Christmas Sprinkle Rice Krispies: The Easiest Holiday Treat

Got a holiday party to go to and zero time to bake something complicated? Or maybe you just want to fill your own kitchen with that sweet, nostalgic smell of marshmallows melting on the stovetop. Is there any treat more cheerful and simple than a batch of homemade Rice Krispies treats, especially when they’re all dressed up for the season? These Christmas Sprinkle Rice Krispies are my go-to when I need a festive dessert in a flash. They’re the perfect project for little helpers, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they bring a little bit of that magical, can’t-be-beat holiday spirit into your home. So good.

Why You’ll Love This

You’re going to adore this recipe because it takes a classic we all know and love and makes it feel completely new and special for the holidays. It’s incredibly forgiving—no baking skills required! Honestly, if you can melt butter and stir, you’ve got this. They come together in about 15 minutes, which is a lifesaver during the busy holidays. Plus, they’re a fantastic make-ahead option for all your Christmas party desserts. They’re fun, festive, and bring a smile to everyone’s face. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The classic, crispy base.
• 1 10-oz bag marshmallows: Mini ones melt faster, but regular work just fine.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: For rich flavor and that perfect chewy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm, cozy flavor boost.
• 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies work best): For that festive Christmas cheer.
• Optional: Additional sprinkles for topping: Because more is more when it comes to holiday treats!

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Prep your pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray. Set it aside.
2. Melt the base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. You want it melted but not browned.
3. Toast the marshmallows: Add the entire bag of marshmallows and the salt to the melted butter. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as it’s smooth.
4. Add flavor: Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. Combine everything: Quickly pour the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold until every single piece of cereal is coated in the gooey marshmallow. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
6. Fold in the cheer: As soon as the cereal is coated, immediately add the 1/2 cup of festive sprinkles. Fold them in quickly—a few stirs will do. Working fast here prevents the sprinkles from bleeding too much color into the marshmallow.
7. Press it in: Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Lightly grease your hands with butter or spray and press the mixture evenly into the pan. Don’t press too hard, or your treats will be dense instead of light and airy.
8. Top it off: While the surface is still a bit sticky, scatter a few more sprinkles over the top and gently press them in for an extra festive look.
9. Let it set: Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before cutting into squares.

Perfecting Your Rice Krispies Treats

A few little secrets can take your treats from good to great. First, use fresh marshmallows for the best melt and stretch. Stale ones just won’t work as well. Keep the heat low and slow when melting your marshmallows to avoid scorching them—a little patience goes a long way. When you stir in the cereal, use a gentle folding motion to keep the mixture light and airy. And my biggest tip? Grease your spatula and your hands really well before pressing the mixture into the pan. It makes the whole process so much easier and less sticky. Finally, use a sharp knife or a plastic knife to cut clean squares without squishing your beautiful creations.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this base recipe is how easy it is to customize. For a chocolate twist, stir in a cup of mini chocolate chips along with the cereal. If you’re making these for a cookie exchange, press the mixture into a festive holiday-shaped cookie cutter on parchment paper for fun individual shapes. Need a dairy-free version? Simply use your favorite plant-based butter; it works like a charm. For a peppermint holiday flavor, swap the vanilla for 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract and fold in some crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles. So many possibilities for easy Christmas desserts!

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These Christmas Sprinkle Rice Krispies are a star on any dessert platter. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for the kids or a hot cup of coffee for the adults. For a real holiday party spread, set them out next to other simple Christmas desserts like fudge, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or a platter of Christmas cookies. They also make wonderful edible gifts! Just wrap a few squares in clear cellophane, tie them with a ribbon, and you’ve got a heartfelt homemade present for teachers, neighbors, or friends.

Storage & Reheating

To keep your holiday treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly soft and chewy for up to 3 days. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Individually wrap the squares in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour or so before serving. There’s no need to reheat, but if you love them slightly warm and gooey, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use stale cereal or marshmallows? I don’t recommend it. Fresh ingredients are key for the best texture in these Christmas treats. Stale cereal won’t give you that signature snap, and old marshmallows can be tricky to melt smoothly.
• My treats came out really hard. What happened? This usually means the marshmallows were overheated or cooked for too long. Next time, keep the heat low and remove the pot from the heat the second the marshmallows are melted.
• Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Absolutely! These are one of the best make-ahead Christmas party desserts. They hold up beautifully and taste just as good the next day.
• Why did my sprinkles turn the marshmallow a funny color? Some sprinkles, especially nonpareils, can bleed color more easily. For the cleanest look, use jimmies (the long, skinny sprinkles) and fold them in at the very last second.