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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!

Monster Crunchies | halfbakedharvest.com

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!

Monster Crunchies | halfbakedharvest.com

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.

Monster Crunchies | halfbakedharvest.com

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.

Monster Crunchies | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 2: mix everything in

Now add the peanut butter, brown rice krispies, pretzels 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 oats, which are traditionally used in monster cookies. 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-lined baking sheet. Then put the entire pan 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!

Monster Crunchies | halfbakedharvest.com

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

Crinkle Top Brownies

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

Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
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.

Ingredients

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.
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Monster Crunchies | halfbakedharvest.com
4.90 from 28 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made these as well without the mix-ins as I didn’t have them on hand. Delicious and addictive! THAT crunch!! I was anxious to use my new HU semi-sweet chocolate chips and they were perfect for these crunchies. I’m now dreaming of making a version of 100 Grand bars and will definitely reference this recipe, perhaps setting a layer of caramel in between the chocolate crunch layers. I’d love any additional clues if you think they are needed before my attempt. I adore your blog & everything you do Tieghan!!😘😘

      1. Can I make these ahead of time? How long would they keep in the refrigerator or freezer? I love all of your recipes!

        1. Yes, you can definitely make ahead of time! These should last about a week in the fridge and about a month in the freezer! xT

  2. 5 stars
    I didn’t have candies or pretzels but wanted these badly so made them without. They completely satisfied my Nestle crunch bar craving and I absolutely loved the rustic, giant clusters these were- they have such a decadent aesthetic. So GOOD!

  3. 5 stars
    Just what I needed. It was so simple to whip together. I just used the rice crispies cereal I had on hand rather than getting brown rice crisps. They were so delicious.