Introduction

These Christmas Rice Crispy Treats are a festive twist on a classic favorite. Bite-sized and coated in smooth white chocolate with colorful sprinkles, they make a perfect holiday snack or party treat. Easy to make and fun to share, these treats bring holiday cheer in every bite.

A white bowl with red decoration holds a pile of round treats covered in smooth white coating, topped with small red, green, and white round sprinkles. The inside of one treat shows a light, crispy rice cereal layer beneath the coating. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with blurry wooden reindeer figures and green miniature trees in the background, giving a festive feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups puffed rice cereal
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (or 1 cup mini marshmallows + 1/4 cup marshmallow fluff)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups white chocolate chips or white chocolate candy melts
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
1/2 cup red, green, and white nonpareils

Instructions

Step 1: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and marshmallow fluff. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the puffed rice cereal, mixing until the cereal is fully coated. Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes until warm but safe to handle.
Step 2: Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If the mixture is crumbly, press gently to shape each ball. Place the shaped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool completely.
Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth. If the chocolate is thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to loosen the texture. Let the melted chocolate sit for a minute or two so it slightly thickens for easier coating.
Step 4: Dip each rice krispie ball into the melted white chocolate until fully coated. Use a fork to lift and gently tap off excess chocolate. Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined tray and immediately sprinkle with red, green, and white nonpareils before the chocolate sets.
Step 5: Allow the coated rice krispie balls to set at room temperature, or place the tray in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to speed up the process. Once the chocolate is firm, transfer the balls to a serving dish or airtight container. Stack neatly to show off the festive colors.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture.
You can substitute peanut butter for half the butter for a nutty twist.
Use colored candy melts for a different coating color to match other holiday themes.
If white chocolate is too sweet, try dipping in melted dark or milk chocolate instead.
Make the balls smaller for bite-sized snacks or larger for a more substantial treat.

Storage

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy, bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid storing in humid areas to prevent the coating from becoming sticky.

How to Serve

The image shows many round treats covered in smooth white chocolate, each topped with small red, green, and white round sprinkles mostly gathered on the top half. One treat is broken in half, revealing an inner layer that looks like a light, crunchy rice cereal mixture. All the treats rest together on a white plate with festive red and green patterns along the edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The overall look is festive and colorful, with the contrast of bright sprinkles against the white chocolate coating. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just store them in a cool place or refrigerate to keep the chocolate coating firm.

What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff?

You can use all mini marshmallows instead of adding marshmallow fluff. The fluff helps with extra smoothness but is not essential.