These Christmas Rice Krispies Treats are a delightful, festive twist on the classic snack we all love. Perfectly chewy, colorful, and adorned with sprinkles, they’re a no-bake treat that’s ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a homemade gift. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
What Are Christmas Rice Krispies Treats?
Christmas Rice Krispies Treats are a holiday-themed version of the classic cereal bar made with Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, and butter. What sets this version apart is the festive red and green coloring and a sprinkling of holiday-themed candies or sprinkles on top. They’re perfect for adding some holiday cheer to your dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Festive and Fun: Bright holiday colors and sprinkles make them perfect for Christmas celebrations.
- Kid-Friendly: Both in preparation and as a treat.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with different colors, shapes, or toppings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups (180g) Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 bag (10 oz / 283g) marshmallows
- 3 tbsp (45g) butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Red and green food coloring
- Christmas sprinkles or candies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marshmallow Mixture
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows to the pot and stir constantly until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract, if using.
Coloring the Mixture
- Divide the melted marshmallow mixture evenly into two separate bowls.
- Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to the other. Mix until fully combined.
Mixing the Cereal
- Add 3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to each bowl. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Assembling the Treats
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Press the red mixture into half of the pan and the green mixture into the other half, or layer them as desired. Use a spatula or wax paper to flatten the surface.
- Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles or candies over the top while the mixture is still warm, pressing gently to adhere.
Cooling and Shaping
- Let the treats cool completely at room temperature.
- Cut into squares or use festive cookie cutters to create holiday shapes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these treats as a colorful addition to your holiday dessert spread.
- Wrap them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for gifting.
- Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Keep them away from heat and moisture to maintain their chewy texture.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Ensure you use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal.
- Different Colors: Swap the red and green coloring for other seasonal shades.
- Add Mix-Ins: Incorporate mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or dried cranberries for added flavor.
- Shape Creativity: Use cookie cutters to make Christmas trees, stars, or candy cane shapes.
FAQs
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
What if I don’t have food coloring?
You can skip the food coloring for a classic look or use natural alternatives like beet juice or matcha powder.
How do I prevent sticky hands when shaping the treats?
Grease your hands or spatula lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
These Christmas Rice Krispies Treats are a simple, festive, and delightful way to add a touch of holiday cheer to your celebrations. Whether you’re preparing them with kids or whipping up a batch for last-minute gifting, they’re sure to spread smiles all around. Give this recipe a try and let us know how they turn out—happy holidays!
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Christmas Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 treats
Description
A fun and festive no-bake dessert perfect for the holiday season! These chewy, colorful treats are made with Rice Krispies cereal, melted marshmallows, and festive decorations. Easy to make and great for gifting or snacking!
Ingredients
- 6 cups (180g) Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 bag (10 oz / 283g) marshmallows
- 3 tbsp (45g) butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Red and green food coloring
- Christmas sprinkles or candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Marshmallows: In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Divide and Color: Stir in the vanilla extract, if using. Divide the mixture evenly into two bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to the other, mixing well.
- Mix the Cereal: Stir 3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into each bowl, ensuring all cereal is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Treats: Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray. Press the red mixture into half of the pan and the green mixture into the other half, or layer as desired. Flatten the surface with a spatula.
- Decorate and Cool: Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles or candies on top while the mixture is warm, pressing gently to adhere. Let the treats cool completely.
- Shape and Serve: Cut into squares or use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
Notes
- For gluten-free treats, use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal.
- Grease your hands or tools with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individually wrapped portions for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to customize colors and decorations to match other holidays or occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 120 per serving (approx.)