Name: Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter; 20 oz mini marshmallows; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp almond extract (optional); ½ tsp salt; 10 cups Rice Krispies; 1 cup red and green M&Ms; ½ cup red, white, and green holiday sprinkles; 8 oz white chocolate; ½ cup red and green M&Ms; ¼ cup red, white, and green holiday sprinkles

Introduction

Looking for an incredibly easy and festive dessert to bring to a holiday party? These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats come together in just 15 minutes and offer a delicious twist on the childhood classic. Perfect for school parties, holiday gatherings, or a cozy late-night snack, they’re colorful, fun, and sure to impress.

The image shows square bars with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a light golden brown crispy base. The middle layer is a mix of white rice cereal with red and green sprinkles mixed inside, giving it a textured and festive look. The top layer has red and green candy-coated chocolates scattered on it, along with a white drizzle pattern across the bars. The bars are neatly cut into squares and placed closely together on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup salted butter

20 oz mini marshmallows

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp almond extract (optional)

½ tsp salt

10 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup red and green M&Ms

½ cup red, white, and green holiday sprinkles

8 oz white chocolate (for garnish)

½ cup red and green M&Ms (for garnish)

¼ cup red, white, and green holiday sprinkles (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly mist with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir continuously as it foams and begins to brown, giving off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract carefully; the mixture will bubble up. Continue stirring for 30 seconds until bubbling subsides, then add salt.

Step 4: Add half of the marshmallows and stir until almost melted. Then add the remaining marshmallows and mix until fully melted and combined.

Step 5: Gradually add the Rice Krispies, about 2 cups at a time, gently stirring until evenly combined.

Step 6: Stir in the red and green M&Ms and holiday sprinkles just until incorporated, being careful not to melt the candies.

Step 7: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and gently press the mixture into the prepared pan. Avoid crushing the mixture to keep it light and chewy.

Step 8: For the garnish, break the white chocolate into pieces and melt in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Let rest for 3 minutes to cool slightly.

Step 9: Drizzle half the melted white chocolate over the treats. Sprinkle with the garnish M&Ms and holiday sprinkles. Drizzle the remaining white chocolate over the top to help lock the decorations in place.

Tips & Variations

To prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to your hands, wet them lightly with water before pressing the treats into the pan.

The almond extract adds a festive flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer a classic taste.

Use a 9×13 pan with a lid to easily transport the treats to parties or potlucks without mess.

Gently pressing the mixture instead of crushing helps keep the treats light and chewy.

FAQs

Can I make these treats without almond extract?

Yes! The almond extract is optional and adds extra festive flavor, but the recipe works perfectly well without it.

How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands?

Simply run a few drops of water over your hands and rub them together before handling the mixture. This keeps the marshmallow from sticking and allows you to press the treats gently into the pan.