Get ready for a festive treat this holiday season with these Christmas Rice Krispy Treats. Made with two variations one with marshmallows and the other with a blend of creamy nut butter, maple syrup, and holiday candies promising a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Festive Delight: Christmas Rice Krispy Treats That Will Melt Your Heart
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than with Christmas Rice Krispy Treats! They’re soft, chewy and perfect if you’re looking for a simple, no-bake treat for holiday gifts or snacking.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic marshmallow version or looking for a healthier twist without marshmallows, these Christmas rice krispies are a surefire way to sweeten your celebrations. Holiday rice krispy squares are so fun, festive and easy whip up with little notice. Elevate your holiday dessert or snack game with this easy baking project for kids during the holidays.
Ingredients: Bringing the Magic to Life
Classic Marshmallow Version
- Butter: Adds a rich and savory flavor to complement the sweetness.
- Vegan or Regular Marshmallows: The key to the gooey, chewy texture that defines classic Rice Krispy Treats. Opt for My Dandies for a vegan option or or use your favorite brand. Sweet Apricity makes a refined-sugar free version.
- Crispy Rice Cereal: Provides the perfect crunch and base for these festive treats. Opt for One Degree, Nature’s Path and Barbara’s which are gluten-free and organic if needed.
- Dairy-Free (or regular) White Chocolate Chips: A luscious addition, creating a smooth and decadent layer. Choose Pascha’s Chocolate or Enjoy Life for dairy-free.
Optional for a festive touch:
- Assorted Holiday M&M’s: Elevates the visual appeal and adds a burst of festive colors. Choose Unreal Dark Chocolate Gems for a vegan option or Sugar-Free Chocolate Dots, Lily’s Candy Coated Pieces or Keto Gemz for a lower sugar option.
- Festive Holiday Sprinkles: Opt for vegan sprinkles, natural sprinkles or sugar-free sprinkles of your choice.
No Marshmallow Version
- Natural Creamy Nut Butter or Seed Butter: Offers a creamy and nutty alternative for those seeking a different twist.
- Maple Syrup or Sticky Sweetener: Adds natural sweetness and binds the ingredients together.
- Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: Provides richness and a buttery flavor without dairy.
- Vanilla Extract and Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Crispy Rice Cereal: The essential element for that classic Rice Krispy crunch. Opt for One Degree, Nature’s Path and Barbara’s which are gluten-free and organic if needed.
Optional for a festive touch:
- Festive Sprinkles: Opt for vegan sprinkles, natural sprinkles or sugar-free sprinkles of your choice.
- Holiday Chocolate Coated Candies: Introduce holiday colors and a delightful crunch. Choose Unreal Dark Chocolate Gems for a vegan option or Sugar-Free Chocolate Dots, Lily’s Candy Coated Pieces or Keto Gemz for a lower sugar option.
Instructions: How to make Christmas Krispy Treats
Classic Marshmallow Version:
- Prepare the Pan: Line a pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and grease a large bowl.
- Melt and Mix: Melt butter, marshmallows, and white chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
- Combine with Cereal: Pour the mixture over the cereal and stir until well-coated.
- Set and Decorate: Transfer the mixture to the pan, press down, and cool. Melt remaining chocolate, spread over treats, and decorate with candies.
- Serve: Cut into bars or festive shapes and enjoy the holiday sweetness.
No Marshmallow Version:
- Prepare the Pan: Line a pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Melt and Combine: Melt nut butter, maple syrup, and vegan butter. Stir until smooth. Add vanilla and salt.
- Mix with Cereal: Add crispy rice cereal and fold in half of the sprinkles and M&M’s.
- Chill: Pour into the pan, press down, and chill. Top with remaining sprinkles and M&M’s.
- Shape and Serve: Use festive cookie cutters or cut into bars. Enjoy your festive creations!
Tips for Success: Ensuring Perfect Treats Every Time
- Preparation: Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start. The process can move quickly, and you want to avoid any hiccups.
- Buttering Up: Grease your bowls and pans generously to prevent sticking. A little extra butter goes a long way.
- Even Coating: Whether mixing in marshmallows or nut butter, ensure every cereal piece gets a generous coating for that uniform taste.
- Press Firmly: Press the mixture firmly into the pan for well-formed treats.
- Classic Version: For the classic version, ensure marshmallows are completely melted for a smooth texture. Use high-quality white chocolate for a rich and luxurious taste.
Variations and Substitutions: Making it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different types of nut or seed butter, or switch up the chocolate chips for a personalized touch. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity.
Serving Suggestions: Bringing Joy to Every Bite
Serve these Christmas Rice Krispy Treats as a delightful dessert at holiday gatherings, or package them up as festive gifts for friends and family. The joy they bring is not just in the taste but in the memories they create.
Storage and Freezer Instructions: Saving the Sweetness for Later
- Storage: Keep your treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container for up to a week. This ensures they maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
- Freezer Friendly: Need to prepare in advance? These treats freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use regular butter in the no-marshmallow version instead of vegan butter or coconut oil? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use regular butter as a substitute in the no-marshmallow version. It will still provide that rich and buttery flavor.
