Cozy Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
A quick and easy festive holiday snack combining crunchy rice cereal, gooey marshmallows, and colorful sprinkles for a nostalgic and joyful treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups (180g) crispy rice cereal (e.g., Kellogg’s Rice Krispies)
- 10 oz (280g) marshmallows (mini or chopped large marshmallows, Jet-Puffed preferred)
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, softened but not melted
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (75g) festive red, green, and white sprinkles
- 1/2 tsp (1g) cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30g) crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. (5 minutes)
- In a large pot over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons (56g) of unsalted butter gently without browning. (3 minutes)
- Add 10 oz (280g) marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until marshmallows are fully melted and smooth. (5-7 minutes)
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon (1g) cinnamon if using. (1 minute)
- Quickly add 6 cups (180g) rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all cereal. Work fast as mixture sets quickly. (2-3 minutes)
- Stir in 1/2 cup (75g) festive sprinkles and 1/4 cup (30g) crushed candy canes if using. (1 minute)
- Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to press it evenly into an even layer without pressing too hard. (3-5 minutes)
- Allow the treats to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Optionally, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to speed up setting.
- Once set, lift the treats out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or festive shapes with a sharp knife. Serve.
Notes
Melt butter and marshmallows slowly over low heat to avoid scorching. Work quickly when mixing cereal to prevent the mixture from setting too soon. Lightly butter your spatula or hands to prevent sticking. Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal and cleanup. For gluten-free, verify rice cereal and sprinkles are certified gluten-free. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One square treat (ap
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Christmas, Rice Crispy Treats, Holiday Snack, Festive Treats, Easy Recipe, Marshmallows, Rice Cereal, Kid-Friendly