Easy Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Kids Will Love 

Why We Love Holiday Rice Krispie Treats

I remember the first time I had a Rice Krispie Treat. It was in 1st grade for a cookie exchange and someone brought wreath shaped Rice Krispie treats. I thought it was the best thing I had ever eaten, and at 6 years old, that was probably true. 

The sweet crunch of crispy cereal with the amazing flavor of melted marshmallow is a classic combination that will never go out of style. On top of that, they are so easy to make. When we are short on time, energy, and motivation, Rice Krispie treats are an easy treat that everyone loves. By adding colorful sprinkles or a chocolate drizzle, we can transform our easy treat into holiday magic. 

Classic Rice Krispie Treat Ingredients

You may as well buy the Family Size box of cereal this holiday season.

• 7 cups Rice Krispie cereal
• 10 cups Mini Marshmallows 
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Specialty Ingredients 

In order to make the switch from these classic treats and turn up the Christmas spirit, we just need a few simple ingredients. 

• 1-2 tablespoons Holiday Sprinkles
• ½ cup Red and Green M&Ms
• Melting Chocolate
• White Chocolate Chips

Helpful Supplies

• 9x9 Clean Edge Pan 
• Parchment Paper
• Nonstick spray (for securing the parchment paper to the pan)
• Disposable Piping Bags
• Large Pot and Large Spoon or spatula

For the baking dish, you can use whatever you like. I like using a clean edge baking pan without rounded corners for the look. After I pop the Krispie treats out of the pan, I don't have to clean up any edges. You will have delicious treats no matter which pan you use, though.

How to Make Homemade Rice Krispie Treats

1. Set a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the butter.
2. After the butter has melted, add the marshmallows and vanilla. Stir really well.
3. When the marshmallows have melted completely, shut off the heat and add the Rice Krispies.
4. Fold that together until it's evenly combined. Add 2 more cups of mini marshmallows if desired.
5. Transfer the Rice Krispies cereal mixture to a large baking dish lined with parchment paper. 
6. Set aside at room temperature until the crispy treats have set. 

Tips for Perfect Rice Krispies Treats

Make sure that you shut off the heat as soon as the marshmallows are almost completely melted. Over cooking the marshmallows may result in hard rice rice krispies treats. 

Use cooking spray to attach the parchment paper to the baking dish. This will make it so much easier to remove them from the dish. 

Don't cut the treats before they have set up completely. I know they look and smell delicious, but waiting is an important step. 

Using Christmas Sprinkles

You have two opportunities to add sprinkles. First, when you add the cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture, you can add a few tablespoons of sprinkles. You will have sprinkles throughout all of the treats. 

The second option is to sprinkle on top of the Rice Krispie treats before they set completely. If you're really feeling extra festive, you can do both. 

Next Level: White Chocolate Top

For another easy option, but with even more pizzazz, add a thick layer of melted white chocolate. After you press the Rice Krispie treat mixture into the 9x9 pan, pour a thick layer of melted white chocolate over the top.

After the chocolate sets, remove the rice kripsie treat with its parchment and cut into squares. Finish the treats off with chocolate drizzle, Christmas sprinkles, and more M&Ms. Following the same steps above, when you add the cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture, add in christmas m&ms, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles. After you transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, add white chocolate drizzles over the top. 

Christmas Tree Krispy Treats

For these, you will need two more things. Green food coloring and pretzel sticks. Add a few drops of green gel food coloring to the melted marshmallows and stir well.

After the rice kripsie treats have firmed up, cut them into triangles. Push small pretzel sticks into the bottom of the tree. Decorate your Christmas trees with sprinkles, small candy coated chocolate, or melted chocolate.  

How to Store Homemade Rice Krispie Treats

Air is the enemy of freshness. After the Christmas Rice Krispies treats are finished, store them in an airtight container until you are ready to serve them. The edges will dry out and they'll become stale. 

More Christmas Treats 

Christmas Peppermint Bark is super fun and super easy holiday treat. When you are done making the chocolate dipped Rice Krispie treats, you can use that melted chocolate for Christmas bark. 

Christmas Pretzel Rods are another super easy and festive treat for this Christmas season.