There’s something about the cool, fresh zing of peppermint paired with the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies that makes this **Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe** a real holiday treat. It’s bursting with festive flavor and just the right balance of chewy and crisp that’ll have you sneaking bites before anyone else’s even out of the oven.

The image shows square treats layered with three visible parts: the bottom layer is a light beige crispy rice cereal, soft and airy, the middle layer is a dark brown chocolate drizzle with a glossy look, and the top layer is a white drizzle with small crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces sprinkled all over. The treats are arranged on a white marbled surface, mixed with small whole peppermint candies scattered around, adding a festive red and white color contrast. One treat is held by a woman's hand showing the porous texture inside. 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 Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe transforms a classic childhood favorite into a festive sensation without a fuss. It’s quick, joyful, and perfect for holiday parties or an easy sweet fix after dinner.

Festive Twist: The peppermint and candy cane bits give a refreshing holiday flair to the classic treat.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need in your pantry already, so it comes together quickly.
Crunchy & Chewy: You get that perfect balance between soft marshmallow goo and crisp Rice Krispies every single time.
Beautiful Presentation: Swirls of dark and white chocolate drizzled on top with candy cane sparkle make these treats extra special.

The image shows a stack of two square rice cereal treats with a light, crispy texture and beige color. The top layer is covered with a shiny, dark chocolate coating that has small bits of red and white candy sprinkled over it. Pieces of white marshmallow are baked inside the treats, visible within the beige layers. The treats are placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and a few striped red and white peppermint candies lie beside them. In the background, blurred cereal treats can be seen, with a clear glass bottle featuring a red stopper adding some height. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient has a reason for being in this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe, working harmoniously to deliver that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a quick rundown on what makes each one shine:

Flat lay of a small square pat of salted butter, a generous pile of miniature white marshmallows, a small white bowl of clear peppermint extract, a neat mound of puffed Rice Krispies cereal, a small white bowl filled with crushed red and white candy cane pieces, a small white bowl of chopped dark chocolate chunks, a small white bowl of chopped white chocolate chunks, all arranged symmetrically and naturally fresh 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 moisture, plus that slight saltiness balances the sweetness beautifully.
Miniature Marshmallows: The stars of this show—they melt into a smooth, sticky binder that holds everything together.
Peppermint Extract: Just a splash infuses the whole batch with that unmistakable cool mint flavor.
Rice Krispies Cereal: Provides the iconic crisp, light crunch we all love in these treats.
Crushed Candy Canes: Adds festive color, peppermint crunch, and a bit of texture contrast that keeps the bites exciting.
Dark Chocolate: The richer, slightly bitter chocolate drizzle cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity.
White Chocolate: Its creamy sweetness pairs perfectly with the dark chocolate and peppermint for a layered flavor experience.

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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

I love mixing things up depending on my mood or what I have on hand. This Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to personalize it and make it your own!

Variation: For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows—I've tried this and it’s just as delicious with a hint of coconut.
Kick it Up a Notch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or festive sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets for added crunch and color.
Seasonal Swap: During other times of the year, you can swap peppermint extract for almond or vanilla to totally change the vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Get Cozy

First, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and helps you lift out the treats easily later. Then unwrap your candy canes and give them a good crush; I usually pop them in a plastic bag and bash gently with a rolling pin. Setting these bits aside means they're ready for garnish and to mix into the treat itself.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Lower the heat to low and add most of the miniature marshmallows—save a cup for later. Stir gently but continuously until the marshmallows melt into a smooth, gummy glue. Patience here is key; rushing or cranking the heat can scorch the marshmallows, which will give a bitter taste.

Step 3: Mix in Flavor and Cereal

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the peppermint extract—you'll want just enough for that bright minty pop without being overpowering. Then fold in the Rice Krispies, a couple spoonfuls of crushed candy canes, and those reserved marshmallows for extra texture. Mix gently but thoroughly.

Step 4: Press and Chill

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Press it evenly into the pan, but don’t pack it too tightly—light and airy bites are what we're aiming for. I like to use the empty butter wrapper to press down so my hands don’t stick or get messy. Let it set slightly while you melt the chocolates.

Step 5: Drizzle Chocolate & Garnish

Gently melt dark and white chocolate in separate bowls—20 seconds at a time in the microwave with stirring in between works best. Drizzle each chocolate type over the treats, then give the pan a gentle shake to help the chocolate settle and swirl a bit. Finish by sprinkling the remaining crushed candy canes on top—it adds that final festive crunch.

Step 6: Let It Set

Allow the whole pan to cool fully and the chocolate to harden before slicing into squares. Patience really pays off here—you want clean cuts and perfectly set layers.

Top Tip

Through making this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned some little tricks that really make it shine and keep you from any kitchen frustrations.

Low and Slow Melting: Always melt marshmallows on low heat to prevent burning; patience here keeps the flavor sweet and smooth.
Don’t Overpack: Pressing too hard when spreading the mixture makes the treats dense and tough, so keep it gentle for that iconic light crisp.
Chocolate Melting Hack: Stir chocolate between microwave bursts to avoid overheating or seizing—it’s the key to glossy, pourable chocolate.
Storage Matters: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their signature chewiness instead of turning hard or stale.

How to Serve Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Peppermint Rice Krispies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top these treats with a handful of crushed candy canes—more for that minty crunch and a candy-cane-cool appearance. Sometimes, I add festive red and green sprinkles or edible glitter if I’m bringing them to a holiday gathering. It’s a simple touch that makes them feel like a holiday showstopper.

Side Dishes

These peppermint treats pair so well with warm drinks like hot cocoa, coffee, or even a peppermint mocha. For a full dessert spread, I like to serve them alongside some spiced nuts or gingerbread cookies to keep the festive theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these is by cutting them into bite-sized squares and stacking them in a clear glass jar or layered on a pretty platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries for a natural, festive touch. They look great as party favors too—wrapped in cellophane tied with a red ribbon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep any leftover Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and super chewy for up to five days—perfect if you want to prep early for a party or just save some for later cozy snacking.

Freezing

Freezing works great for these treats too! I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe container. They keep for around two months without losing their texture or flavor. When you want one, just thaw at room temperature—easy and convenient.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen gooeyness, a quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave does the trick. Be careful not to overheat or the chocolate might melt too much and get messy. Just warm enough to soften and enjoy that marshmallow melt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature?

Yes! Regular marshmallows will work just fine. You might need to cut them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and quickly. I find mini marshmallows easier to work with, but regular ones won’t change the flavor.

What's the best way to crush candy canes?

I usually place the candy canes inside a sealed plastic bag and gently bash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Avoid smashing too hard to prevent them turning into powder unless that’s the texture you want!

Can I make these treats ahead of time for parties?

Absolutely. You can make them up to three days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh, chewy, and delicious, making party prep way easier!

How do I prevent the treats from getting too hard?

Make sure not to over-press the mixture into the pan and keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Also, avoid refrigerating—they can get hard and lose that classic chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe always brings a smile to my face—whether it's making it with my family or gifting the finished treats to friends. The fresh peppermint and chocolate layers elevate a simple snack into a holiday delight that feels both nostalgic and new. I genuinely hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. Trust me, once you taste that cool peppermint crunch mixed with chocolate drizzles, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen.