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Get ready to spread holiday cheer with these delightful Christmas Rice Krispie Treats! This classic holiday confection brings together simple ingredients for a quick and easy dessert that’s bursting with festive colors and nostalgic flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, school parties, or a sweet homemade gift, these chewy, gooey squares are sure to become a beloved tradition.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
These festive Rice Krispie Treats are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience!
- Effortless & Fast: You can whip up a batch in under 15 minutes, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules.
- Classic Comfort: Enjoy the timeless, beloved taste of a treat everyone adores, made even better with a holiday twist.
- Joyful & Festive: Vibrant red and green candies and sprinkles make these bars visually stunning and perfect for the season.
- Bakery-Style Softness: They boast a thick, wonderfully chewy, and perfectly gooey texture that tastes professionally made.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Involve your little ones in the mixing and decorating for a memorable holiday activity.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with various holiday candies, extracts, or drizzles to suit any preference.
- Allergy-Conscious Options: Simple substitutions allow you to cater to gluten-free or dairy-free needs.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows (approximately 6 cups)
- 1 tablespoon half and half (milk can also be used)
- 6 cups crisped rice cereal
- 1 1/2 cups Christmas M&M candies
- 3 tablespoons Christmas colored sprinkles
- 1 tablespoon red and green sprinkle sugar
Notes & Substitutions
You can use salted butter if desired, just omit any additional salt. For the best texture, always use fresh, soft mini marshmallows, as older ones can make the treats harder. If you don’t have half and half, whole milk or evaporated milk work well too. If you are making these Christmas Rice Krispie Treats for a gluten-free diet, ensure your crisped rice cereal is certified gluten-free, as some brands contain malt.
For those following a gluten-free diet, certain brands like Malt-O-Meal offer certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal options that are free from malt.
Feel free to swap out Christmas M&M candies for other festive additions like chopped candy canes, white chocolate chips, or even other holiday-themed sprinkles. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and plant-based milk. Always check all product labels for any hidden allergens, especially if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to create these delicious treats:
- Large non-stick pot or Dutch oven
- Large mixing spoon (silicone or wooden is best)
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Sharp knife (for cutting neat squares)
How to Make Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Making these festive bars is incredibly simple and fun. Follow these steps for perfect results.
First, prepare your baking dish. Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Then, line it with parchment paper or wax paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting out and cutting your Christmas Rice Krispie Treats much easier.
Next, melt the butter. Place your large non-stick pot or Dutch oven over low heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt slowly and completely, being careful not to brown or burn it. Low heat is key to maintaining a soft texture.
Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows. Pour in the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted and completely smooth. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as they reach this stage to prevent them from becoming stiff.
Now, incorporate the liquid. Stir in the half and half (or milk) into the melted marshmallow mixture. This helps create an extra soft and pliable treat.
It’s time to combine the dry ingredients. Add the crisped rice cereal, Christmas M&M candies, Christmas colored sprinkles, and red and green sprinkle sugar to the marshmallow mixture in the pot.
Mix gently. Using your large mixing spoon, stir until all the ingredients are just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can crush the cereal and make the treats dense. You want everything coated but still light and airy.
Press into the pan. Transfer the mixture immediately to your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a greased spoon or greased hands to gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Do not compact it too firmly; a light touch ensures a chewier, softer treat.
Decorate. If desired, sprinkle extra Christmas colored sprinkles or red and green sprinkle sugar over the top of the pressed mixture while it is still warm and sticky. This adds an extra layer of festive visual appeal.
Finally, cool completely. Allow the Christmas Rice Krispie Treats to cool and set completely at room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes. Resist the urge to cut them while warm, as they will be too soft.
Once set, cut and serve. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of treats from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp, lightly greased knife to cut them into squares. Enjoy your delicious, festive dessert!
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Achieve ultimate softness by melting your marshmallows gently over low heat. High heat can make them tough. To prevent stickiness while pressing, lightly grease your hands or the back of your spatula with butter or non-stick spray. Maintain a light and airy texture by gently pressing the mixture into the pan, never compacting it too firmly. To avoid M&M color bleeding into the treats, let the marshmallow mixture cool for a minute or two before adding the candies, or even pop the M&Ms in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand. For extra thick and chewy treats, opt for an 8×8-inch pan; a 9×13-inch pan will yield thinner bars. For kid-friendly involvement, let them add the cereal and sprinkles, or help press the mixture safely.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Present your delightful Christmas Rice Krispie Treats on a festive platter to impress your guests. For a fun twist, cut them into holiday shapes like stars or trees using greased cookie cutters. Elevate their look by drizzling them with melted white chocolate, dark chocolate, or colored candy melts. These make wonderful homemade gifts when packaged individually in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon.
Storage Instructions
Store these wonderful treats in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make them hard and less chewy. For prolonged freshness, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing it in the airtight container. They will stay perfectly fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days.
Festive Variations
Experiment with different flavor twists by adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract or almond extract to the melted marshmallow mixture. For chocolate lovers, mix in white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even mini chocolate candies with the cereal. Try different holiday-themed cereals like Frosted Flakes or Cheerios for a unique texture. You can also dip one end of each treat in colored candy melts or melted chocolate and then add sprinkles. For nutty additions, incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts, but always be mindful of nut allergies.
Nutrition Information
Yields: 12 treats
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Total Carbs | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 2g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and quantities used. This is not medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, you can use large marshmallows, but you will need to cut them down to approximately 10 ounces by weight. They might also take slightly longer to melt completely and smoothly.
How do I prevent the M&Ms from bleeding color into the treats?
To minimize color bleeding, let the melted marshmallow mixture cool for a minute or two before stirring in the M&Ms. You can also place the M&Ms in the freezer for about 10 minutes before adding them.
Is it okay to double this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe for Christmas Rice Krispie Treats doubles well. Just be sure to use a much larger pot and a 9×13-inch baking dish to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients.
Are these Christmas Rice Krispie Treats gluten-free?
Some crisped rice cereals contain malt, which has gluten. To make truly gluten-free treats, carefully check the label of your crisped rice cereal to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
Can I use marshmallow fluff in place of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use marshmallow fluff, but the texture might be slightly different, often a bit stickier and softer. You’ll need about one 7.5-ounce jar of fluff for this recipe.
Conclusion
These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are truly the perfect holiday dessert, bringing together ease, deliciousness, and festive cheer in one simple recipe. Their irresistible gooey texture and vibrant colors make them a standout treat that everyone will love. Get creative with variations or stick to the classic; either way, you are creating wonderful holiday memories. We encourage you to whip up a batch, share your creations, and leave a review to inspire other home bakers!
