Christmas Rice Crispy Treats

Christmas rice crispy treats blend melted marshmallows with crispy cereal and festive sprinkles to create a quick and delightful holiday snack. This classic recipe involves pressing the mixture into balls and decorating them with colored sugar or drizzled white chocolate. These treats are not only easy to make but also perfect for parties, gift giving, or classroom celebrations. Whenever I want a special Christmas worthy version of rice crispy treats that takes almost no time, this is my go to recipe.

I first made these during a busy holiday season, and they quickly became a favorite among friends and family. Now they are always the first to vanish from any holiday dessert spread.

Ingredients

• Puffed rice cereal: three cups provides the classic crispy crunch, fresh cereal ensures the best texture
• Mini marshmallows: one and a half cups or one cup mini marshmallows plus a quarter cup marshmallow fluff key for the gooey binding that holds everything together
• Unsalted butter: four tablespoons adds richness without overpowering, use high quality for the best flavor
• Vanilla extract: one teaspoon brings warmth and depth to the marshmallow mixture
• White chocolate chips or white chocolate candy melts: two cups for coating the balls with a creamy sweet layer, choose good quality chocolate that melts smoothly
• Coconut oil: one tablespoon optional helps melt the white chocolate evenly and creates a shiny finish
• Red green and white nonpareils: half a cup festive sprinkles add color and holiday cheer

Instructions

Make the Rice Krispie Mixture:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until just liquid. Add mini marshmallows and marshmallow fluff if using. Stir continuously until everything melts into a smooth shiny syrup without burning. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the puffed rice cereal using a spatula to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Allow the mixture to cool for two to three minutes until it feels warm but manageable to handle without burning your fingers.

Shape the Balls:

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pinch off portions of the mixture and roll into bite sized balls roughly one to one and a half inches in diameter. If the mixture crumbles, press gently to form smooth balls. Place each shaped ball on a parchment lined baking sheet. Let the balls cool completely so they set up firm enough to handle in the next step.

Melt the White Chocolate:

Place white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 20 to 30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each burst, until melted and smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, stir in the coconut oil for a more fluid texture. Let the chocolate sit for a minute or two off the heat to thicken slightly before dipping.

Coat the Balls and Add Sprinkles:

Dip each rice crispy ball fully into the melted white chocolate using a fork to lift it out. Gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate while keeping an even coating. Place the coated balls back onto the parchment lined sheet. Immediately sprinkle the top with red green and white nonpareils before the chocolate sets to keep the colors bright and festive.

Set and Serve:

Allow the coated balls to sit at room temperature until the white chocolate is fully firm. For quicker setting, you can place the tray in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Once set, arrange the balls on a serving plate or transfer to an airtight container. Stack them neatly to showcase the beautiful holiday colors.

My favorite component has to be the white chocolate coating. It adds such a smooth rich flavor contrast to the crispy sweet interior. One Christmas, my kids helped me make these and carefully dipped each ball in white chocolate, making a mess but creating wonderful memories and laughter in the kitchen.

Storage Tips

Store the rice crispy balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm, as moisture can melt the chocolate coating and make the cereal soggy. For longer storage, freeze the balls in a single layer on a parchment lined tray, then transfer to a freezer safe bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap puffed rice cereal for puffed wheat or gluten free options if needed, keeping a similar texture in mind. Use vegan butter and marshmallow alternatives for a dairy free or vegan version. Replace white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate for a richer coating. Coconut oil can be replaced with vegetable oil or omitted entirely, although it helps with smooth melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these treats on a holiday dessert board alongside cookies and candies for a festive display. Wrap them individually in cellophane with ribbons for easy gifting or party favors. Pair with a hot cup of cocoa or eggnog for an extra indulgent holiday snack moment.

These festive rice crispy treats are quick to make and perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings. They are easy to customize and bring cheerful color to any dessert spread.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What cereal works best for these treats?

Puffed rice cereal is ideal for a light, crispy texture and helps hold the mixture together when combined with melted marshmallows.

→ How do I get the coating smooth and shiny?

Melting white chocolate slowly and adding a bit of coconut oil helps achieve a smoother, glossier coating for dipping.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, they keep well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for faster setting.

→ What is the best way to shape the mixture?

Grease your hands lightly and roll the mixture into small, bite-size balls for easy dipping and serving.

→ Are there alternative decorations for the treats?

Colored sugar, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate can provide festive embellishments to match any occasion.