My Christmas rice krispies treats recipe is the easiest holiday dessert that's always a fan favourite. No bake, nut-free and great for kids!
If you're already cookie-d out but still need to bring dessert for your next holiday event, don't downplay the power of this Christmas rice krispies treats recipe. Rice krispie treats are one of the cult classic desserts that every adult and kid loves. They just never get old.
I've been obsessing over my peanut butter chocolate rice krispie treats, but something about the red and green rice krispies hits different during the holidays. Bound together with the original butter and marshmallow mixture and topped with a white chocolate drizzle, these Christmas rice krispie treats are the easiest no bake recipe!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- No bake. My oven has been working overtime during this holiday season, so I've been loving this recipe since it's no bake.
- Quick and easy. This Christmas rice krispies treats recipe is for when you need something ready in under and hour. It's so easy and kid-friendly too, so get some little hands involved!
- Crowdpleaser. I don't know anyone who doesn't like a rice krispie treat. Equal parts nostalgia and deliciousness, they definitely hold up as an adult.
Ingredients
Butter. We melt the butter and mix with the marshmallows to create a creamy base for these rice krispies. I recommend using unsalted butter, as you can add additional salt to taste.
Marshmallows. This Christmas rice krispies treats recipe has the perfect amount of marshmallowy goodness without being dry. I use 6 cups of mini marshmallows for best results.
Rice krispies. You can use any crispy rice cereal, however the red and green holiday rice krispies cereal helps create the perfect festive treat!
White chocolate. My secret ingredient to creating the BEST rice krispies treats. Melt some baker's white chocolate into the marshmallow blend (I do not recommend using white chocolate chips as they do not melt as well).
Sprinkles. For colour! You can find these at any bulk food store. I recommend the small candy balls (called nonpareils), not the crystal sprinkles (the colour in these tend to run).
Vanilla extract. The perfect addition to create the perfect rice krispies. All you need is 1 teaspoon, but it adds the perfect amount of flavour.
Salt. I love adding a pinch of salt to sweet recipes as a flavor enhancer to offset some of the sweetness.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over low-medium heat melt butter.
- To the saucepan, add marshmallows 1 cup at a time and stir until well combined. Once the marshmallows are melted add the chopped white chocolate stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from the heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.
- To a large mixing bowl, add rice krispies. Slowly pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the rice krispies. Stir until well coated. Mix in sprinkles.
- Line a 9x9 inch square dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the dish. Drizzle with additional melted white chocolate and sprinkle with additional sprinkles.
- Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or the freezer for 10 minutes) to allow the chocolate to set. Slice into 16 equal sized squares.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: the brand name Rice Krispies do contain malt flavoring, making them unfortunately not gluten-free. However you can substitute with an y gluten free brand of crispy rice cereal such as these.
To make dairy-free: use a vegan marshmallow and vegan butter.
To make nut-free: this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Equipment
Storage
Once sliced, rice krispies treats can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, rice krispies treats can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Top Tips for Success
The ratio of marshmallows to rice krispies is key to creating the perfect rice krispie treats. Too many marshmallows, and the treats are too sticky and fall apart. Too few marshmallows, and the treats will be dry and crumbly. When I am using the white chocolate, I like to do a 1:1 ratio.
For the PERFECT rice krispies treats, don't overpack the mixture into the tray. Packing the rice krispies too far into the dish will create hard, dense rice krispies. For a perfect melt in your mouth treat, I recommend lightly wetting a spatula and gently pressing the mixture down.
Frequently Asked Questions
I wouldn't recommend it! For the PERFECT rice krispie treats I highly recommend using the butter and marshmallows combination!
More Holiday Recipes
If you liked this Christmas rice krispies treats recipe, try these next:
- Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- No Bake Chocolate Truffles
- Vegan Caramel Slice
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this Christmas rice krispies treats recipe, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Christmas Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup bakers white chocolate chopped, plus more for topping
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups holiday rice krispies
- ¼ cup red and green sprinkles plus more for topping
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over low-medium heat melt butter.
- To the saucepan, add marshmallows 1 cup at a time and stir until well combined. Once the marshmallows are melted add the chopped white chocolate stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from the heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.
- To a large mixing bowl, add rice krispies. Slowly pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the rice krispies. Stir until well coated. Mix in sprinkles.
- Line a 9x9 inch square dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the dish. Drizzle with additional melted white chocolate and sprinkle with additional sprinkles. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or the freezer for 10 minutes) to allow the chocolate to set.
- Slice into 16 equal sized squares.
Emily says
Made these for a party last night! I came home with an empty tray. Good tip on the nonpareils, I have made the mistake with sprinkles before and the color transferring.
Nicole Addison says
I hope you love these ones!! If you are looking for the perfect quick, easy, no-bake holiday treat perfect for a last minute potluck I hope you give these ones a try!