Christmas Rice Krispie Treats with Peppermint

If you’re looking for the easiest Christmas Rice Krispie Treats recipe with total holiday vibes, these peppermint rice krispie bars with brown butter are a must-make. They’re soft, chewy, perfectly sweet, and filled with crushed candy cane for a festive holiday twist. Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes them taste gourmet while taking only about 20 minutes to make.

I adapted this from the classic Rice Crispy Treat recipe, but with a fun holiday twist. Peppermint extract goes a long way to flavor an entire batch. Just add a quarter teaspoon, and the crushed candy canes give it crunch, color, and extra flavor. You can use peppermint extract in other dessert recipes like Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

• Quick and holiday dessert: Just 10 minutes on the stove and no baking required.
• Brown butter upgrade: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that tastes like bakery-quality desserts at home.
• Festive peppermint twist: Candy canes add crunch, color, and a burst of Christmas flavor.
• Perfect for simple Christmas desserts, holiday parties, or holiday treat exchanges: They slice clean, hold their shape, and are easy to transport.
• Kid and adult favorite: A fun but elevated version of classic Rice Krispies Treats. Turn this into a family activity by letting the kids press the prepared mixture into the pan, mixing in the flavor add-ins, or choosing the themed toppings.

Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients

• Butter: Browned first to transform the flavor with a nutty, caramelized richness.
• Marshmallows: the essential base for rice crispy treats that keeps the treats soft, gooey, and chewy.
• Crispy rice cereal: the classic crunch that pairs perfectly with the gooey goodness.
• Peppermint extract: a little goes a long way; don’t overdo it.
• Crushed candy canes: adds color, crunch, and quintessential Christmas flair.

Christmas Flavor Variations

Here are some flavor suggestions and alternatives to make a variety of Christmas-themed Rice Krispie Treats. You can use the same rice crispy cereal and marshmallow base, then swap the peppermint flavors for these:

• Chocolate-Drizzled Christmas Krispie Treats: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate on top of the bars
• Red and Green Sprinkle Krispies: fold in holiday sprinkles for classic Christmas colors
• White Chocolate Peppermint Krispie Treats: stir in ½ cup melted white chocolate
• Gingerbread Krispie Treats: ½ teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon ginger
• Hot Cocoa Christmas Krispie Treats: fold in mini marshmallows and cocoa powder

More Holiday Mix-Ins 

Craving more holiday flavors? Here are even more ideas to make your Christmas Rice Krispie Treats truly unique.

• Crushed Thin Mints or Trader Joe’s Peppermint JoJos
• Mini dehydrated marshmallows (same as used in hot cocoa toppings)
• Chopped Andes mints
• Freeze-dried strawberries for a red-and-white Christmas color pop
• Holiday M&M’s
• Crushed pretzels for a sweet-salt holiday snack vibe
• Chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts, pecans, or almonds
• Cereal swaps (Reese’s Puffs, Cocoa Krispies, or Cap’n Crunch Christmas Blend)

How to Make Rice Krispies Treats

1. Melt and brown the butter: In a large nonstick pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Continue cooking 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until it turns a light golden brown. Watch closely so it browns but doesn’t burn.
2. Melt the marshmallows: Reduce the heat to low and add 4 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir until fully melted and smooth, then mix in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Remove from heat.
3. Add cereal and peppermint (for a Christmast version): Stir in 6 cups of crispy rice cereal along with 1 tablespoon of crushed candy canes (or peppermint candy). Mix until every piece is coated and clumps together.
4. Press into the pan: Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment. Scrape in the mixture, then use another sheet of parchment to gently press it into an even layer without compacting it too tightly.
5. Chill and cut: Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up slightly, then cut into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Tips for Making Rice Krispie Treats

• When browning the butter, make sure to watch carefully while stirring. Take it off the heat as soon as it turns a golden brown color; if it burns, it will give a bitter taste to the Rice Krispies.
• Remember to line your baking dish before adding the mixture; these can be hard to remove without it.
• Don’t add any more than ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract, as it can be overpowering.
• Chill the Rice Krispies treats in the fridge to firm up before cutting. This makes them much easier to cut into squares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Rice Krispies Treats early before Christmas?

Absolutely, which is why they are such a popular Christmas dessert. These bars hold up beautifully and stay soft for 4 to 5 days when wrapped tightly. These are one of the easiest make-ahead Christmas treats because they don’t dry out quickly and don’t require refrigeration.

Can I use marshmallow cream instead of marshmallows?

Yes, but the texture will be much softer and gooier. To substitute, use 1 jar (7 ounces) of marshmallow cream for every 4 cups of mini marshmallows. Warm gently with the browned butter, then mix in the cereal. Be sure to chill before cutting. If you want clean-cut, firmer bars for gifting or presentation, use traditional melted mini marshmallows for this recipe.

How do I cut clean Rice Krispie Treat squares?

Use a long, sharp knife and coat it lightly with cooking spray, or warm it under hot water and wipe dry. This helps it glide through the marshmallow instead of sticking and creating rough edges.

