Description
These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are a festive and easy holiday dessert that combines the classic childhood favorite with the rich flavor of brown butter, vanilla, and almond extract. Perfect for school parties, holiday gatherings, or a late-night snack, they are brightened up with red and green M&Ms and colorful holiday sprinkles. Ready in just 15 minutes, these treats are a delightful holiday twist that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Rice Krispies:
- 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
For the garnish:
- 8 oz white chocolate
- ½ cup red and green M&Ms
- ¼ cup red, white, and green holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside to prepare the mixture.
- Brown the Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir continually until the butter foams twice and begins to brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Remove immediately from heat to avoid burning.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract carefully, as the mixture will bubble up. Continue stirring for 30 seconds until the bubbling subsides. Add salt and mix well.
- Melt Marshmallows: Add half of the mini marshmallows to the butter mixture and stir until almost completely melted. Then add the remaining marshmallows and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Incorporate Rice Krispies: Add the Rice Krispies cereal in 2-cup increments, stirring gently after each addition until fully combined with the marshmallow mixture. Continue until all cereal is mixed in evenly.
- Add M&Ms and Sprinkles: Stir in 1 cup of red and green M&Ms and ½ cup of holiday sprinkles, mixing just until incorporated to prevent melting the candies.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking, then gently stretch and press the mixture into the pan edges without crushing it.
- Melt White Chocolate: Break white chocolate into pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until fully melted. Let cool for 3 minutes to room temperature.
- Decorate Treats: Drizzle about half of the melted white chocolate over the treats. Sprinkle with remaining red and green M&Ms and holiday sprinkles. Finish by drizzling the remaining white chocolate over the garnishes to lock them in place.
Notes
- Do not press down or crush the mixture firmly in the pan; gently stretch and pat it to keep a light texture.
- To prevent marshmallow mixture from sticking to hands, wet hands with a few drops of water before handling.
- Vanilla extract is essential for flavor; almond extract is optional but adds a festive touch.
- This recipe uses a 9×13 pan, preferably one with a lid for easy transport to parties.
- Mix M&Ms and sprinkles in gently to avoid melting the candies.
- White chocolate drizzle helps secure garnishes and adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Rice Krispie Treats, holiday dessert, rice krispie treats, festive treats, brown butter treats, holiday snacks, easy holiday dessert
