Description
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats loaded with buttery, marshmallow goodness, colorful M&Ms, and holiday sprinkles. Finished with a white chocolate drizzle and extra sprinkles, this recipe brings a joyful twist to a classic treat, perfect for sharing or gifting during the festive season.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Rice Krispies:
- 1 cup salted butter
- 20 oz mini marshmallows
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 10 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- ½ cup red, white, and green holiday sprinkles
For the garnish:
- 8 oz white chocolate
- ½ cup red and green M&Ms
- ¼ cup red, white, and green holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly mist it with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps with easy removal of the treats once set.
- Melt the Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir continuously until the butter foams twice and begins to brown slightly, releasing a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter. Immediately remove from heat.
- Add Extracts and Salt: Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (and 1 teaspoon almond extract if using) into the hot butter mixture. The mixture will bubble; stir for about 30 seconds until the bubbling subsides. Then add ½ teaspoon salt and stir to combine.
- Incorporate Marshmallows: Add half of the mini marshmallows to the butter mixture, stirring continuously until almost melted. Then add the remaining marshmallows and continue stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Rice Krispies: Gradually add Rice Krispies cereal in 2-cup increments, gently folding each addition until the mixture is evenly combined and all cereal is coated.
- Mix in M&Ms and Sprinkles: Carefully fold in 1 cup red and green M&Ms and ½ cup holiday sprinkles. Stir just until incorporated to avoid melting the M&Ms.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Lightly wet your hands with water and gently press the mixture evenly into the pan without compressing too much to keep the treats light and airy.
- Melt White Chocolate: Break the white chocolate into pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Allow to cool for 3 minutes to reach room temperature for easier drizzling.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle about half of the melted white chocolate evenly over the treats. Sprinkle with ½ cup red and green M&Ms and ¼ cup holiday sprinkles. Then drizzle the remaining white chocolate over the garnishes to help them adhere to the treats.
- Set and Serve: Let the treats cool completely until set before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy your festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats!
Notes
- Be careful not to overheat the butter to avoid burning and a bitter flavor.
- Use lightly wet hands to press the mixture to prevent sticking and avoid compressing the treats too much.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- White chocolate drizzle helps secure the extra M&Ms and sprinkles on top.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas treats, Rice Krispie treats, holiday dessert, festive snacks, marshmallow dessert, white chocolate drizzle
