Christmas Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Introduction
These Christmas Rice Krispies Treats are a festive twist on a classic snack, perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet seasonal treat. With gooey marshmallows and crunchy cereal, they’re easy to make and bring a touch of holiday cheer to any occasion.

Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows (approximately 6 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups holiday Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with overlapping pieces of parchment paper and cut to size. Lightly grease the parchment paper to hold it in place.
- Step 2: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir to coat them in the melted butter.
- Step 3: Continue stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and gently fold until the cereal is fully coated.
- Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth it into an even layer. Be gentle to keep the treats gooey rather than firm.
- Step 7: Cover the dish and let the treats set for at least 1 hour at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating if you prefer a softer texture.
- Step 8: Remove the parchment paper, slice, and serve the Rice Krispies treats.
- Step 9: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips & Variations
- For extra festive flair, mix in holiday-themed sprinkles or small candies before pressing the mixture into the dish.
- If you prefer a firmer treat, gently press the mixture more firmly into the dish.
- Use white chocolate chips or colored marshmallows to add a different twist on flavor and color.
Storage
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their gooey texture. If you prefer a firmer treat, refrigeration for up to 5 days is fine, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but they may take a bit longer to melt. Be sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even melting.
How do I keep my Rice Krispies treats from becoming too hard?
Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture without packing it too tightly in the pan and avoid refrigerating if you prefer them soft and gooey.
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Christmas Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (2-inch squares) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Rice Krispies Treats are a delightful and festive twist on the classic marshmallow cereal bars, perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with buttery melted marshmallows coated over crunchy Rice Krispies cereal and a hint of vanilla, these gooey treats set to a perfect chewy texture and bring holiday cheer to any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 10-ounce bag mini marshmallows (approximately 6 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups holiday Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8X8 or 9X9 baking dish with overlapping pieces of parchment paper cut to size and lightly grease the parchment to keep it in place.
- Melt the butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until fully liquefied.
- Add marshmallows: Stir in the mini marshmallows into the melted butter, coating them thoroughly.
- Continue melting: Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla: Take the pot off the stove and stir in the vanilla extract evenly.
- Combine with cereal: Fold in the holiday Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring all pieces are well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer to baking dish: Gently spread the mixture into the prepared dish in an even layer without pressing too firmly to maintain a soft, gooey texture.
- Set the treats: Cover and let the mixture set at room temperature for at least 1 hour. For a firmer treat, refrigeration is an option, but room temperature is recommended for gooeyness.
- Slice and serve: Remove the parchment paper, slice the treats into squares, and serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Using salted butter enhances the flavor but unsalted butter can be used if preferred; adjust salt accordingly.
- Do not pack the mixture too tightly in the baking dish to keep the treats soft and chewy.
- For a festive look, use holiday-themed Rice Krispies cereal or add colored sprinkles on top before setting.
- If you prefer firmer treats, refrigerate after setting, but room temperature keeps them gooier.
- Leftovers should be kept in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Rice Krispies Treats, holiday treats, marshmallow cereal bars, festive dessert, easy holiday snacks, chewy treats

