Christmas Rice Crispy Treats

There’s something unmistakably joyful about a pan of Rice Crispy treats dressed for the holidays — the warm, buttery scent of melted marshmallows, the first crunch giving way to a pillowy, chewy center, and a sparkle of festive sprinkles that catches the light. Each bite is a tiny holiday memory: sticky fingers, laughter around the kitchen island, and that cozy hush when everyone pauses to savor the first taste. Whether you’re pressing them into a pan as a quick after-school snack, shaping them into little holiday balls for a party platter, or delivering them as neighborly treats, these Christmas Rice Crispy Treats are fast, affordable, and irresistibly nostalgic.

Pair them with a savory holiday side or a warm mug of cocoa for contrast — they also sit happily alongside hearty mains like a cheesy casserole for a crowd-ready dessert. For a playful sweet-and-savory pairing, check out this cheesy hamburger rice casserole. Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

At a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting marshmallows and combining)
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling)
Servings: about 24 small treats (or 12-16 squares, depending on size)
Difficulty Level: Easy — perfect for cooks of all ages

Nutrition Highlights
Nutrition per serving (estimate; one serving = 1 small treat; yields ~24):

Calories: ~62 kcal
Protein: ~0.3 g
Carbohydrates: ~11.6 g
Sugars: ~9–10 g
Fat: ~1.5 g
Fiber: ~0 g
Sodium: ~65 mg

Notes on these numbers:

These values are estimates calculated from standard food-composition data (USDA FoodData Central) for the main ingredients: butter, marshmallows, and puffed rice cereal, plus a light allowance for sprinkles. Exact nutrition will vary by brand (especially marshmallows and sprinkles) and by portion size. For detailed, personalized guidance about sugar, calories, and portion control, consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central database or guidance from the Mayo Clinic or CDC on added sugars and portion sizes.

Why You’ll Love It

Irresistible flavor & texture: The toasted-butter aroma mingles with the sweet, airy marshmallows and the delicate snap of puffed rice — you get contrasting textures in a single bite.
Easy and fast: From start to finish in about 15 minutes, this is a go-to for last-minute desserts and classroom treats.
Memorable & shareable: These treats are an instant crowd-pleaser — kids love helping press and decorate them, and they’re a nostalgic hit for adults.
Festive versatility: The recipe is a blank canvas for holiday colors, themed shapes, or mix-ins like crushed candy canes for seasonal flair.

Method & Process
Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or other plain puffed rice cereal)
Sprinkles for decoration

Optional ingredients & substitutions

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (add after marshmallows melt for depth)
1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint chips (stir in with cereal)
1/2 cup peanut butter (stir into melted marshmallow for peanut-butter rice crispy treats)
For vegan: use vegan margarine and vegan marshmallows (brands vary) and check cereal for cross-contamination
For gluten-free: use certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal

Step-by-step instructions

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and, if using, stir in vanilla extract and any optional mix-ins.
Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly (about 1–2 minutes), then shape into balls or press into a buttered 9×13-inch pan. If making balls, roll them in sprinkles while slightly warm so the sprinkles adhere.
Let them cool completely (about 30 minutes at room temperature) before serving.

Practical tips

Keep heat low when melting marshmallows to avoid burning or graininess.
Use a buttered spatula or parchment to press the mixture into a pan to prevent sticking and compress gently (not too hard—overpressing can make treats denser).
If marshmallows begin to stiffen, return briefly to warm, low heat and stir to loosen.
For uniform shapes, use a cookie scoop to portion balls before rolling in sprinkles.

Serve It Up

Plain & classic: Cut into squares or shape into rounds for a simple platter.
With butter or drizzles: Lightly brush the top of squares with melted butter for sheen, or drizzle with melted chocolate for elegance.
Pairings: Serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or a creamy eggnog for a truly festive table.
Kid-friendly party plates: Stack them on tiered trays with other small sweets — or add toothpick flags for a holiday theme.
For a dessert board: Combine with nuts, dried fruit, and cookies to create contrast in textures and flavors — or pair with a cinnamon-heavy snack like these crispy air-fryer churro bites for a cinnamon-sugar combo: Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Shelf Life & Storage

Room temperature: Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. Keep in a single layer or separate layers with parchment to avoid sticking.
Refrigeration: Not necessary and can make them firmer; if you prefer chilled treats, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Advice

Use unsalted butter so you can control salt levels; a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of larger squares can wonderfully balance the sweetness.
Timing is everything: combine the cereal immediately after marshmallows are fully melted to ensure even coating.
Customize texture: for chewier treats, add 1–2 tablespoons of light corn syrup or increase butter slightly; for crisper treats, press less when shaping.
Sprinkles tip: apply sprinkles while the treats are still slightly tacky (not piping hot) so colors don’t bleed and they stick well.

Fun Flavor Ideas

Peppermint Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup crushed candy canes and top with red-and-white sprinkles for a classic Christmas twist.
Hot Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cooled square in melted chocolate and sprinkle with mini marshmallows or cocoa powder.
Nutty Toffee: Stir 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans and 1/4 cup toffee bits into the cereal before pressing into the pan.
Vegan & Allergy-Friendly: Use vegan marshmallows and dairy-free butter. For nut-free, substitute sunflower seed butter if adding a nut-butter flavor.

Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes — they hold well at room temperature for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze individually and thaw before serving.

Q: My treats are too hard — what went wrong?
A: Overcooking the marshmallows or pressing the mixture too firmly can create dense, hard treats. Melt on low heat and press gently.

Q: Can I use full-size marshmallows instead of mini?
A: Yes — 10 oz of mini marshmallows is the same weight as the packaged 10 oz you might see; break up larger marshmallows as they melt for even consistency.

Q: How can I reduce sugar?
A: These are an inherently sweet treat. Reduce portion size, use smaller shapes, or consider mixing in a portion of puffed millet or puffed quinoa to lower sugar per piece; remember texture and stickiness will change.

Q: Can I bake them to get a toasted top?
A: Yes — after pressing into the pan, broil briefly (watch closely) for 15–30 seconds to lightly toast the top. This adds a toasted-marshmallow flavor but requires attention to avoid burning.

Conclusion

These Christmas Rice Crispy Treats are a quick, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable holiday favorite — perfect for classroom parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights in with family. Try decorating them in different colors, pairing them with warm beverages, or mixing in seasonal flavors to make them your own. For more festive inspiration, see this take on classic Rice Krispie treats from Love From The Oven and another fun holiday spin at My Messy Kitchen: Christmas Rice Krispie Treats • Love From The Oven and Christmas Rice Krispie Treats – My Messy Kitchen.

If you make these, I’d love to see your photos and variations — tag your shots, leave a comment, and join our community of seasonal bakers!

Christmas Rice Crispy Treats

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Author: ollierecipegmail-com
Total Time: 15
Yield: 24 small treats 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Irresistibly nostalgic holiday treats with a buttery vanilla flavor, perfect for festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or other plain puffed rice cereal)
Sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and any optional mix-ins if using.
Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly (about 1–2 minutes), then shape into balls or press into a buttered 9×13-inch pan. If making balls, roll them in sprinkles while slightly warm.
Let them cool completely (about 30 minutes at room temperature) before serving.

Notes

For best texture, use low heat when melting marshmallows and avoid overpacking the mixture.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 5
Category: Dessert
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 treat
Calories: 62
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 65mg
Fat: 1.5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11.6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0.3g
Cholesterol: 5mg