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Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Delight in these festive Christmas Rice Crispy Treats—bite-sized, marshmallow-coated puffed rice cereal balls dipped in creamy white chocolate and sprinkled with holiday-colored nonpareils. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting, these sweet treats combine a classic childhood favorite with elegant seasonal flair to brighten your celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups puffed rice cereal
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Ingredients for Melting

  • 1/4 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips or white chocolate candy melts
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)

Decorations

  • 1/2 cup red, green, and white nonpareils

Instructions

  1. Make the Rice Krispie Mixture: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and marshmallow fluff if using. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the puffed rice cereal until fully coated. Let cool for 2 to 3 minutes until warm but safe to handle.
  2. Shape the Balls: Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If crumbly, press gently to shape. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool completely to set.
  3. Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in 20 to 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. If the chocolate is thick, stir in 1 tablespoon coconut oil to loosen. Let the melted chocolate sit for a minute or two to slightly thicken for easier coating.
  4. Coat the Balls and Add Sprinkles: Dip each rice krispie ball into the melted white chocolate to coat fully. Use a fork to lift, tapping off excess chocolate gently. Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined tray and immediately sprinkle with red, green, and white nonpareils before the chocolate sets.
  5. Set and Serve: Allow the coated balls to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to speed up firming. Once the chocolate is set, transfer to a serving dish or store in an airtight container. Stack neatly to showcase festive colors.

Notes

  • Lightly greasing your hands prevents the sticky mixture from clinging when shaping the balls.
  • If marshmallow fluff is unavailable, increase mini marshmallows to 1 1/2 cups for best texture.
  • Coconut oil helps melt white chocolate smoother and easier for coating, but it’s optional.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during cooling and coating steps.
  • Store treated balls in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness.