There’s something utterly magical about the crunch of marshmallow-coated cereal and the festive pop of color that makes these treats stand out. This Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe brings that nostalgic fun with a seasonal twist, perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays.

The image shows two thick square bars made from a light beige cereal base with a slightly bumpy texture. Each bar is decorated with red and green candy-coated chocolates placed unevenly across the top, standing out with their shiny surfaces. There are small red and green sprinkles scattered on and around the bars. A white drizzle, likely icing, is spread in uneven lines over the tops of the bars and the white marbled surface beneath. A white bowl filled with matching red and green candy-coated chocolates is partially visible in the lower left corner. The bars rest on a piece of light brown parchment paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I make these Holiday Rice Krispie Treats every year because they’re a crowd-pleaser that feel both nostalgic and new at the same time. Plus, they’re just so simple to whip up — and who doesn’t want a colorful, sweet snack that’s bursting with holiday cheer?

Easy and Quick: You can have these treats ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy holiday prep.
Festive Flare: With holiday M&M’s and sprinkles, these treats look as good as they taste.
Perfectly Chewy and Crunchy: The balance of gooey marshmallow and crispy cereal just hits the spot every time.
Highly Customizable: You can swap out candies and sprinkles to match any holiday or personal preference.

The image shows several square-shaped rice cereal treats arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each treat has a light golden color base made from puffed rice mixed with a sticky binder. On top, there are scattered red and green candy-coated chocolates, some whole and some broken, adding bright spots of color. White drizzle, likely icing or melted white chocolate, is spread unevenly over the tops of the treats, creating a textured, slightly glossy look. The treats look soft but firm, with the candy pieces embedded inside as well as on the surface. In the background, a white bowl with green stripes is partially visible, filled with more colorful candy-coated chocolates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients for this Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe are pretty straightforward, but each plays an important role in bringing that perfect taste and texture. Using fresh marshmallows and quality cereal really makes a difference, and the festive candy adds that holiday spirit you want.

Flat lay of six tablespoons of salted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, a heap of white mini marshmallows spilling slightly from a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with smooth white vanilla extract, a generous mound of golden puffed rice Krispies cereal on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl holding vibrant red, green, and white holiday M&M's, a small white dish with multicolored holiday jimmies sprinkles, and a simple white ceramic bowl containing melted creamy white chocolate, all arranged symmetrically and naturally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly while balancing sweetness.
Mini marshmallows: The star of the treat, giving gooey stickiness and that classic flavor.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances depth of flavor – don’t skip this for the best taste.
Rice Krispies cereal: Provides light crunch and structure; fresh cereal avoids any stale bite.
Holiday M&M's: Adds festive color and a chocolate surprise in every bite.
Holiday sprinkles: For extra cheer and a bit of texture; I prefer jimmies but you can choose your favorite type.
Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers: For a glossy, decadent drizzle that takes these treats to the next level.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is how easy it is to swap elements for your own holiday vibe or dietary preferences. I encourage you to personalize these—it's one of the best ways to make the recipe truly yours!

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the milk chocolate M&M's for peanut butter ones, although personally, I find peanut butter M&M's a bit too crunchy for my liking in this mix.
Dietary modifications: If you want them dairy-free, try coconut oil instead of butter and vegan marshmallows (make sure to check the brand!).
Seasonal changes: Change the sprinkles and candy colors for other holidays—think pastel for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.
Difficulty levels: Ready to jazz these up? Add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top or swirl in some caramel for a gourmet twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gather Ingredients

Start by lining a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper—this step really saves you from having to scrape sticky treats off the pan later. Then, take out all your ingredients so you can move quickly once the marshmallows start melting. It’s a bit like a race against time but in a fun way!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of salted butter until it’s bubbly and smooth. Then, add all but 1 cup of the mini marshmallows. Turn the heat down to low and stir constantly (trust me, this prevents scorching) until everything is melted and combined—go for that glossy, stretchy texture, similar to melted taffy.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Combine Cereal

Take the pan off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract—it brightens the whole mixture. Then add the Rice Krispies cereal and the remaining 1 cup of marshmallows. Use a gentle folding motion so you don’t crush the cereal; it’s all about keeping that perfect crispy bite.

Step 4: Stir in M&M's and Sprinkles

Fold in 1 cup of the holiday M&M's and all the sprinkles now. I love how the colors peek through and make the treats feel extra festive. Be gentle here too—otherwise, candy shells can start to crack.

Step 5: Press, Drizzle, and Decorate

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Press gently with your fingertips so it spreads evenly but doesn't get crushed. Then drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top — it adds that gorgeous finishing touch. Sprinkle on the remaining ¼ cup of holiday M&M's and a pinch more sprinkles. Let it set at room temperature for about an hour before slicing.

Top Tip

From my years of making this Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe, I've learned a few little tricks that have saved me from sticky situations and ensured perfect treats every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Stale cereal or marshmallows just don’t melt or taste the same—always check your packages to keep treats fresh and light.
Stir Constantly on Low Heat: This keeps your marshmallows smooth without burning; patience here makes a huge difference.
Press Gently into the Pan: It’s tempting to mash it all down hard, but gentle pressure keeps the treats light and chewy rather than dense.
Wait to Cut: Let your treats sit for the full hour, or even a little longer, so they hold their shape and cut cleanly without crumbling.

How to Serve Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Holiday Rice Krispie Treats - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with extra holiday sprinkles and a few more M&M’s on top because they add color and make the treats extra special looking. Sometimes I also dust a tiny pinch of edible glitter if it’s a party—just enough to catch the light and dazzle guests!

Side Dishes

These treats pair wonderfully with simple classics like hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or even a glass of cold milk. If it’s a holiday gathering, I love serving them alongside sugar cookies or small fruit platters to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these treats in a festive tin layered with wax paper for gifting, and it was a big hit! You can also cut them into fun holiday shapes using cookie cutters for parties, or stack them in a jar layered with sprinkles and candies as a cute edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Holiday Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh for up to a week if you keep them sealed well—just make sure to enjoy them before they start to get chewy and lose their snap!

Freezing

If I have extra, I wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you want one, just thaw it at room temperature for a bit, and it tastes almost like freshly made.

Reheating

I generally don’t reheat these treats to keep their texture intact. But if they feel a bit firm after refrigeration or freezing, you can warm them briefly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) to soften before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different cereals for this Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Recipe?

Definitely! While Rice Krispies give that classic crunch, you can swap in other cereals like Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles if you want a fun flavor twist. Just keep in mind the texture might change slightly.

What’s the best way to avoid gooey mess while making these treats?

A good tip is to stir constantly at low heat when melting the marshmallows and butter. Also, be sure to use a sturdy spatula and gentle folding motions when mixing in the cereal to avoid squashing it. Finally, use parchment paper to help with easy handling.

Can these treats be made ahead for parties?

Yes, they’re perfect for making ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay fresh and tasty for several days, making your holiday prep easier and more relaxed.

What if I don’t have white chocolate melting wafers?

No worries! You can swap the white chocolate melting wafers with any melting chocolate you have on hand, like white chocolate chips or even milk chocolate for a different flavor. Just melt gently to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

These Holiday Rice Krispie Treats aren’t just a snack—they’re a little burst of joy you can make quickly and share openly. I always find that pulling out this recipe brings smiles, whether you’re serving family, friends, or just sneaking an extra piece when no one’s looking. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this festive treat as much as I do!