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Lunchroom-style Monster Crunchies. These treats are so easy to make with only a handful of ingredients and zero baking, there’s nothing not to love! Melted chocolate chips mixed with creamy or crunchy peanut butter, brown rice krispies, broken pretzels, and a big handful of M&M’s. These take just minutes to make and only seconds to disappear. Kids and adults love every little crunchy bite. Perfect for the lunchroom, as an after-school snack, or a treat to share with co-workers. These monster crunchies are so delicious!
I have the busy back-to-school season in mind. I don’t understand why, but this is one of my favorite times of the year. When I was a kid I hated heading back to school. But what I loved was the idea that my family would be getting back into routines and back to some structure.
If you know anything about me, you know I love a routine and I need structure. I’m very much that girl. So when back-to-school time rolled around it was sad, but I also think I felt a sense of excitement. Excitement for creating new routines. Excitement for the upcoming fall season. And oh my gosh, definitely excitement that the holidays would soon be here. Halloween is right around the corner!
Additionally, I adored back-to-school shopping more than anything. Both back-to-school clothes shopping and shopping for my list of supplies. That part was always fun!
Now as an adult, I still find this time of year exciting. And with the busyness of work, socializing, family time, football, and sports, I heard you all when you said you need simple, simple. So I’m rolling out some of my easiest recipes this month!
These monster crunchies are beyond yummy. I was inspired by everyone’s favorite monster cookies to create a simple 5-ingredient monster CRUNCH with brown rice krispies, broken pretzels, peanut butter, mini M&M’s, and chocolate chips.
The details
Step 1: melt the chocolate
Use the entire 24-ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Melt them together with coconut oil in a glass bowl. I do this in the microwave, which is the easiest. It’s a gentle way to melt the chocolate without burning it.
The coconut oil is optional, but I would use it if you have it. It helps to nicely set the chocolate.
Step 2: mix everything in
Now, in a large bowl, add the peanut butter, brown rice krispies, pretzel pieces, and either M&M’s or mini M&M’s. Stir this all up until combined!
The peanut butter and M&M’s add the “monster” cookie element. You could also add dry old-fashioned oats, which are traditionally used in a monster cookie recipe. But I don’t think they’re actually needed for these.
Step 3: make the crunch clusters
Scoop out spoonfuls of the crunch mix onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Then put the entire cookie sheet in the fridge or freezer to quickly set up.
Once the chocolate is set, you can eat them all up! I usually add a pinch of sea salt to mine. So yum!
You can keep these stored in the fridge or on the counter, but be sure to keep them out of the sun. Either place or is great, but we love them most straight out of the fridge.
Asher says these are perfect for snacking. She loves every crunchy bite! Be sure to keep these in an airtight container.
Looking for easy “lunchroom” style back-to-school desserts? Here are a few ideas:
Healthier Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies
Homemade Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars
Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Blondies
Giant Salted Espresso Hot Fudge Cookies
Lastly, if you make these Monster Crunchies be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Monster Crunchies
Servings: 40 bites
Calories Per Serving: 45 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 1 bag (24 ounce) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 3/4 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 3 cups brown rice crisps
- 1 cup pretzels, broken
- 1 cup mini M&M's regular M&Ms work too
Instructions
- 1. Melt together the chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in the microwave. Mix in the peanut butter, brown rice krispies, pretzels and M&M's.2. Scoop a spoonful (1 tablespoon or so) out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill 10 minutes in the fridge or freezer, until set. 3. Keep stored in the fridge or at room temperature.
This post was originally published on August 11, 2023
These are super tasty! However one package of chocolate chips is 12oz which was perfect for the mixture. Will 100% make these again.
Thank you Carrie! xT
I have a peanut allergy…is there something to substitute the peanut butter with?
You could use another nut butter! xT
Could you omit the peanut butter? Would it ruin it?
Hi Lucy! I would recommend using some sort of nut butter to keep the creamy consistency! xT
Made these to take to a get together this evening – made them for the kids but I’m sure the adults will be all over these!! Super easy – and for those wondering, it is 24ounces of Chocolate Chips. I added an extra cup of pretzels thought because I thought it was a bit too chocolaty – turned out great!
Thanks Melissa! So so glad you enjoyed the recipe! xT
Tieghan….you’re amazing! These look so good! I love to cook and bake, but I could never come up with recipes like you do! Thank you! Can’t wait to make these!
Aw thank you so much Sara! I really appreciate it! xT
Could not wait to make a batch.I used everything bagel pretzel chips (didn’t have regular pretzels), grape nuts (didn’t have rice krispies) and natural peanut butter.
Oh. My. Goodness! DELICIOUSNESS!!
and I need to go shopping…
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try! So happy to hear it was enjoyed! Have an awesome week! xT
Am I reading this right – 24oz bag of semi-sweet chips…? My bags are 12oz’s. guess I could half the recipe..?
Or get two bags. Yup. That’s how measurements work.
These would make great Christmas gifts. How long are they good after you make them (shelf life) and would they have to be kept refrigerated or can they be left out and given away as gifts shelf stable?
Hi! I would say they should last about a week in the fridge but you could definitely freeze them for a few weeks! xT
Do you mix in the pretzels at the same time as the m&m’s, etc?
Yes, you add in the same time as the other mix ins!
I’m allergic to coconut, would ghee or butter work? Or perhaps avocado oil instead?
Old recipes used shortening
Ghee or butter would totally work! xT
Hi, a bag of chocolate chips is usually 12 oz. Do you mean 2 bags of chips? Just checking on the amount of chocolate. Thanks!
Is there something I can sub the peanut butter with? Would love to make these for a party but there are nut allergies. Thank you!
Almond butter or sun butter can add some flakes almonds or some sunflower seeds if you need a little more crunch
Hi! Hmmm is there another nut butter that would work? xT
Melt butterscotch chips and use those instead? Just an idea 😜 good luck!
Try sunbutter! It’s delicious and imo is better than peanut butter!
Hey Tieghan,
Really excited to make these!! They are such a great treat for the transition from summer to fall. (: Strange question: can these be frozen? I’m making batches of baked goods to freeze and give to people later and would love to add these to the list! Otherwise, they seem fantastic as an after dinner snack. 😊
Thanks! Kris
Hi! Yes you could definitely freeze them! I would just let them sit out for a bit after freezing before eating! xT
Oooh definitely making these tomorrow for my daughter’s birthday dinner! Even though she is turning 18, I think everyone will appreciate the birthday goodie bags full of these!
Aww happy birthday to her! xT
These look so good and so easy! I’m already thinking of different add-ins that would be good but I will try the original recipe first! 🙂
Hey Amber! So happy to hear this recipe was enjoyed! Thanks for giving it a try! xT
could Rice Krispies be substituted for the brown rice crisps? Do the brown rice crisps remain crunch after being stored in the frig for a day or two?
Hi! Yes, definitely! xT
Where do I find brown rice crisps? I’ve seen them in a few recipes recently but have never seen them in a store. Thanks! 🥰
Hey Julie! I usually get mine at whole foods! xT