Oh, my goodness, friends! The holidays are just around the corner, and I can feel the magic in the air! This is the time of year when I dive headfirst into all things sweet and cozy. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up is none other than Chocolate Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats. The combination of gooey marshmallow, crunchy Rice Krispies, rich chocolate, and that lovely burst of peppermint feels like a giant hug on a chilly evening.
Whenever I make these delightful squares, I’m transported back to my childhood, surrounded by family and magic. I can still remember the way the kitchen filled with the scent of melting marshmallows and chocolate, and my siblings and I eagerly waiting by the stove, ready to “help” (which mostly meant sneaking bites). I love how these treats take just a few ingredients and minimal effort to create something truly special. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, they are sure to bring smiles to faces young and old.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or just because!
- A delightful blend of flavors and textures: crunchy, chewy, and chocolaty!
- BUDGET-FRIENDLY: uses pantry staples you likely already have!
- A fun recipe to make with kiddos or friends—messy hands and all!
Ingredients
Before we get started, gather these simple, delightful ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus a bit more for greasing)
- 1 package (10 oz.) mini marshmallows (about 6 cups)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite chocolate)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (or more if you’re a mint lover!)
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for topping (optional but highly recommended)
Note: Feel free to swap in dairy-free chocolate or gluten-free Rice Krispies if you’re catering to dietary restrictions!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands sticky and make these magical treats!
- Prep your workspace: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to ensure your treats don’t stick. A light coat will do!
- Melt the butter: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Keep an eye on it! We don’t want brown butter; we just want it melted.
- Add the marshmallows: Once your butter is melted, add in the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. (This is where the magic scent starts to fill the kitchen!)
- Mix in the peppermint: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract. This is the moment the holiday spirit really kicks in—breathe it in!
- Add Rice Krispies: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. This step requires a little finesse—don’t overmix! The goal is to coat all the cereal without crushing it.
- Incorporate chocolate: Now, fold in about 3/4 of the chocolate chips, so they mix evenly throughout. Save the rest for the topping!
- Spread the mixture: Pour this delicious, sticky goodness into your greased pan. Use a buttered spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to press down the mix evenly. Don’t pack it too tightly, or you’ll have a rock! Just gently press until it’s even.
- Add chocolate and peppermint topping: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, followed by a generous shower of crushed candy canes. This adds not only flavor but a festive flair!
- Cool and cut: Let your treats cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once cool, cut them into squares (or rectangles, or whatever shape you fancy!). Enjoy that chocolaty, minty crunch!
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are some fun ways to switch things up or elevate these treats:
- Add nuts: Consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a little extra crunch and heartiness!
- Drizzle with white chocolate: For a pretty presentation, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it on top before adding the crushed candy canes.
- Switch up the flavors: Instead of peppermint, try almond or vanilla extract for a different spin!
- Go dark: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
- Make it layered: Add a layer of melted chocolate on the bottom of the pan before pouring in the Rice Krispie mixture for an extra decadent treat!
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Imagine cozying up on the couch with a little plate of these beauties, the holiday lights twinkling in the background—pure bliss!
They’re also fantastic for festive gatherings! Cut them into festive shapes and use cookie cutters to create Christmas trees or stars. Stack them in a festive tin as a homemade gift, or wrap them up in clear cellophane as party favors. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!
Storage Tips
To keep these delicious treats fresh, here’s what you need to know:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They might get a tiny bit stale after a few days, but just give them a quick microwave zap for about 10 seconds to revive that gooey goodness!
- Refrigeration: If your kitchen tends to run warm, you can store them in the fridge. Just be aware they’ll get a little firmer, but still super tasty.
- Freezing: You can freeze these treats for up to 3 months! Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! Just use 10 oz. of regular marshmallows, and you’ll get the same ooey-gooey result. Just keep in mind they may take a little longer to melt, so keep stirring until you get that smooth texture.
What if I don’t have candy canes? Can I use something else?
Definitely! If you don’t have crushed candy canes, feel free to use mini chocolate candies like M&M’s for a colorful twist. Or even crushed nuts or chocolate sprinkles for a bit of texture!
How do I make these treats without butter?
You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute! For a vegan twist, just check that your marshmallows are also vegan (some brands are!).
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the size of your baking dish accordingly. A bigger dish for doubling, a smaller one for halving! If you double it, the cooling time might increase slightly, so make sure they’re chilled before cutting.
What’s the best way to cut them once they’re set?
Use a sharp, buttered knife for clean cuts. If they’re super sticky, you can also use a pizza cutter for a quick slice through the squares!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these Chocolate Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats as much as I do. They are truly a wonderful combination of nostalgia, joy, and holiday magic all wrapped up in one delicious bite. If you try them, I would love to hear how they turn out for you. Feel free to drop a comment below or share your version on social media! Happy baking, friends!
Delicious Chocolate Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
Description
Savor the festive flavors of chocolate peppermint in these easy Rice Krispie treats Perfect for holiday gatherings sweet cravings Enjoy today
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delicious and easy-to-make holiday treat that combines chocolate, peppermint, and classic Rice Krispies into gooey, crunchy squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 squares
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
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