Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
This Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is the perfect treat for the holiday season. Always a fan favorite on every Christmas cookie tray and amazing for cookie exchanges, this classic recipe is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Looking for an easy holiday treat that will make your dessert table the most festive spot in the room? Say no more!
These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are exactly what you need to bring some sweet, gooey, and totally festive vibes to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a party, showing off at a cookie exchange, or just craving a nostalgic snack, these crispy, chocolate-drizzled squares are a total crowd-pleaser.
And the best part? They’re so simple to make that you can whip up a batch faster than Santa can say “ho ho ho.”
These aren’t just your classic Rice Krispie treats—oh no, we’ve elevated them to holiday status with red and green sprinkles and a rich milk chocolate drizzle. They’re the perfect combo of chewy, crispy, and sweet, making them ideal for kids of all ages (and yes, that includes adults).
You can even get creative and shape them into Christmas tree Rice Krispie treats with a little imagination and some pretzel sticks for the tree trunks! Trust me, these treats will bring the Christmas spirit to any dessert table.
If you love making festive desserts around this time of year you need to try my Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge (5 Ingredients) and my Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE CHRISTMAS RICE KRISPIE TREATS
- Gooey, Crunchy Perfection: The combination of melty marshmallows and crispy cereal is a classic for a reason. It’s a textural dream—soft, chewy, and crunchy all at once!
- Super Festive: With all the red and green sprinkles and a drizzle of chocolate, these treats are practically screaming “Merry Christmas!” They’re perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or just eating on your couch while watching Christmas movies (no judgment).
- Quick & Easy: These come together in minutes—seriously, the hardest part is waiting for the chocolate to set! They’re perfect for when you need a last-minute holiday treat that still looks like you tried.
- Customizable: You can totally make these your own. Want to swap the milk chocolate for white chocolate? Go for it. Feeling extra festive? Throw in some mini M&Ms or crushed candy canes. The possibilities are endless, and they’re all delicious.
INGREDIENTS FOR CHRISTMAS RICE KRISPIES TREATS
You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this perfect holiday treat (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):
- Rice Krispie Cereal – always double check ingredients to make sure they are gluten free if you want to keep this recipe gluten free.
- Butter – can use vegan butter to keep this recipe dairy free.
- Marshmallows – I used regular size marshmallows here, however mini marshmallows work great as well.
- Vanilla Extract
- Christmas Sprinkles – alternatively you can use red and green m&m’s.
- Optional – melted chocolate, white chocolate chips, a crushed candy cane, white frosting, green food coloring, etc.
HOW TO MAKE THIS CUTE CHRISTMAS DESSERT
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper or wax paper.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
Using a wooden spoon, add marshmallows and stir until melted completely. Remove from heat, then add vanilla extract.
Quickly add the rice krispies and mix well until the cereal is well coated.
Using a buttered spatula add the melted marshmallow mixture to the prepared pan and push down slightly.
Add crushed twin bar and sprinkles. Push down on them.
Allow the holiday rice krispie treats to sit at room temperature until set (approximately 20 minutes). Cut into 16 pieces and enjoy!
STORING LEFTOVER RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Like a classic rice krispie treat recipe, this fun Christmas version needs to be stored in an airtight container or bag. If you want to keep them fresh for as long as possible you can also wrap each individual treat tightly in saran wrap.
This will help keep the delicious treats chewy and soft for much longer.
FAQS
CAN I AVOID MAKING THESE CRISPY TREATS TOO HARD AND FIRM?
The biggest mistake many make when making rice krispie treats is by pressing them into the pan too hard. Many recipes say to apply firm pressure onto the top of them while adding them to the pan, however I do not recommend this.
Compacting them will take away from the fluffy texture. Pressing them into the pan ever so lightly is a much better way to keep them soft and chewy instead of hard as rock.
CAN I MAKE THESE RICE KRISPIE TREATS FOR A HOLIDAY PARTY?
Absolutely! These Rice Krispie squares are an easy treat perfect for any holiday party. They’re quick to make, festive, and always a crowd favorite. Just be ready to hand out the recipe because everyone will be asking for it!
HOW CAN I KEEP THE MARSHMALLOW MIXTURE FROM STICKING TO EVERYTHING?
The sticky mixture can be tricky to work with, but a little nonstick cooking spray on your hands, spatula, or large spoon will help you spread it into your prepared baking dish without the mess. It makes handling those gooey marshmallows so much easier.
CAN I MAKE THESE YUMMY TREATS EVEN MORE FESTIVE FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES?
Yes! You can use gel food coloring to dye the cereal mixture green or red to make your treats even more festive. Add some green M&Ms, sprinkles, or use a Christmas tree cookie cutter for Christmas tree Rice Krispie treats—a fun holiday treat idea!
CAN I MAKE OTHER FUN SHAPES LIKE REINDEER RICE KRISPIE TREATS?
Definitely! Get creative and shape the treats into fun holiday designs like adorable reindeer Rice Krispie treats using candy melts, pretzels for antlers, and chocolate chips for eyes. They’re a fun addition to any holiday dessert spread and perfect for school events or family get-togethers.
Other Classic Treats For The Christmas Holidays You May Like To Try!
- No Bake Peanut Butter Balls (5 Ingredients)
- 30 Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes With Few Ingredients
- Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
- Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sugar Free Sugar Cookies
- Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
- Christmas Trees Gluten-Free Brownies
- Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies
- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
- Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
- Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
This Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is the perfect treat for the holiday season. Always a fan favorite on every Christmas cookie tray and amazing for cookie exchanges, this classic recipe is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 cups rice krispie cereal
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 50 regular size marshmallows, or 6 cups mini marshmallows
- red & green sprinkles
- milk chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9x13" baking pan.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until melted completely. Remove from heat. Then add vanilla extract.
- Quickly add the rice krispies and mix well until the cereal is well coated.
- Using a buttered spatula add the rice krispies to the prepared pan and push down slightly.
- Add chopped chocolate bar and sprinkles. Push down on them slightly as well.
- Allow the rice krispies to sit at room temperature until set (approx 20 minutes). Cut into 16 pieces and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 207Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 107mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 0gSugar: 26gProtein: 2g
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
About Bailey
I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…
My son and I made these together and it was so easy and delicious!
Made with my son and used Dandies Marshallows and Earths one crispies! Easy and tasty!