Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Introduction

Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats. They’re easy to make, chewy, and packed with colorful red and green M&Ms and sprinkles to brighten up any dessert table.

Ingredients

• 7 cups mini marshmallows, divided
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 cups puffed rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
• 1 cup red and green M&Ms, divided
• 2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles, divided
• Red, green, or white candy melts (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and add 5 cups of the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the puffed rice cereal, the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows, 1 tablespoon of the sprinkles, and ½ cup of the M&Ms until well combined.
5. Step 5: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Let it cool completely.
6. Step 6: Before the treats cool fully, gently press the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms on top and sprinkle with a few more Christmas sprinkles.
7. Optional Step 7: For cut shapes, press the treats into a greased 9×13-inch pan to create a thinner layer. After cooling completely, use greased cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
8. Optional Step 8: Dip cut shapes or rolled balls in melted candy melts and decorate with sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
9. Optional Step 9: To make ornament treats, roll about ⅛ cup portions of the treats into balls while still warm. Place on parchment paper to set, then dip in candy melts and add decorations such as mini Reeses for toppers.

Tips & Variations

• Use any festive sprinkles or candies to customize the look and flavor to your preference.
• For easier cutting, grease cookie cutters slightly before pressing into the treats.
• Substitute mini marshmallows with regular marshmallows if needed, adjusting melting time accordingly.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle holiday spice twist.

Storage

Store the Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best texture. If you need to keep them longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, let frozen treats thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, regular marshmallows work fine. You may need to melt them slightly longer to achieve a smooth mixture.

How do I prevent Rice Krispie Treats from becoming too hard?

Don’t overcook the marshmallows, and avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. Cooling at room temperature helps maintain a soft, chewy texture.

Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Print Recipe

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Delight in the festive spirit with these Christmas Rice Krispie Treats, featuring gooey melted marshmallows, crunchy puffed rice cereal, and bursts of holiday-colored M&Ms and sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties or as a fun, homemade gift, these treats can also be shaped into festive cutouts or ornament balls dipped in colorful candy melts for extra cheer.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 12–16 bars or 24–30 ornament treats 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 7 cups mini marshmallows, divided
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 cups puffed rice cereal (Rice Krispies brand recommended)
• 1 cup red and green M&Ms, divided
• 2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles, divided (use one type or a variety)

For Dipping and Decorating

• Red, Green, or White Candy Melts (optional, for dipping shapes or ornament treats)
• Mini Reese’s pieces (optional, for ornament treat toppers)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, then set it aside while you prepare the mixture.
2. Melt Butter and Flavorings: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to combine well.
3. Add Marshmallows: Reduce heat to low and add 5 cups of the mini marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients: Remove the melted marshmallow mixture from heat. Stir in 6 cups of the puffed rice cereal, the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows, 1 tablespoon of Christmas sprinkles, and half a cup of M&Ms until everything is evenly coated.
5. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly to create an even layer. Allow it to cool slightly, but before it fully sets, gently press the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms on top and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of Christmas sprinkles.
6. Cool and Cut: Let the treats cool completely in the baking dish. For shaped treats, press the mixture into a larger 9×13-inch pan before cooling to create a thinner layer. Once cooled, grease cookie cutters and press them into the treats to cut out festive shapes.
7. Decorate with Candy Melts (Optional): Dip the shaped treats into melted red, green, or white candy melts for an extra festive touch and decorate with sprinkles as desired.
8. Make Ornament Treats: While still warm, scoop approximately ⅛ cup portions of the rice crispy mixture and roll into balls. Place them on parchment paper and allow them to set. Dip the balls in melted candy melts, then decorate with sprinkles and top each with a mini Reese’s piece to resemble ornament toppers.

Notes

• Use mini marshmallows for better melting and easier mixing.
• Grease cookie cutters well to make cutting shaped treats easier.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure treats hold their shape.
• To store, keep treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• The candy melt dipping step is optional but adds a beautiful festive finish.
• Mini Reese’s pieces add a cute and tasty topper for the ornament treats.
• The recipe yields both traditional bars and shaped treats depending on your preference.

Keywords: Christmas Rice Krispie Treats, Holiday treats, Rice Krispies, Festive desserts, Marshmallow bars, Christmas snacks, Candy melts, Holiday treats recipe