There’s something magically nostalgic about a classic Rice Krispie treat, but add a festive twist for the holidays, and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe brightens up any gathering with its cheerful colors and sweet, marshmallowy goodness. Whether you’re whipping these up for a holiday party, a family treat, or just because you’re feeling a bit jolly in the kitchen, this recipe hits all the right notes for delicious simplicity and festive flair.

One of my favorite things about this Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is how super approachable it is—no fancy tools or tricky techniques, just simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Plus, it’s a recipe that’s just as fun to customize as it is to make, so you can really make it your own while spreading that holiday cheer. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one handy for all your Christmas celebrations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe lies in a handful of classic, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously together. You’ll want the freshest marshmallows and crisp cereal for that perfect chewy-but-crunchy texture everyone loves.

Miniature Marshmallows: These melt down beautifully and create that perfect gooey texture. Using mini marshmallows helps them combine smoothly with the butter and cereal.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and balances the sweetness. I always use salted because it gives a little depth to the flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Just a dash brightens up the whole mixture with a warm, comforting aroma.
Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic crunchy base that’ll stay crisp without getting soggy when mixed right.
Green Food Coloring: This is where the festive vibes start! Use just enough to get that vibrant Christmas green color without overpowering the marshmallow taste.
Red Hots or Holiday Sprinkles: For an extra pop of holiday color and a fun little crunch on top. Red Hots add a mild cinnamon kick, which I personally adore.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is—you can tailor it to fit your holiday style or dietary needs. Here’s a few ways I’ve played around with mine, and you might find a new favorite, too!

White Chocolate Drizzle: I once melted white chocolate over the top for a snowy look and a creamy contrast. It was a hit at my family party!
Peanut Butter Addition: Swirl in some peanut butter with the melted marshmallows for a nutty, rich flavor that’s irresistible.
Gluten-Free Version: Just make sure to grab gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal, and you’re good to go.
Holiday Shapes: Cut the treats into stars or candy canes using cookie cutters before they fully set—makes serving extra festive and fun.

How to Make Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Start by gently melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. This part’s super important—low and slow helps keep the marshmallows from sticking or scorching. Once the butter is melted, toss in all those miniature marshmallows and stir constantly. You’ll notice they start to puff up and melt down into a glossy, sticky syrup. Be patient and keep stirring so everything melts evenly. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and those festive green food coloring drops until you get that perfect Christmas green shade. A great tip? Add the food coloring gradually—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

Step 2: Mix in the Rice Krispies

Next, remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour in the Rice Krispies cereal. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure each Krispie is coated in that gooey green marshmallow mix. Be careful not to overmix or press too hard—if you pack the mixture too tightly, your treats can become dense and tough.

Step 3: Transfer and Decorate

Lightly butter or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal, then spread your mixture out evenly. Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to gently press the mixture down—remember, no squishing! While the treats are still warm, sprinkle on your red hots or festive sprinkles for that classic Christmas pop of red against the green. Let these cool completely at room temperature for about an hour before cutting into squares or festive shapes.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Three green Christmas tree shaped rice treats are placed on a crumpled brown paper on a white marbled surface. Each tree has red, white, and green round and stick sprinkles scattered across its surface, with one white flower-shaped sprinkle near the top of each tree. To the top left, there is a clear glass bowl filled with more of the same red, white, and green sprinkles. To the top right, a green metal Christmas tree shaped cookie cutter rests on the brown paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of using red hots for a bright, cinnamon-tinged garnish—that little spice contrast elevates the sweetness beautifully. Sometimes, I swap those out for holiday-themed sprinkles like stars or snowflakes, adding a little extra whimsy and texture. It’s such an easy detail that makes these treats feel extra festive and special.

Side Dishes

These treats are perfect alongside a mug of hot cocoa or even a cup of spiced apple cider—it’s a cozy holiday combo that never fails. For a party, I like to offer them with some fresh fruit or roasted nuts, which balance out the sweetness and add variety to the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried last Christmas was stacking these treats on a decorated tiered stand like little Christmas trees, adding edible glitter on top for sparkle. Another easy way to present them is by wrapping individual squares in cellophane tied with festive ribbons—a perfect homemade gift! Serving them on themed platters or alongside other holiday cookies works wonders for a beautiful dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find the best way to store leftover Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for about 3–5 days this way. Pro tip: place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking if you stack them.

Freezing

Yes, these freeze well! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a sweet treat later, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. This method keeps them tasting fresh with minimal texture change.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up a refrigerated or defrosted treat, popping it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds softens the marshmallow without melting it completely. Just be careful not to overheat—these treats get sticky fast, and a little warm is all you need to bring back that chewy softness.

FAQs

Can I make Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the salted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free. Just ensure your marshmallows are also vegan-friendly since some brands add gelatin.
What’s the best way to get an even green color?

Adding green food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture is key. I recommend starting with about 10 drops and stirring well, then adding a few more drops if the color isn’t bright enough. Mixing thoroughly prevents streaks and gives a vibrant, festive look.
Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?

While Rice Krispies are traditional for this treat, you can experiment with puffed millet or quinoa for a different texture, but keep in mind the chewiness and flavor profile might change. Stick with cereals that won’t get soggy quickly for best results.
How do I prevent my Rice Krispie treats from being too hard?

Don’t overheat the marshmallows, and don’t press the mixture down too firmly in the pan. Also, using the correct ratio of butter to marshmallows makes a big difference in keeping the treats soft and chewy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is one of those feel-good classics that instantly brings back memories of holiday baking with family and friends. Every year, it’s a go-to that brings a smile to everyone’s face and that delightful sense of warmth only homemade treats can deliver. I can’t recommend trying this enough—once you make it, you’ll have a festive favorite ready to share at every holiday party, gathering, or cozy night in. Enjoy the process and have fun adding your own touch to these cheerful treats!

Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

These festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful holiday twist on the classic treat. Flavored with vanilla and tinted with green food coloring, these gooey, crispy squares are perfect for holiday parties or a fun seasonal snack. Decorated with red hots or colorful holiday sprinkles, they bring a cheerful touch to your dessert table.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

6 cups (300 grams) miniature marshmallows
¼ cup (57 grams) salted butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups (168 grams) Rice Krispies cereal
10–12 drops green food coloring
Red hots candies or holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the treats from sticking.
Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt ¼ cup salted butter over low heat. Once melted, add the 6 cups of miniature marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.
Add flavor and color: Remove the melted marshmallow mixture from heat. Stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and 10-12 drops of green food coloring, mixing well to ensure an even green hue.
Mix in cereal: Immediately add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the green marshmallow mixture. Gently fold and stir until all the cereal is evenly coated with the green marshmallow blend.
Press and decorate: Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, firmly press the mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Sprinkle red hots or festive holiday sprinkles on top, pressing them lightly to adhere.
Cool and cut: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until set. Once firm, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Use low heat when melting marshmallows to avoid burning.
For softer treats, do not press the mixture too firmly into the pan.
Substitute green food coloring with natural alternatives like spinach powder if preferred.
Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Christmas Rice Krispie Treats, Holiday Treats, Rice Krispies Recipe, Easy Dessert, Festive Snacks