Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

It wouldn’t be Christmas in our house without a batch of these utterly delightful Christmas Rice Krispie Treats. Honestly, I think my two, Harry and Lily, look forward to them more than presents some years! After countless attempts to make them just right – not too hard, not too sticky – I’ve finally cracked the code. This recipe is simple, fun, and guaranteed to bring a smile to even the grumpiest Scrooge. Plus, they are so easy to make with the kids, perfect for a rainy afternoon project over the Christmas holidays. I promise you’ll get a batch of perfectly squidgy, festive treats that will disappear faster than Santa down a chimney!

Why This Recipe Works

This Christmas Rice Krispie Treats recipe isn’t just another recipe; it’s a family-approved, stress-free solution for a quick and festive treat. After over eight years of home cooking, I’ve learned what families need: recipes that are:

• Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward method, even the little ones can help.
• Child-Approved: Harry and Lily have given these treats their official thumbs-up (and they’re my toughest critics!).
• Budget-Friendly: These won’t break the bank, using everyday ingredients you likely already have in the cupboard.

Ingredients

• 100g Unsalted Butter
• 250g Marshmallows (mini or regular, both work)
• 175g Rice Krispies Cereal
• 50g Icing Sugar
• Selection of Christmas Sprinkles (optional but highly recommended!)

Ingredient Notes

Marshmallows: These are essential for the gooey texture. Mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly, but regular ones work just fine. I always have a bag of mini ones in the cupboard, just in case! If you are after a vegan option, be sure to check the packaging – some supermarkets have vegan marshmallows available.

Rice Krispies Cereal: Don’t skimp on the real deal! Generic brands sometimes result in a slightly different texture. If needed any puffed rice cereal will work but it may affect the overall taste.

Icing Sugar: This is the “secret” ingredient that stops them from becoming too sticky and sweet. Don’t be tempted to use granulated sugar, it simply won’t work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Tin

Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking tin with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents the Rice Krispie treats from sticking and makes them much easier to lift out later. Trust me, a bit of parchment paper saves a lot of hassle!

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over a medium-low heat. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. Burnt butter will give an unpleasant taste to the finished treats. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Marshmallows

Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. This step is crucial! If the marshmallows aren’t fully melted, the treats will be lumpy. It usually takes around 5-7 minutes of constant stirring.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Stir in Cereal

Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until everything is evenly coated. Be gentle, you don’t want to crush the cereal. Make sure every last piece of cereal is covered in the marshmallow mixture.

Step 5: Add Icing Sugar and Stir through

Add the Icing Sugar and stir through to give a firmer texture and prevent stickiness.

Step 6: Press into the Tin

Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and gently press it down evenly. I like to use the back of a greased spatula or a piece of parchment paper to avoid sticking. Don’t press too hard, or the treats will become dense.

Step 7: Decorate and Cool

Immediately sprinkle the Christmas sprinkles over the top while the mixture is still soft. Let the treats cool completely in the tin for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Patience is key here! If you cut them too soon, they’ll be a sticky mess.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

• Prevent Sticking: Grease your spatula or use a piece of parchment paper to press the mixture into the tin. This will stop it from sticking and make your life much easier.
• Marshmallow Melt: Use a low heat to melt the marshmallows slowly and evenly. Rushing this step can lead to burnt marshmallows and a bitter taste.
• Soft & Squidgy: Don’t over-stir the mixture once the cereal is added. Over-stirring can make the treats tough.
• Child-Friendly Fun: Let the children decorate the treats with sprinkles – it’s a great way to get them involved. Lily loves this part!
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare these a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.
• Texture Troubles: If your treats are too hard, try using slightly less cereal next time. If they are too sticky, add a bit more Rice Krispies.
• Budget Tip: Shop around for the best price on marshmallows. Supermarkets often have deals on baking ingredients, especially around the holidays.

Storage & Meal Prep

These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days – if they last that long! I wouldn’t recommend storing them in the fridge, as they can become hard. They are not suitable for freezing. For meal prep, you can easily make these a day or two in advance. Just keep them well-sealed until serving

Substitutions & Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few substitutions and variations I’ve tried:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free Rice Krispies alternative to make these suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative. I’ve found that some spreads work better than others, so experiment a little.
• Seasonal Flavours: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavour. Harry loves a little bit of cinnamon in his!
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) after you’ve mixed in the cereal.
• Festive Shapes: Press the mixture into Christmas-themed cookie cutters for fun, festive shapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely. These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare them as directed and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This saves you time and stress on the day you want to serve them.

How do I know when they are done?

The Rice Krispie Treats are “done” when the marshmallow mixture is completely melted and smooth, and the cereal is evenly coated. Once pressed into the tin, they need to cool completely before cutting. Test by gently pressing a finger into the mixture, it should be firm but squidgy to the touch.

Can I use different types of cereal?

Whilst Rice Krispies are the best option, you could use other puffed rice cereals. Cornflakes wouldn’t work, but other similar cereals would.

How should I store leftovers properly?

Store any leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming too hard or sticky. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as this can change the texture.

Will my children enjoy these?

In my experience, children absolutely adore these Christmas Rice Krispie Treats! They are sweet, squidgy, and fun to decorate. Plus, they are easy for little hands to hold and eat. Harry and Lily can never get enough of them!

Can I make a bigger batch?

Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch. Just increase the ingredients proportionally and use a larger baking tin. Ensure you have a big enough saucepan for melting the marshmallows!

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve them with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cosy Christmas treat.
• Cut them into small squares and arrange them on a festive platter.
• Wrap them individually as a homemade gift for friends and family.
• My family enjoys them as a simple dessert after Christmas dinner.

They also make great little treats to add to children’s lunchboxes during the festive period.

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Christmas Rice Krispie Treats. These are more than just a simple treat; they are a way to create memories and bring a little extra joy to the festive season. It’s a recipe I turn to year after year, and I hope you will too. Give it a go, and don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your own Christmas baking adventures! And while you’re here, why not browse some of my other festive recipes? Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!

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