This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Christmas Rice Krispie treats are a favorite during the holiday season in my home. These yummy squares are ideal for snacking at a dessert table, and who can resist the gooey marshmallows blended with crispy rice cereal?
Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Holiday Rice Krispie treats are incredibly simple to make and there are endless ways to decorate them, making them a festive dessert. I love mixing in red and green candies with holiday sprinkles, then cutting them into easy to grab, convenient squares.
For a fun twist, add green food coloring and shape the treats into wreaths or Christmas trees for a completely different dessert. You can also switch things up by using chocolate rice cereal and white chocolate chips for a double chocolate version or fruity rice cereal for bright, colorful treats.
One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. No need to actually bake anything and they are ready in under 30 minutes! It’s also a fun activity to do with kids, making it an easy dessert anyone can make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rice Krispies cereal
- mini marshmallows
- unsalted butter
- Red and green chocolate candies
Optional:
- Holiday cookie cutters (trees, stars, snowmen)
- Melted chocolate for drizzling on top
How to Make Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1. In a large saucepan or large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add in the mini marshmallows, stirring together until they are melted.
Step 2. Pour in half of the rice cereal, then stir together with the marshmallow mixture. Add in the remaining half of the cereal and stir together until it’s completely combined with the melted marshmallows.
Step 3. Add the red and green M and M’s, stirring quickly, into the mixture before it sets.
Step 4. Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking pan that is lightly sprayed with non stick cooking spray or lined with a sheet of parchment paper. Gently press the treats to shape them in the pan.
5. Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles, top with extra candies, or drizzle with melted chocolate. Let it set for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. When ready, cut with a sharp knife into small squares. Enjoy!
Make Rice Krispie Treats in Microwave
Add the marshmallows and butter to a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, until the marshmallows are completely melted. (The marshmallows will puff up as they microwave.) Quickly stir in the rice cereal until it’s combined with the melted marshmallows and butter. Let it cool for a minute, then stir in the candies.
Tips for Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
- Work Quickly: Marshmallows set fast, so mix and shape quickly.
- Use Non-Stick Tools: Grease your hands or dip your spatula into a cup of water as you press the treats down into the pan.
- Don’t Press: When pressing the treats into the baking dish, don’t press down too hard. This can make the treats dense.
- Give as Gifts: These treats are perfect gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, or as stocking stuffers! Just wrap them in cellophane and tie with a fun ribbon.
Variations
- Candy Cane Treats: Add crushed candy canes to the mixture or crush and sprinkle on top.
- Chocolate Delight: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Cut Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the treats into fun shapes.
- Extra Gooey: Add in extra marshmallows for extra gooey treats.
FAQ’S
If you overheat the marshmallows, or press too firmly into the pan, your treats can be more dense and become hard.
Yes. Substitute marshmallow creme instead of marshmallows. It is sticky enough to act as a binder and will hold the cereal together.
Yes! They are perfect for making ahead! Just be sure to seal them in an airtight container or wrap the baking pan well with plastic wrap to keep air out. They should stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Once the treats have set, use a sharp knife dipped in water or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
More Holiday Recipes
Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- Large Saucepan
- 9×13 baking pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup red and green M and M's
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add in the mini marshmallows, stirring together until they are melted.
- Pour half of cereal into the marshmallow mixture, stirring until combined. Then add in the other half of the cereal and stir together until it's completely combined with the melted marshmallows.
- Add the red and green M and M's, into the mixture before it sets, quickly stirring to combine them into the Krispies.
- Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking pan that is lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or lined with a sheet of parchment paper. Gently press the treats to shape them in the pan.
- Top the treats with Christmas sprinkles, with extra candies, or drizzle with melted chocolate. Let it set for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to set. When ready, cut with a sharp knife into small squares. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
