs. I like just breaking them up with my hands or lightly pounding them with a can or rolling pin.

Do Ritz cracker marshmallow treats need to be refrigerated?

No, you don't need to refrigerate these treats.

Let me know if you try these Ritz marshmallow treats in the comments below.

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