Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, then set it aside while you prepare the mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/christmas-rice-krispie-treats-recipe/
