Introduction

These Christmas Rice Crispy Treats are a festive twist on a classic favorite. Coated in smooth white chocolate and decorated with colorful holiday sprinkles, they make delightful bite-sized balls perfect for parties or gift-giving during the holidays.

A white plate filled with round ball-shaped treats is shown, each coated in smooth white chocolate with a mix of red, green, and white small round sprinkles mostly on the top. One of the balls is cut in half and placed near the center, showing a light tan, crunchy, puffed rice-like interior with a slightly rough texture. The balls are tightly packed on the plate and the background is a blurred white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups puffed rice cereal
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (or 1 cup mini marshmallows + 1/4 cup marshmallow fluff)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups white chocolate chips or white chocolate candy melts
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
1/2 cup red, green, and white nonpareils

Instructions

Step 1: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and marshmallow fluff. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the puffed rice cereal, mixing until the cereal is fully coated. Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes until warm but safe to handle.
Step 2: Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If the mixture is crumbly, press gently to shape each ball. Place the shaped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool completely.
Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth. If the chocolate is thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to loosen the texture. Let the melted chocolate sit for a minute or two so it slightly thickens for easier coating.
Step 4: Dip each rice krispie ball into the melted white chocolate until fully coated. Use a fork to lift and gently tap off excess chocolate. Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined tray and immediately sprinkle with red, green, and white nonpareils before the chocolate sets.
Step 5: Allow the coated rice krispie balls to set at room temperature, or place the tray in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to speed up the process. Once the chocolate is firm, transfer the balls to a serving dish or airtight container. Stack neatly to show off the festive colors.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture before folding in the cereal.
Substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate for a different taste and color contrast.
If mini marshmallows are unavailable, use regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
Use seasonal sprinkles or crushed candy canes instead of nonpareils for extra holiday flair.

Storage

Store the finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving refrigerated treats, let them come to room temperature to soften slightly. These treats do not freeze well, as the texture can become sticky upon thawing.

How to Serve

A white bowl with a red rim and white snowflakes is full of round treats coated in white chocolate, each topped with small red, green, and white round sprinkles. One treat on top is bitten, showing a light beige, crispy rice cereal layered inside. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some loose sprinkles around it. In the blurred background, there are two wooden reindeer figurines with scarves and three small green pine trees with frosted tips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these treats without using white chocolate?

Yes, you can skip the white chocolate coating or use other types of chocolate like milk or dark chocolate. The coating adds extra flavor and a festive look, but the treats are delicious even without it.

How do I prevent the rice crispy mixture from sticking to my hands?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before rolling the mixture into balls. This will make shaping easier and prevent sticking.