Welcome
These Rice Krispie Christmas Treats are a holiday staple that turns simple pantry ingredients into a colorful, crunchy favorite. I’ve made them for class parties and last-minute hostess gifts, and they always disappear fast. For a reminder of the classic base this builds from, see this original Rice Krispie treats guide. (https://www.meinlabradorretriever.com/original-rice-krispie-treats/)
Why Make This Recipe
- Fast to prepare: ready in about 20–30 minutes from start to finish, so they’re great for last-minute baking.
- Kid-friendly and festive: bright sprinkles or crushed candy canes make them holiday-ready without fancy tools.
- Minimal ingredients: you only need cereal, marshmallows, and butter with a few optional add-ins.
- Easy to adapt for diets and flavors—swap ingredients to make them gluten-free or dairy-free.
- Personal insight: I love this recipe because it’s forgiving — even when marshmallows cook unevenly, a quick stir and press into the pan saves the batch.
(I sometimes pair the crunchy texture with a fruity take like these blueberry Rice Krispie treats for variety.)
https://www.meinlabradorretriever.com/irresistibly-sweet-blueberry-rice-krispies-treats/
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5–10 minutes (melting and mixing)
- Total time: 20–30 minutes (includes cooling)
- Servings: 12–16 squares (9×13-inch pan)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Stove-top melting of butter and marshmallows, fold in cereal, press into pan, decorate.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe multiple times to get the balance of chew and crunch right. I learned that melting marshmallows over low heat keeps them glossy and tacky rather than grainy. Pressing the mixture with parchment or a greased spatula prevents over-compression and keeps the treats light.
How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Treats
Start by melting butter over low heat in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add 10 oz (about one 10‑oz bag) mini marshmallows and stir until completely smooth, then remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of fine salt. Quickly fold in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated, then turn the mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch pan lined with parchment and lightly greased; sprinkle with festive toppings and press gently with a piece of parchment or a silicone spatula. Let cool 30–45 minutes, then cut into squares.
Equipment notes: use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to avoid hot spots, a silicone spatula for clean stirring, and a 9×13 pan for even thickness.
Expert Tips for Success
- Melt on low heat and stir constantly: marshmallows scorch quickly; keep the temperature gentle and steady.
- Use butter, not oil: butter adds flavor and helps the marshmallow glaze set with the right chew (substitute vegan butter for dairy-free).
- Press gently and evenly: use parchment or an oiled spatula and avoid compacting—too much pressure makes dense, hard bars.
- Timing the decorations: add sprinkles or M&Ms while the mixture is warm so they adhere, but don’t press so hard that you mash the air pockets.
- Microwave option: if short on time, melt 4 Tbsp butter and 10 oz marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl in 30‑second bursts, stirring between bursts until smooth.
(If you like salty-sweet combos, check this chocolate-peanut butter riff for inspiration.)
https://www.meinlabradorretriever.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-rice-krispies-treats/
How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Treats
- Cut into uniform squares and stack with parchment between layers for parties.
- Make mini sandwich versions with a thin layer of frosting or nut butter between two squares.
- Serve as part of a dessert board alongside cookies and fruit for a holiday spread.
- Present them in clear cellophane tied with ribbon for gifting—add a personalized tag for a homemade touch.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best texture; up to 5 days if tightly sealed. For longer storage, individually wrap squares in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze up to 6 weeks. To thaw, remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. Reheat briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) if you want them soft and warm—watch closely to prevent melting the mix-ins.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: use certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal to make the recipe safe for celiac diets.
- Dairy-free / Vegan: substitute 4 Tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows.
- Peppermint crunch: fold in 1/2 cup crushed candy cane and drizzle 2 oz melted white chocolate; chill before cutting.
- Salty-pretzel twist: swap 1 cup cereal for 1 cup broken pretzels and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (see a tested pretzel holiday option).
https://www.meinlabradorretriever.com/4-ingredient-pretzel-christmas-treats-2/
(For seasonal shapes, press into cookie cutters in a shallow pan while warm, or see simple holiday shapes inspiration.)
https://www.meinlabradorretriever.com/simple-halloween-rice-krispie-treats-for-busy-families/
Nutritional Highlights
- These treats are primarily a source of quick carbs and sugars, so enjoy them in small portions.
- They contain minimal protein and fiber, so pair them with nuts or a protein-rich snack if serving children.
- Allergens: contain gluten unless you use a certified gluten-free cereal, and contain dairy unless you use dairy-free butter; may also include peanut/tree-nut cross-contact if using nut mix-ins. Aim for 1 small square (about 2 x 2 inches) as a reasonable portion for most people.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Sticky, not set: the marshmallow-cereal mix may be too warm or under-pressed—press firmly into the pan and chill 15–30 minutes.
- Hard or brittle treats: marshmallows were overheated; next time melt gently over low heat and avoid boiling.
- Decorations sliding off: add mix-ins while the surface is tacky but not too molten; for heavier toppings, press in slightly as soon as you transfer to the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer lead times, individually wrap squares and freeze up to 6 weeks; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How do I get perfectly even squares when cutting?
A: Use a bench scraper or a sharp, lightly oiled knife and cut after the treats have set but are still slightly warm. Chill 10–15 minutes first if you want cleaner edges, and wipe the blade between cuts.
Q: Are there healthier substitutions I can use?
A: You can reduce portion size or swap in lower-sugar cereal, but marshmallows are the main binding and provide most sweetness. For a slightly higher-protein bite, fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or use protein-packed toppings sparingly.
Q: Can I color the marshmallow mixture for themed treats?
A: Yes — add a few drops of gel food coloring to the melted marshmallows off the heat and stir thoroughly for even color. Gel works best because it won’t thin the mixture like liquid coloring.
Conclusion
If you want more seasonal Rice Krispie ideas and a different festive take, check out this detailed Christmas Rice Krispie Treats recipe for more decoration and flavor ideas: Christmas Rice Krispie Treats — Hungry Enough To Eat Six.
Rice Krispie Christmas Treats
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These colorful, crunchy Rice Krispie Christmas Treats are a holiday favorite, perfect for class parties and last-minute gifts.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Pinch of fine salt
- Festive toppings (sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or M&Ms)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat.
- Add mini marshmallows and stir until smooth; remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Quickly fold in Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased and parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan, sprinkle with toppings, and press gently.
- Let cool for 30–45 minutes, then cut into squares.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze individually wrapped for up to 6 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stove-top melting and pressing
- Cuisine: American