There’s just something magical about the holiday season that makes me want to whip up all sorts of festive treats! One of my absolute favorites has to be these Christmas rice crispy treats. They’re a delightful twist on the classic version we all know and love, but with a sprinkle of holiday cheer that makes them extra special. Trust me, when you mix that gooey marshmallow goodness with the crunch of rice crispy cereal and a pop of colorful sprinkles, you’ll be in dessert heaven! Plus, they come together so quickly, making them the perfect treat to share with friends and family. Whether you’re adding them to your holiday dessert table or packing them up as sweet gifts, these festive treats are sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients List
To whip up these delightful Christmas rice crispy treats, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 cups rice crispy cereal
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles
These ingredients are super easy to find, and trust me, they come together to create that perfect crunchy, gooey, and festive treat we all love. Just make sure your marshmallows are fresh for the best results! Your holiday baking will be off to a sweet start!
How to Prepare Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these delightful Christmas rice crispy treats! The steps are super simple, and I promise they come together in a flash. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious holiday treat in no time!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
First things first, grab a large saucepan and toss in those 3 tablespoons of butter. Set your heat to low and let the butter melt slowly. This should take about 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! You want it to be beautifully melted and bubbling just a little.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows
Once your butter is all melted, it’s time to add in the star of the show: your marshmallows! Dump the entire 10-ounce package into the pan and stir, stir, stir! Keep the heat on low and mix until they’re completely melted and smooth. This part is super crucial—too much heat can cause the marshmallows to seize up, so be gentle.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now that you’ve got that beautiful marshmallow goo, take it off the heat and stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. This little touch adds amazing flavor! Next, it’s time to pour in the 6 cups of rice crispy cereal. Mix everything together until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. You want to make sure every little piece is covered!
Step 4: Add Festive Sprinkles
Here comes the fun part—fold in your red and green sprinkles! Gently mix them into the cereal mixture. The sprinkles not only add a pop of color but also a festive flair that screams holiday cheer. You’ll feel the joy just by looking at it!
Step 5: Press and Cool
Finally, grab a greased 9×13 inch pan and press the mixture firmly into the bottom. I like to use a spatula or even my hands (just be careful, it can be hot!). Once it’s all spread out evenly, let it cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Patience is key here; letting it set properly will make cutting into squares so much easier!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas rice crispy treats truly shine, I’ve got a few handy tips! First, always use fresh marshmallows—this makes a big difference in that gooey texture we love. When you’re melting the butter and marshmallows, keep the heat low and stir consistently to prevent burning. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Another tip? Don’t skip the sprinkles! They not only add a festive flair but also a delightful crunch. If you want to get a little adventurous, consider mixing in some colored chocolate for an extra treat. And when you’re ready to serve, cut them into fun shapes or festive squares and enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. These treats are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or wrapping up as gifts. Happy holiday baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving size of one square of these delicious Christmas rice crispy treats:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure—these treats are a sweet holiday indulgence you won’t want to miss!
FAQ Section
Can I use different cereals?
Absolutely! While rice crispy cereal is the classic choice for these treats, you can experiment with other cereals to create fun variations. For example, using Cocoa Puffs will give you a chocolatey twist, or you could try Fruity Pebbles for a burst of color and flavor! Just keep in mind that different cereals can alter the texture and taste slightly, but they can be just as delicious!
How should I store the treats?
To keep your Christmas rice crispy treats fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep them away from heat and moisture to prevent them from becoming too sticky or hard. If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), this storage tip will keep them just as delightful as when they were first made!
Can I make these in advance?
You sure can! These treats are perfect for making ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to store them properly in an airtight container. If you’re planning to make them even earlier, consider freezing them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These Christmas rice crispy treats come together in just 15 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute holiday treat!
- Festive Appearance: With vibrant red and green sprinkles, they add a cheerful pop of color to your holiday spread.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of gooey marshmallows and crunchy rice cereal creates a delightful contrast that everyone loves.
- Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family gathering, these treats are always a hit and perfect for sharing!
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Christmas rice crispy treats are perfect on their own, but why not take it up a notch? I love to serve them alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon—it’s like a cozy hug in a mug! If you’re looking for something a bit more festive, consider pairing them with peppermint tea or even a glass of eggnog for that classic holiday vibe. You can also stack them next to a plate of freshly baked cookies or a slice of rich chocolate cake for a dessert spread that will make everyone smile. Trust me, these treats will shine even brighter when served with your favorite festive drinks and sweets!
Print
Christmas Rice Crispy Treats That Spark Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive twist on classic rice crispy treats, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice crispy cereal
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add rice crispy cereal and mix well.
- Fold in sprinkles.
- Press mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Try adding colored chocolate for more festive flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: christmas rice crispy treats
