Summary:
Rice Krispie treats are already a childhood legend, but this Christmas version? We’re talking about soft, chewy squares packed with gooey marshmallow, browned butter, a little sea salt to wake it all up, and enough red and green flair to make even your most Instagram-happy cousin cry. No baking. No chilling. Just melt, stir, press, and flex like the homemade snack pro you are.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes (cooling)
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 squares (or 9 if you cut like a savage)
Diet: Vegetarian
Method: Stove + mix
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows (plus 1 extra cup reserved)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup red and green M&Ms, holiday mix
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles (optional but festive)
- Optional: extra mini marshmallows, for gooey texture
Instructions
1. Brown the Butter (Yes, Brown It)
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (go wider than you think), melt the butter over medium heat. Let it foam, crackle, and begin to brown. Stir constantly and don’t walk away — when it smells nutty and turns golden with brown bits on the bottom, you’ve arrived.
2. Melt the Marshmallows
Immediately toss in the 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows. Reduce heat to low. Stir constantly until they melt into a glossy, sticky mess. Add the vanilla extract and salt. The salt is not optional unless you like bland nostalgia.
3. Fold in the Cereal Like a Pro
Kill the heat. Add in your Rice Krispies and the reserved 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Stir like you mean it until everything is fully coated and those marshmallow bits start getting melty — but not all the way. You want pockets of goo.
4. Add the Festive Stuff
Fold in the M&Ms and sprinkles right at the end. Do it quickly — if the mixture’s too hot, the candy coating might crack and run, and while that’s still delicious, it’s not the look you want. Think melty pockets of joy, not candy horror show.
5. Press It. Gently.
Pour the mix into a parchment-lined 9×13 pan (for thinner treats) or 8×8 (for thick, bakery-style squares). Lightly press down using a spatula or your hands wrapped in wax paper. Don’t smash them into submission — that’s how you get dense, sad bars. Gentle firmness wins.
6. Cool and Cut
Let them cool for 15–20 minutes, then lift from the pan and slice into squares. Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts if you’re after clean edges (you perfectionist, you).
Notes
- Brown the butter. Always.
It takes 3 extra minutes and turns basic cereal treats into gourmet nostalgia. Trust the process. - Texture hack:
Adding extra unmelted mini marshmallows right before pressing gives those gooey, stretchy bites that make people ask, “Did you buy these?” - Make it spicy:
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or swirl in a little white chocolate for peppermint flair. - Mix-ins to try:
Chopped pretzels for salt, chopped nuts for crunch, or a swirl of Biscoff spread if you’re feeling unhinged. - Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. They probably won’t last that long. - Make ahead?
Yep. Wrap individually in plastic or parchment and store in a tin like you’re about to open a holiday bake shop.
Why These Work (Better Than Boxed Mixes)
- Browned butter takes this from sticky sugar bar to actual culinary achievement.
- Salt and vanilla bring balance. It’s still sweet — but in a grown-up way.
- Soft and chewy, never dry. The extra marshmallows do all the work.
- Festive look, zero effort. M&Ms and sprinkles do the heavy lifting.
Final Word
These Christmas Rice Krispie treats are the dessert version of a Mariah Carey high note: bold, classic, and guaranteed to get applause. You don’t need fancy pans, mixers, or hours of prep. You just need good ingredients, five fingers for stirring, and maybe a little self-control when they’re cooling.
They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, school parties, family dessert trays, or honestly breakfast. You made them. You get to decide.
So, melt that butter, stir it all together, and go full holiday hero with something wildly nostalgic and stupidly good. No one has to know it took you 20 minutes.
