I still remember the first time I made Christmas Rice Crispy Treats for my family—it was a last-minute idea before a holiday party, and I wasn’t sure if anyone would even like them. But the moment my niece took a bite, her eyes lit up and she asked for more before the plate was even half-empty. That’s when I knew these festive marshmallow cereal bars weren’t just simple snacks; they were a holiday tradition waiting to happen. These sweet, crunchy treats fit perfectly into real-life gatherings—they’re easy to share, keep well, and bring a bit of cheerful holiday color and flavor to any table.
What makes this Christmas Rice Crispy Treats recipe special is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just a handful of everyday staples you probably already have and an easy step-by-step approach that anyone can follow. That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe with you, fellow cooks. Whether you’re looking for a quick Christmas dessert snack or a colorful treat to take to your next gathering, these holiday candy-coated treats have got you covered.
Plus, this isn’t just a recipe. It’s a little bit of magic for the season, a way to bring people together around something warm and familiar but also bright and fun. If you love seasonal rice crispy recipes that balance fuss-free cooking with big smiles, you’re in the right place. I encourage you to try this Christmas Rice Crispy Treats and make it your own—it’s a recipe I’m confident will earn a permanent spot in your holiday rotation.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Christmas Rice Crispy Treats—nothing complicated, just simple ingredients that play together beautifully.
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal (the foundation of your holiday rice krispie treats)
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows (or about 4 cups; my secret is adding a bit extra for extra gooeyness)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or margarine works fine too)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (you’ll find this in the baking aisle; it adds a warm flavor boost)
- 1/2 cup holiday-colored candy melts or mini M&Ms (optional, for fun festive rice crispy treats)
- Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness)
No problem if you’re out of butter—coconut oil is a great swap that adds a subtle flavor twist to your Christmas Rice Crispy Treats. And if mini marshmallows are hard to find, regular-sized marshmallows work just fine; just chop them roughly so they melt evenly.
For budget-friendly shopping, nearly all these ingredients are pantry staples or come in small packages. Keep an eye out for sales on candy melts around the holidays if you want to add that extra pop of color and flavor.
If you make more than you can use right away, store leftover Christmas Rice Crispy Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to three days—perfect for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Ready to make your own Christmas Rice Crispy Treats? It’s easy, and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step.
- Prepare your pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the butter: In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter slowly so it doesn’t burn. This is where I used to rush my Christmas Rice Crispy Treats—taking it slow makes all the difference for a smooth base.
- Add marshmallows: Toss in those mini marshmallows and stir gently until everything is melted and smooth. Your kitchen will start to smell incredibly sweet and comforting here—that’s when you know you’re almost there.
- Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This little step balances the flavors perfectly.
- Mix in rice cereal: Remove the pot from heat, and immediately pour in the crispy rice cereal. Stir quickly but gently to coat all the cereal before it starts to set.
- Add candy-coated treats: If you’re using holiday-colored candy melts or mini M&Ms, fold them in now for a colorful pop in your Christmas Rice Crispy Treats. My favorite festive marshmallow cereal bars always have this extra touch.
- Press into pan: Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Don’t press too hard or your treats will be too dense—gentle but firm is the sweet spot.
- Cool and set: Let your Christmas Rice Crispy Treats cool at room temperature for about an hour. You can speed it up by placing the pan in the fridge, but be careful not to chill it too long or they’ll become brittle.
- Cut and serve: Slice your treats into squares or fun festive shapes if you’re feeling creative. This step always makes me feel like a kid again.
From start to finish, this Christmas Rice Crispy Treats recipe takes about 30 minutes of hands-on time. While your treats are setting, you can clean up your counter or prepare other holiday goodies.
If your batch looks a bit sticky or too soft, don’t worry—it usually just means you might have needed a few more minutes to cool or press a bit firmer. These treats are forgiving, which is why they’re so beloved for busy cooks.
I’ve tried a shortcut of melting marshmallows in the microwave, but I prefer the stovetop method better for even melting and texture. Trust me, it’s worth the little extra attention.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
I love serving Christmas Rice Crispy Treats in different ways depending on the occasion. For a casual holiday movie night, I cut them into big, chunky squares that are easy to hold and just chewy enough to savor.