Can I double the recipe for holiday parties or cookie exchanges?

Yes, this recipe doubles perfectly. Heck, you can 4x it if you want to. Use a 9×13 pan to get thicker squares. For thinner bars, divide the mixture into two 8-inch quare pans. Press lightly so they stay soft instead of dense.

Are Rice Krispies Treats Gluten-Free?

They can be if you use gluten-free rice crispy cereal. All of the other ingredients are gluten-free.

Why did my Rice Krispie Treats turn out hard?

This is caused by marshmallows getting overheated, which turns them stiff once cooled. Melt them gently over low heat and remove from the heat as soon as they’re smooth and melted. Adding the cereal too late (once the marshmallows cool) can also make the mixture harder to stir and more difficult to pack.

Can I freeze Rice Krispies Treats?

These freeze surprisingly well for longer storage and thaw quickly. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag for about 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy within a few hours.

How to Store Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

• Room Temperature (Best Option): Store the bars tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can stack them with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: This is not required, but a good idea if your home is warmer or you’re craving a Christmas-themed dessert during the summer months. Refrigeration firms them up a bit, so let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften.
• Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped squares for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temp. They’ll stay chewy and hold their shape.

Pro Tip: For holiday gatherings, make these 24 hours ahead and store covered. They cut cleaner on day two since they firm up a bit and are slightly less sticky. If gifting these in treat boxes or cookie tins, add a small sheet of parchment on top to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.

Holiday Gifting and Presentation Ideas

These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats make amazing edible gifts because they stay soft for days and transport easily. Here are simple and fun ways to present them for the holidays.

• Treat Boxes: Add small squares to cupcake liners and arrange in a cookie tin or holiday treat box with parchment on top.
• Individually Wrapped: Wrap each square in clear cellophane and tie with red or green ribbon. Add a handwritten tag for a homemade touch.
• Festive Shapes: Press the warm treats into cookie cutters (trees, stars, gingerbread men) for instantly giftable shapes that everyone will love.
• Dessert Boards: If serving at your own holiday party, add them to a holiday dessert tray with decorated Christmas cookies, truffles, or candy canes for easy entertaining.
• Teacher or Neighbor Gifts: Package 2 to 3 bars in a clear treat bag with a mini candy cane tucked inside. Seal the bags with colored ribbon for an extra festive touvh
• Hot Cocoa Bundle: Wrap a bar with a cocoa packet and candy cane inside a mug for an easy, cozy gift.

More Holiday Desserts You Might Like

• Christmas Tree Cookies
• Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
• Apple Pie Filling
• Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
• Brown Sugar Caramel Pecan Cookie Cups
• Homemade Eggnog Pudding
• Peppermint Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches

Christmas Rice Krispie Treats with Peppermint

Written by Matt | Plating Pixels

These Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are soft, chewy, and filled with peppermint and brown butter flavor. It's an easy, no-bake holiday dessert everyone will love.

Recipe Cost: $2.75 | Cost Per Serving: ~$0.14

5 from 10 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 20 squares

Calories 68 kcal

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Baking Pan 9x13
• Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 tablespoons crushed candy canes or peppermint candy

Instructions

 

• Heat the butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the butter turns golden brown (watch carefully to not darken too much and burn). 
• Reduce the heat to low and add the marshmallows. Stir often until melted, then stir in peppermint extract. Remove from the heat.
• Stir in the rice cereal and peppermint pieces until well coated, and the cereal pieces are clumped together. 
• Line a 13x9x2-inch pan with parchment paper. Add the rice krispie treat mixture to the pan,
• Use another sheet of parchment paper to pat down and form into an even flat layer. 
• Chill slightly to firm, then cut into squares. Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Notes

• When browning the butter, make sure to watch it carefully while stirring. Take it off the heat as soon as it turns a golden brown color; if it burns, it will give a bitter taste to the Rice Krispies.
• Remember to line your baking pan before adding the mixture; these can be hard to remove without it.
• Don't add any more than 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract, as it can be overpowering.
• Chill the Rice Krispies treats in the fridge to firm up before cutting. This speeds things up and makes it much easier to cut into squares.

Nutrition Facts

Christmas Rice Krispie Treats with Peppermint

Serving Size

 

1 square

Amount per Serving

Calories

68

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

2

g

3

%

Saturated Fat

 

1

g

6

%

Trans Fat

 

0.1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

0.1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

0.5

g

Cholesterol

 

5

mg

2

%

Sodium

 

22

mg

1

%

Potassium

 

8

mg

0

%

Carbohydrates

 

13

g

4

%

Fiber

 

0.1

g

0

%

Sugar

 

6

g

7

%

Protein

 

1

g

2

%

Vitamin A

 

52

IU

1

%

Calcium

 

1

mg

0

%

Iron

 

0.2

mg

1

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword brown butter rice krispies, christmas rice krispie treats, christmas treats rice krispies, easy christmas treats, holiday rice krispie treats, no bake christmas desserts, peppermint rice krispie treats, rice krispie christmas bars

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