These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are a festive twist on the classic no-bake dessert everyone loves! With gooey marshmallows, crispy cereal, and fun holiday candy and sprinkles, they're quick to make, easy to share, and perfect for any Christmas gathering.
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Whenever I make Rice Krispies Treats, I always make them extra gooey and flavorful with added vanilla, extra butter, and extra marshmallows. I've made them for lots of holidays (like these Halloween Rice Krispies Treats), but love them even more at Christmastime!
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy: No oven needed-ready in about 15 minutes.
- Festive & Fun: Red and green sprinkles and M&Ms make these treats perfect for the holidays.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults-ideal for parties or cookie swaps.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: They stay chewy and delicious for days, making them great for gifting or prepping early.
What This Recipe Needs
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic base for that signature crunch.
- Mini Marshmallows: Create the soft, gooey texture that makes these irresistible.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth and flavor depth.
- Christmas Sprinkles and M&Ms: Add color, texture, and holiday cheer!
- Christmas Colored Candy Melts: These are used for dipping and decorating but aren't required for the recipe.
- Christmas Cookie Cutters : You only need these if you are cutting shapes out of the Rice Krispies treats.
Fun Tip: Use the Red and Green Rice Krispies if you can find them at the store for extra festiveness! I have the best luck finding them at Target. Not so much luck at Walmart, though!
If you like this recipe, make sure to check out my Peppermint Marshmallow Wands, Grinch Cookies, Christmas Cake Pops, Reindeer Chow and these tasty Christmas Oreo Balls!
How to Make Christmas Rice Krispies Treats?
- Step 1: Spray a 9x9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a large saucepan, melt the butter and part of the marshmallows on low heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Step 2: Stir in cereal, the remaining marshmallows, half the M&Ms, and half the sprinkles.
- Step 3: Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Allow to cool and then enjoy!
- Step 4: Shapes: Grease your Christmas Cookie cutters with PAM, then press them into the cooled Rice Krispies treats. The thinner the treats, the easier they are to cut, so either carefully cut them in half horizontally or press the Rice Crispy Treats into a large dish to cool. With the leftover rice crispy treats that you cut off from the shapes, push them into balls to form ornaments. Dip the shapes in candy melts and decorate!
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How to Make 3D Ornaments or Christmas Tree Rice Crispy Treats?
Similar to my Halloween Popcorn Balls, I love pressing the Rice Krispies into spheres and decorating them as ornaments.
- Step 1: Grease your hands with non-stick cooking spray. Before the rice crispies set, but while they are still warm, scoop out a bit and roll into a ball, or if making trees, shape them into a cone. Keep checking and pressing the balls together as they cool.
- Step 2: Once cooled and set, dip in melted candy melts, and decorate with sprinkles and candies. I used mini Reeses as the ornament topper.
Christmas Rice Krispies Treat Tips:
- Small or Large Batch: This recipe makes thick treats in a square 9"x9" pan. Double the recipe to make thick treats for a 9"x13" dish.
- Marshmallow Size: If you use large marshmallows, make sure to melt them on low. Chop a few and set aside so they don't melt, then mix them in with the sprinkles and cereal.
- Don't Overheat Marshmallows: Melting them too hot can make the treats hard instead of chewy.
- Press Gently: Use lightly buttered hands or parchment paper to press the mixture without compacting it.
- Add Sprinkles Last: Mix in after the cereal has cooled slightly so the colors don't melt.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Make sure to check out my Christmas Popcorn for another easy, delicious Christmas treat!
Variations
Cereal: Swap Rice Krispies for Cocoa Krispies for a chocolatey version.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Add a festive drizzle for extra sweetness and sparkle.
Peppermint Bark: Sprinkle with crushed Peppermint Bark, stir in crushed candy canes, and dip in Chocolate Candy Melts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store them in an airtight container with a piece of wax paper between layers to keep them fresh and chewy.
Heating the marshmallows too quickly over too high heat will cause the treats to be dry and crumbly.
Lightly butter your hands, spray with PAM, or use a piece of parchment paper when pressing the mixture into the pan.
Rice crispy treats, if stored in an airtight container at room temperature, are good for 3-5 days.
Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If giving as a gift you can also wrap with colorful cling wrap or clear treat bags.
More Related Recipes
Make sure to check out all my fun and delicious Christmas recipes here! You don't want to miss my Wreath Cookies, Christmas Cheesecake, Gingerbread Christmas Tree, and these Twice Upon a Mickey Cupcakes!
If you like this recipe, make sure to give it a 5-star review and leave a comment down below!
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Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 9x9 square pan
- Christmas Cookie Cutter optional
Ingredients
- 7 cups mini marshmallows divided*
- 4 tbs unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups puffed rice cereal I used Rice Krispy brand *
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms divided
- 2 tbs Christmas sprinkles divided (use one or a variety!)
- Red, Green, or White Candy Melts if dipping
Instructions
- Grease a 9x9 baking dish* with cooking spray or butter, set aside.
- In a large sauce pan melt butter over medium low heat. Once melted stir in the vanilla extract and salt.4 tbs unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Reduce heat to low and add in 5 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir until completely melted.7 cups mini marshmallows
- Once fully melted remove from heat and stir in puffed rice cereal, remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows, 1 tablespoon of the sprinkles, and ½ cup M&Ms.6 cups puffed rice cereal, 1 cup red and green M&Ms, 2 tbs Christmas sprinkles
- Press into the prepared baking dish and allow to cool completely before cutting. Before the rice crispies cool completely, gently press the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms on M&Ms on top and sprinkle with a few more Christmas colored sprkles1 cup red and green M&Ms, 2 tbs Christmas sprinkles
Cut Shapes
- To make cut shapes, press Rice Krispies into a 9x13 pan. This will create a thin bar that is easier to cut. Allow treats to cool completely, then press a greased cookie cutter into the treats and cut out the shape.
- Dip shape in candy melts and decorate.Red, Green, or White Candy Melts
Ornament Treats
- While still warm, roll ⅛th of a cup of rice crispy treats into a ball.
- Place balls on parchment paper and allow to set.
- Dip balls in candy melts, then decorate with sprinkles and a mini ressee for the topper.
Notes
- *7 cups of mini marshmallows is 1 cup more than a 10-oz bag, so I recommend buying a 16-oz bag and using the leftovers for sweet potatoes or cookies!
- *If you can find the red and green Rice Krispies during the holidays, those are fun to use, too!
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
Lisa says
I love how easy and festive these turn out! Plus they are the best tasting rice cripsy treats recipe!