At parties, I like using cookie cutters to shape festive forms like stars, trees, or snowflakes—this simple presentation makes these holiday rice krispie treats feel even more special without extra fuss.
These treats shine whether served on their own or alongside a warm cup of cocoa or spiced cider. They also pair well with lighter desserts like fruit tarts to balance the sweetness.
If you bring Christmas Rice Crispy Treats to a potluck or gift them in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon, expect compliments. Guests love the nostalgic, kid-friendly vibe, and parents appreciate the simple ingredients.
Leftover treats can be crumbled over ice cream or yogurt for creative texture and flavor. I’ve even used them as crunchy toppings for hot chocolate with marshmallows on top—delicious!
The best occasions for these seasonal rice crispy recipes? Holidays, school parties, cookie exchanges, or anytime you want a quick, crowd-pleasing Christmas dessert snack.
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy my Christmas Breakfast Casserole or for a savory change, try these Easy Yaki Onigiri Tasty Grilled Rice Balls.
Your Questions Answered
I get a lot of questions from fellow home cooks about Christmas Rice Crispy Treats, so let’s clear up a few things.
Can I make this Christmas Rice Crispy Treats ahead of time? Absolutely! They hold up well at room temperature for a few days. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to go for your next holiday snack or party.
What’s the best substitute for marshmallows if I don’t have any? Marshmallows are key for that classic gooey texture, but you can try marshmallow fluff combined with a bit of butter. It won’t be quite the same but works okay in a pinch.
How do I adjust this recipe for more or fewer servings? Simply multiply or halve the ingredients. For bigger batches, use a larger pan and keep the same mixing method. If you cut smaller, the treats will still be just as tasty.
Can I add mix-ins to the Christmas Rice Crispy Treats? Definitely! Peppermint bits, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries are great holiday add-ins. Just toss them in when mixing the rice cereal and marshmallow mixture.
Why do my treats sometimes turn out too hard? Pressing the mixture too firmly or overcooking the marshmallow base can cause hard treats. Try gentle pressing and remove from heat as soon as marshmallows are melted.
Is there a gluten-free option for these festive marshmallow cereal bars? Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free crispy rice cereal, and double-check all other ingredients. The rest of the recipe stays the same.
Where can I find festive candy melts for holiday candy-coated treats? Most grocery stores carry seasonal candy melts or colored chocolate during the holidays, usually near baking supplies. If not, order online through sites like Christmas Rice Krispie Treats • Love From The Oven for inspiration and links.
For more ideas and to swap tips with other cooks, check out these helpful discussion groups: Easy Rice Krispie Treats Recipe for Cookie Exchange and What do you add to your Rice Krispie treats?.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Rice Crispy Treats recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s not just about the treat itself but the joy and connection it brings. My Best Christmas Rice Crispy Treats Tips? First, don’t rush melting the marshmallows—that step really makes or breaks texture. Second, gently fold in your cereal to keep treats light and crunchy. Third, add festive candy-coated treats for that extra holiday wow factor.
I’ve tested variations with peppermint extract, peanut butter swirls, and even a drizzle of white chocolate on top. Peppermint gets requested most often for that classic holiday twist, but you can’t go wrong with any version.
I want you to feel confident making these Christmas Rice Crispy Treats your own—whether that means adding your favorite candy or adjusting sweetness to taste.
If you love this easy holiday candy-coated treat, you’ll want to give the Christmas Morning Quiche a try next for something savory alongside these sweet bites.
Get into your kitchen, gather these simple ingredients, and make some Christmas Rice Crispy Treats your family will ask for again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it becomes a holiday staple you can count on. Happy cooking!
Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Festive and chewy Christmas Rice Crispy Treats made with marshmallows and colorful holiday sprinkles, perfect for a quick and joyful holiday snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red and green holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Quickly add the crispy rice cereal and half of the holiday sprinkles, stirring until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan using a spatula or wax paper.
- Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles on top and gently press them into the treats.
- Allow to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.
Notes
For extra festive treats, try adding chopped candy canes or white chocolate drizzle on top before the treats set.