Q2: Can I use different types of chocolate for the classic version? A: Certainly! While the recipe suggests white chocolate, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile. Choose your favorite or mix them for a delightful twist.
Q3: How long do the classic marshmallow version treats take to set? A: After decorating with melted chocolate, allow the treats to sit until the chocolate is set. This typically takes a bit of patience, approximately 1-2 hours, but it’s worth the wait for that perfect finish.
Q4: Can I customize the shapes for the no-marshmallow version? A: Absolutely! Use festive cookie cutters or a sharp knife to cut the treats into desired shapes. Christmas trees, candy canes, or simple squares—let your creativity shine!
Q5: Are there healthier alternatives for the sweeteners in the no-marshmallow version? A: Certainly! You can experiment with healthier sweeteners like honey or agave syrup as alternatives to maple syrup. Adjust quantities to taste.
Q6: Can I make these treats without holiday-themed decorations for a year-round snack? A: Of course! The festive candies and sprinkles are optional. Feel free to omit them for a classic year-round version of these delicious Rice Krispy Treats.
Q8: Can I mix and match ingredients from both versions? A: Absolutely! Get creative and combine elements from both versions to tailor the treats to your taste. It’s a fun way to add your personal touch to the recipe.
More festive holiday treats you will love:
Get ready for a festive treat this holiday season with these Christmas Rice Krispy Treats. Made with two variations one with marshmallows and the other with a blend of creamy nut butter, maple syrup, and holiday candies promising a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
- 3 tablespoons butter , vegan, ghee or unsalted
- 1 12-ounce package mini marshmallows , use MyDandies for vegan or Sweet Apricity for refined sugar-free
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal , opt for One Degree, Nature's Path and Barbara's which are gluten-free and organic if needed.
- 2-1/2 cups white chocolate chips , divided - use Pascha's or Enjoy Life for dairy-free
- Assorted holiday candies and sprinkles - optional , opt for Unreal Dark Chocolate Gems for a vegan option or Sugar-Free Chocolate Dots, Lily's Candy Coated Pieces or Keto Gemz for a lower sugar option.
- Assorted holiday sprinkles , choose natural sprinkles or sugar-free sprinkles if desired.
- 2/3 cup natural creamy nut butter or creamy seed butter of choice
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or preferred sticky liquid sweetener
- 1 1/2 tbsp vegan butter , coconut oil or butter of choice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt or kosher salt
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal / Rice Krispies , opt for One Degree, Nature's Path and Barbara's which are gluten-free and organic if needed.
- 1 tsp festive holiday sprinkles of choice , divided. Choose natural sprinkles or sugar-free sprinkles if desired.
- 1/2 cup festive holiday M&M’s , divided - , opt for Unreal Dark Chocolate Gems for a vegan option or Sugar-Free Chocolate Dots, Lily's Candy Coated Pieces or Keto Gemz for a lower sugar option.
Line a 13" by 9" pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
Grease a large bowl. Place cereal in the bowl.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows and 1/3 cup of white chocolate chips, stirring often, cook until almost melted. Remove from the heat and stir until all of the marshmallows are melted. Pour the mixture over the cereal. Stir until coated.
Transfer the cereal mixture into the prepared pan and press down. Gently flatten the top. Cool completely.
Place the remaining chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl and melt in a microwave. Stir until smooth.
Spread the melted chocolate over the top of the rice krispy treats. Decorate with candy and sprinkles of your choice.
Let sit until the chocolate is set.
Cut into bars or use cookie cutters and serve.
Keep in an air-tight container for up to 1 week.
Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper leaving a slight overhang for easier removal. Set aside.
Add the nut butter, maple syrup and butter to a large heat-safe bowl or a large pot.
Melt in the microwave (in 20-30 second increments, stirring well in between) or over the stovetop (if using a pot) until melted. Stir until smooth and combined.
Remove from heat (if using a pot) and stir in the vanilla and salt.Add the crispy rice cereal, then stir until the cereal is completely coated and combined. Fold in half of the sprinkles and M&M’s.
Pour into the prepared pan in an even layer, and use a rubber spatula to firmly press the mixture and flatten the top so it is even.
Top with the remaining sprinkles and M&M’s and press them so they stick.
Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for 30 minutes, or until set.Use the parchment paper to remove the treats and cut into Christmas trees or a Candy Cane with festive cookie cutters or use a sharp sharp knife to cut into even bars.
- Storage: Keep your treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container for up to a week. This ensures they maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
- Freezer Friendly: Simply wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Liz -
These are so fun and festive! We love RKT!
Nami | Just One Cookbook -
Hi Kelly! These are so cute! My kids will love them!
Ashley -
These are so cute! I love the Christmas tree one!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen -
I love how festive these are Kelly! They look fantastic!