When December fills up with church gatherings, school programs, and family dinners, it is such a relief to have one dessert you can count on every single time. These Christmas Rice Krispies Treats are buttery, marshmallow-filled cereal bars scattered with Christmas M&Ms, topped with sprinkles, and finished with a pretty almond bark drizzle.
They look like you fussed, but they are truly easy Christmas Rice Krispies treats that come together in minutes on the stovetop.
Christmas Rice Krispies Treats
You’ll love these Christmas Rice Krispies Treats because they are quick and truly no bake, made with simple pantry ingredients that come together on the stovetop in minutes, they add festive pops of red and green from the M&Ms and sprinkles to every cookie tray, they keep a soft, chewy texture instead of turning hard or crunchy, they stay kid friendly to make and share so little hands can help decorate, and they cut into sturdy bars that are easy to pack, travel with, and tuck into gift boxes for church events, school parties, and family gatherings. If you would like to make a variety of Christmas treats, visit all my Christmas recipes.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Vanilla extract: Makes these taste like homemade Rice Krispies treats instead of something store-bought. Use pure vanilla extract if you can since the flavor really shines in this simple recipe.
- Large marshmallows: This recipe is written for large marshmallows, which melt into a thick, glossy mixture that coats every piece of cereal. Be sure your marshmallows are fresh and soft, because older marshmallows do not melt as smoothly and can leave the bars stiff.
- Crisped rice cereal: Classic Rice Krispies cereal is perfect, but any crisped rice cereal will work as long as it is plain and crisp. For gluten-sensitive friends, look for a brand clearly labeled gluten-free so they can enjoy a square too.
- Christmas M&Ms: Red and green M&Ms add a little chocolate crunch and cheerful color to each bite. For school or church events, choose peanut-free varieties when needed so more guests can enjoy these Christmas Rice Krispies treats with M&Ms.
- Christmas sprinkles: A spoonful of Christmas sprinkles adds sparkle across the top of the pan and makes the bars look extra festive. Use whatever sprinkle mix you love, from simple red and green nonpareils to blends with stars, snowflakes, or tiny candy canes.
- Almond bark vanilla candy coating: Almond bark melts quickly and smoothly, then sets with a light snap on top of the bars. You can buy it in blocks or chips.
How to Make Christmas Rice Krispies Treats
Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Melt the butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat, just until it’s smooth and bubbly around the edges. Then stir in the marshmallows, vanilla, and salt, and keep stirring until everything looks smooth and glossy, pulling it off the heat as soon as the last little lumps melt so your treats stay soft.
Fold In Cand and Shape
Pour in the crisped rice cereal and gently fold it through the warm marshmallow mixture until every piece is coated. Sprinkle in the Christmas M&Ms and give it just a few light stirs so the candy is evenly distributed throughout the pan without melting or streaking.
Spoon the warm mixture into your prepared pan, then use a greased spatula to nudge it into the corners. Lay a piece of parchment on top and gently press it into an even layer so the bars hold together but still stay soft and chewy when you bite into them.
Pull off the parchment and shower the top with Christmas sprinkles while everything is still a little warm so they grab on. Slide the pan into the fridge for about 15 minutes, just long enough for the treats to firm up and be easy to cut later.
Drizzle with Almond Bark and Slice
Melt the almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl, starting with 30 seconds and then adding short bursts, stirring in between until smooth and pourable. Drizzle it over the pan with a spoon, let it set, then loosen the edges, flip the slab onto a cutting board, turn it right side up, and cut it into twelve pretty bars ready to share.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Flavor Enhancements: If you want to dress up these easy Christmas Rice Krispies treats a bit, lightly brown the butter for a nutty flavor and add a tiny splash of almond or peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture for a gentle holiday twist.
Add-In Options: You can press the mixture into the pan and then cut out Christmas tree Rice Krispies treats, Rice Krispie wreaths, stars, or round “ornaments,” or keep them as bars and add extras like crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or a chocolate dip on one end.
Simple Substitutions: Holiday-colored crisped rice cereal works just as well as plain, and you can trade the almond bark for white candy melts or white chocolate chips, or even make Christmas Rice Krispie treats with M&Ms only and skip the drizzle when you need something extra quick.
Tips for Recipe Success: Use fresh cereal and marshmallows, melt everything over low heat, gently press the mixture into the pan instead of packing it down, and stir in the M&Ms at the very end so these holiday Rice Krispies treats stay soft, chewy, and brightly colored on your cookie trays.
The December Drop Off Blessing
Package these Christmas Rice Krispies Treats in simple boxes or bags. Choose an afternoon this December when you’re already out running errands, heading to church, or attending a school program. Think about who would enjoy receiving these treats, such as a church volunteer, a teacher, a widowed neighbor, or a friend who feels stretched thin. These treats are perfect because they look special without taking much of your time, and they travel easily without stress or fuss. Include a short handwritten note letting them know they were thought of and prayed for. This simple drop off turns an ordinary dessert into a gentle reminder that they are seen, valued, and loved, just as Christ sees and serves us first.
If you would like more ideas, how to share the Christmas spirit, be sure to visit Christ Centered Christmas Traditions
More Easy Christmas Treats
- Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
- Festive Christmas Chex Mix
- 4-Ingredient Pretzel Christmas Treats in 10 Minutes
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip
- Christmas Pretzel and Rolo Recipe (Holiday Party Favorite)
- Snowball Party Mix (Sweet Winter Snack)
- Easy Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
These Christmas Rice Krispies treats give you buttery, chewy marshmallow bars with bright M&Ms, sparkling sprinkles, and a sweet almond bark drizzle that look beautiful on any holiday dessert table. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Festive Christmas Rice Krispies Treats
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Ingredients
Rice Krispies Treats
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces marshmallows, large, be sure to use large vs mini marshmallows
- 7 cups crisped rice cereal
Toppings
- ½ cup M&M, Christmas colors
- 2 tablespoons Christmas Sprinkles
- 4 ounces almond bark vanilla candy coating, blocks or chips
Instructions
Prepare the Pan and Candy
- Spray a rubber spatula and a 13 by 9-inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray.
Make the Cereal Mixture
- Melt the butter in a large heavy bottom pan over medium heat.4 tablespoons butter
- Add the marshmallows, vanilla, and salt. Cook, stirring continually with the prepared spatula, until the marshmallows are just melted, about 3 minutes.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 12 ounces marshmallows, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Remove from heat and stir in the cereal.
- When the cereal is coated quickly stir in the M&Ms. Don't over stir or the candy coating will melt.½ cup M&M
Assemble and Set
- Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan.7 cups crisped rice cereal
- Sprinkle the Christmas sprinkles over the whole pan.2 tablespoons Christmas Sprinkles
- Place a large piece of parchment paper over the treats and press the mixture into an even layer. Toss the parchment paper.
- Place the pan in the fridge for 15 minutes to cool.
Add Chocolate Topping
- Place the almond bark candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl.4 ounces almond bark vanilla candy coating
- Microwave for 30 seconds and then stir well.
- Continue microwaving in 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. NOTE* the almond bark burns easily, so stirring between each burst is essential, even if it looks unmelted, the heat is often already there.
- Using a large spoon, drizzle the melted almond bark over the pan of Rice Krispie treats.
- Allow the treats to sit and cool for one hour to set or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen, turn out onto a cutting board, flip right side up, and cut into 12 bars.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
