Start your holiday snack making with an easy, fun recipe that kids and adults will love.
introduction
Christmas Rice Crispy Treats are a simple sweet you can make in minutes. They look festive and taste like a soft marshmallow candy with crunchy cereal. This recipe uses just a few pantry items and little work. It is great for holiday parties, school treats, or a quick snack at home. If you enjoy no-bake sweets, you might also like one of the healthy no-bake treats pages for more easy ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
You will love these treats because they are fast, sweet, and cheerful. The marshmallow makes them soft and chewy. The Rice Krispies add a light crunch that everyone knows and loves. You can shape them into balls, trees, or simple bars. Kids can help roll them and add sprinkles. They need no oven, and they are ready to eat in a short time. The colors from the sprinkles make them look like a holiday dessert even if you only have a few minutes to make them.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want an easy holiday snack. It is perfect when you have many hands to help or when you need a treat for a potluck. The ingredients are common and low cost. The steps are safe and simple, so children can join in under supervision. This recipe also makes a good activity for a holiday morning or a quick bake sale item. You do not need special tools or much cleanup.
What You Need for Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
You only need a pan to melt the butter and marshmallow, a spoon for stirring, and a bowl or tray to mix and shape. A silicone spatula works well to press the mixture into shapes. If you roll balls, use a sheet of parchment or a plate to hold them. Small cups or mini muffin liners work well if you want uniform shapes. For serving, a small platter or tin keeps them tidy. These treats are easy to portion and share.
How to Make Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Start by preparing your work area and lining a tray if you plan to press the mixture flat. Measure the cereal and marshmallows so you can work fast when the marshmallow is melted. Melt butter slowly to avoid burning, and stir the marshmallows as they soften. Mix in the cereal evenly so every bite has both marshmallow and crisp rice. Let the mixture cool a bit so it holds shape, then form balls or press into a pan. Roll in sprinkles while the treats are still a little tacky so the sprinkles stick well. Let them rest until they are firm.
Ingredients for Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
3 tablespoons butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Sprinkles
Directions for Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add in the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape into balls and roll in sprinkles.
- Let sit until firm, then serve and enjoy!
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Serve these treats on a holiday platter with napkins and small plates. They look nice in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon for gifts. You can place them in mini muffin liners for a tidy look at parties. If you make bars, cut them into squares and stack them on a plate. For kids, offer small bowls of extra sprinkles so they can decorate their own. These treats pair well with milk, hot cocoa, or a mild tea for adults.
How to Store Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If your home is very warm, place them in a cool spot so they do not get too soft. Do not refrigerate; the fridge can make the treats hard. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If you add delicate decorations, store in a single layer or use parchment between layers to protect them.
Easy Tips to Make Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
- Use low heat when melting the butter and marshmallows so they do not burn.
- Work quickly after you add the cereal so the marshmallow does not firm up before mixing.
- Lightly butter your hands or use a spoon to shape balls so the mixture does not stick.
- If the mixture gets too stiff, warm it a few seconds in the microwave to soften.
- Use small cookie scoops to make even-sized balls.
- Press sprinkles gently into the outside so they stay on when you serve.
These simple steps keep the process smooth and help you get the best texture.
Try These Variations of Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Try adding a few drops of vanilla or peppermint extract for extra flavor. Mix in small chocolate chips after the mixture cools a bit so they do not melt. Use colored marshmallows or add green food coloring to make tree shapes. You can press the mixture into a cookie cutter to make holiday shapes. For a pet-friendly version or ideas for pet treats, see a recipe for soft peanut butter carrot dog treats that uses pet-safe ingredients and simple steps. These variations let you make treats for different tastes and needs.
Common Questions About Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
How long do these treats take to make?
They take about 10–15 minutes to make and another 15–20 minutes to cool and set. The hands-on time is short, and most of the time is waiting for them to firm.
Can I use full-size marshmallows?
Yes. If you use full-size marshmallows, measure so you use the same volume as the mini ones. About one bag of regular marshmallows usually equals 4 cups of mini marshmallows.
Can I make them gluten free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free rice cereal brand, the treats can be gluten free. Always check the cereal label to be sure.
What if the mixture is too sticky to shape?
Let it cool a little longer, or lightly butter your hands before shaping. You can also press the mix into a greased pan and cut into squares.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Rice Crispy Treats are an easy, friendly recipe for the holidays. They need only a few ingredients and little time. You can make many shapes and colors to match your party or gift theme. The recipe works well for kids and adults, and it makes a cheerful snack with a classic flavor. Try different sprinkles and small add-ins to make them your own.
Conclusion
If you want more holiday-style ideas and a similar easy recipe, you can find a festive, step-by-step guide at Christmas Rice Krispie Treats • Love From The Oven. This link shows another simple way to make pretty treats for your holiday table.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your butter, marshmallows, Rice Krispies, and sprinkles. Follow the steps and let your family help with shaping and decorating. These treats are simple, quick, and fun. Enjoy making and sharing them this season.
Print
Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and festive no-bake treats perfect for holiday parties and family fun.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add in the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape into balls and roll in sprinkles.
- Let sit until firm, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
For easy shaping, lightly butter your hands or use a spoon. Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg