CHRISTMAS RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Y’all, the smell of melting butter and marshmallows always takes me right back to my childhood Christmases. My grandma, bless her heart, used to make a big batch of Rice Krispie Treats every year, and they were gone faster than you could say “Santa Claus!” Now, with my own two kiddos running around, I’ve taken up the mantle, and these Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are a must-have on our holiday baking list. I’ve probably made these a hundred times in my Texas kitchen, and they’re always a hit. I promise you, these are the easiest, most festive treats you’ll make all season!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mama, I need recipes that are quick, easy, and don’t require a ton of fancy ingredients. That’s where these Christmas Rice Krispie Treats shine! They’re perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen, and they always bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

• Super Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for those hectic holiday schedules.
• Kid-Approved: My little ones devour these, and yours will too!
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite Christmas sprinkles, candies, or food coloring.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 ounces (about 40) marshmallows, regular or mini
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Christmas sprinkles, for decorating

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients. The marshmallows are the key to that gooey, chewy texture we all love. I usually go for the regular-sized marshmallows, but mini ones melt a little faster. The vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and enhances the flavor. And don’t skimp on the butter – it helps everything stick together and adds a richness that’s just delightful. As for the sprinkles, go wild! Red, green, gold, stars, snowmen – whatever screams Christmas to you!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these treats is as easy as pie (or, well, easier!). Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive goodies in no time.

1. Step 1: Melt the Butter. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. You want it to be completely melted but not browned. That buttery aroma is the first sign of deliciousness to come!
2. Step 2: Add the Marshmallows. Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure you stir constantly to prevent burning!
3. Step 3: Stir in the Vanilla. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. That little touch of vanilla really elevates the flavor.
4. Step 4: Add the Rice Krispies. Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture and stir until well coated. Make sure every single piece is coated in that delicious marshmallow goodness.
5. Step 5: Press into Pan. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Pour the Rice Krispie mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it down evenly with a greased spatula or your hands (lightly greased, of course!).
6. Step 6: Decorate! Immediately sprinkle Christmas sprinkles over the top of the treats. Gently press the sprinkles into the treats so they adhere well. The more sprinkles, the merrier!
7. Step 7: Cool and Cut. Let the treats cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Storage & Meal Prep

These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later too. Here’s how:

• Storage: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these treats for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Make-Ahead: You can make these treats a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun variations and substitutions you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal to make these treats gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute to make these treats dairy-free.
• Peppermint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture for a festive peppermint flavor. Crush some peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top along with the sprinkles.
• Chocolate: Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top of the cooled treats for a chocolatey twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cereal?

While Rice Krispies are the classic choice, you can experiment with other cereals like Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

How do I keep the treats from being too hard?

The key is to not overcook the marshmallows. Cook them over low heat and stir constantly until they’re just melted. Also, don’t pack the mixture too tightly into the pan.

Can I add food coloring?

Absolutely! Add a few drops of food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture for extra festive treats. Green and red are always great choices for Christmas!

Can I make these without butter?

While butter adds a rich flavor and helps everything stick together, you can use a butter substitute like coconut oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work.

How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the pan well with butter or cooking spray is essential. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This is a great recipe to get the kids involved in. They can help with stirring, measuring, and especially decorating with sprinkles!

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, you can use a different size pan, but the thickness of the treats will vary. If you use a smaller pan, the treats will be thicker, and if you use a larger pan, they will be thinner. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are more than just a simple dessert; they’re a tradition, a memory in the making, and a whole lot of fun for the whole family. They’re the perfect sweet treat to share with loved ones during the holiday season, and I guarantee they’ll be a hit! So, grab your ingredients, gather your family, and get ready to make some Christmas magic. I just know y’all are going to love these as much as my family does!

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