When the holiday season arrives, nothing brings joy to the kitchen quite like a colorful batch of Christmas Rice Crispy Treats. These soft, chewy, marshmallow-packed squares are nostalgic, kid-friendly, party-ready, and incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re preparing desserts for a holiday gathering, making edible gifts for friends, or adding something fun to your Christmas baked goods collection, these festive treats always bring smiles.
I still remember the first time I made christmas rice krispie treats during a snowy December afternoon. The kitchen was cozy, Christmas music filled the air, and my kids kept sneaking marshmallows from the mixing bowl. When we added the red and green M&Ms, it instantly felt like holiday magic. It became a yearly tradition and that’s the magic of Christmas Rice Crispy Treats. They’re simple, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best rice krispie treats Christmas style along with fun variations, pro tips, and make-ahead ideas perfect for your holiday baking recipes.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
These treats are a holiday essential for so many reasons:
- Quick & no-bake Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Kid-friendly Perfect for little helpers.
- Versatile Make trees, wreaths, squares, or cut-out shapes.
- Budget-friendly Great desserts for holiday parties.
- Crowd-pleasing texture Soft, chewy, buttery marshmallow goodness.
- Perfect for gifting Wrap individually for neighbors and co-workers.
- A fun twist on classic Christmas baked goods without even baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-Ins for the Christmas Look
- ¾ cup red & green M&Ms
- Christmas sprinkles
- White chocolate for drizzling
- Optional: crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces
Tools
- Large pot
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13 baking pan
- Parchment paper
How to Make Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
1. Melt the Butter & Marshmallows
Add butter to a large pot over medium-low heat. Once melted, add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
2. Mix in the Cereal
Immediately fold in Rice Krispies until fully coated. Work quickly the mixture sets fast!
3. Add the Holiday Colors
Gently mix in Christmas sprinkles and about half of the M&Ms. This keeps them from melting.
4. Press into Pan
Transfer mixture to a parchment-lined pan. Lightly grease your hands or spatula and press down gently. Don’t over-compress it makes the treats harder.
5. Decorate & Cool
Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with remaining M&Ms and sprinkles. Let cool for 30 minutes before cutting.
Festive Variations You’ll Love
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Christmas Rice Crispy Treats – Festive, Fun & Easy Holiday Dessert
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- These Christmas Rice Crispy Treats are a quick, festive no-bake dessert made with marshmallows, crispy cereal, and colorful holiday toppings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup red & green M&Ms
- Christmas sprinkles
- White chocolate for drizzle
- Optional: crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir constantly until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Quickly fold in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
- Gently mix in half of the M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Press mixture into a greased or lined 9×13 pan.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate and top with remaining decorations.
- Let cool for 30 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh marshmallows for best texture.
- Don’t press too hard or treats will be dense.
- Store in airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Christmas Tree Rice Crispy Treats
Tint the marshmallow mixture with green food coloring and cut into tree shapes. Add mini star sprinkles!
Chocolate-Dipped Treats
Dip half of each bar into melted chocolate and add holiday sprinkles.
Peppermint Bark Rice Crispy Treats
Fold crushed candy canes into the mixture and drizzle with peppermint white chocolate.
Red & Green Swirled Treats
Divide the mixture into two bowls, dye each red or green, and swirl together for a bold festive look.
Each variation works beautifully for christmas rice krispie treats, especially when preparing holiday dessert platters.
Expert Tips for Perfect Rice Crispy Treats
These pro tips ensure soft, chewy, bakery-style bars every time:
- Use fresh marshmallows Old ones don’t melt well and cause hard treats.
- Low heat is key High heat makes the mixture grainy and tough.
- Don’t press too firmly Light pressure keeps them soft.
- Grease your hands Prevents sticking without damaging the texture.
- Cut with a warm knife For clean, smooth squares.
With these tips, your Christmas Rice Crispy Treats will be soft, gooey perfection.
How to Store & Freeze
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Refrigerate
Not recommended it dries them out.
Freeze
Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
These storage tips are ideal when preparing ahead for holiday baking recipes and Christmas parties.
What to Serve With Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Pair your treats with:
- Hot cocoa
- Christmas punch
- Holiday cookie platters
- Gingerbread desserts
- Other Christmas baked goods
They’re the perfect complement to a festive dessert table.
For more recipes Follow me in Pinterest
FAQs About Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Why are my rice crispy treats hard?
Overheating the marshmallows or pressing too firmly causes them to harden.
Can I use flavored marshmallows?
Yes vanilla, peppermint, or holiday marshmallows add extra flavor.
How do I keep them soft?
Use fresh marshmallows and melt on low heat.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely they stay fresh for several days.
Can kids help decorate?
Yes! These are one of the best desserts for kids during Christmas.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Holidays With Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, preparing treats for school events, or adding something festive to your christmas baked goods lineup, these Christmas Rice Crispy Treats are the perfect choice. Bright, colorful, chewy, and full of holiday charm, they’re a staple in every home during December. Make them once, and they’ll become a tradition your family looks forward to every year.