Candy Cane Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and holiday spirit, bringing a festive twist to a classic childhood favorite. The peppermint and candy cane addition makes each bite feel like a winter wonderland, and they’re super easy to whip up for any holiday gathering or cozy night in!

I’m absolutely crazy for these Candy Cane Rice Krispie Treats as a holiday snack. They take 6 cups of classic Rice Krispies cereal, 10 ounces of mini marshmallows, and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to make.

The treats are nothing if not sweet, but I suppose that’s par for the course in the realm of Rice Krispie Treats. On the recipe front, I would venture to say that they’re about as easy as super-sweet snacks get.

What’s more, you get a potential 14 servings out of the whole deal.

Ingredients

Rice Krispies: Their crunchy texture provides delightfully crispy carbs.

Marshmallows, miniature: Melt into gooey sweetness, binding all components together.

Butter (unsalted): A rich, creamy flavor that enhances overall taste and mouthfeel.

Extract of peppermint: Infuses refreshingly cool, minty note into the treat.

Candy canes that have been crushed: Sweetness that is festive with a suggestion of minty crunch.

Optional drizzle of white chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness and decorative touch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional for drizzle)

Instructions

1. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, or spray it with cooking spray, and set aside.

2. In an ample saucepan, over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

3. In a bowl, combine the melted butter and 10 ounces of mini marshmallows. Stir until completely melted and smooth.

4. Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract until completely unified.

5. In a swift motion, incorporate the six cups of Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture and mix until the cereal is uniformly coated.

6. Softly combine 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes with the mixture until they are evenly spread throughout.

7. Pour the mixture into the baking dish you prepared and use a spatula or some other tool to spread it evenly. Note that a buttered spatula is recommended for this task; a spatula that is not buttered will not work as well. Alternatively, you can use wax paper.

8. If you wish, you can melt 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave, heating them in 30-second intervals until smooth, and then drizzle them over the Rice Krispie treats.

9. Let the treats cool and set at room temperature for a minimum of 1 hour, or refrigerate for a quicker setting.

10. When prepared, slice into squares and offer. Relish the celebratory Candy Cane Rice Krispie Treats!

Equipment Needed

1. 9×13-inch baking dish
2. Cooking spray or butter
3. Saucepan
4. Mixing bowl
5. Stirring spoon
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Spatula (buttered or wax paper recommended)
9. Microwave-safe bowl (if using the white chocolate chips)
10. Refrigerator (optional for quicker setting)

FAQ

• Q:Is it possible to use standard marshmallows in place of mini marshmallows?
• A:You can use standard marshmallows. Just be sure to measure out 10 ounces, and be ready to melt them a little longer.
• Q:Must the extract of peppermint be included?
• A:The optional peppermint extract enhances the minty flavor, bringing the Candy Cane Fudge closer to a true representation of the treats for which it’s named.
• Q:What is the method for crushing candy canes for this recipe?
• A:Put candy canes into a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to pound them into small bits.
• Q:What is the optimal method for melting the marshmallows and butter?
• A:In a large pot, over low heat, melt the butter. Then, add the marshmallows, and stirring continuously, heat them until they’re smooth and completely melted.
• Q:Is it possible to prepare these goodies in advance?
• A:Indeed, preparing them a day in advance is perfectly acceptable. An airtight container kept at room temperature is the ideal storage for a two-day lifespan.
• Q:Is it essential to have white chocolate chips?
• A:Optional though they are, the white chocolate chips add sweetness and creaminess that nicely balance the intensity of the peppermint flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute any crispy rice cereal you like for Rice Krispies.
Use marshmallows that are regular in size rather than those that are mini. However, be sure to measure by weight.
Use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for a slight variation in flavor.
For a different flavor profile, replace peppermint extract with vanilla extract.
Instead of candy canes, use crushed peppermint candies for a similar taste and texture.

Pro Tips

1. Enhanced Flavor Toast the Rice Krispies cereal in the oven for about 5 minutes at 350°F before mixing to give your treats an extra depth of flavor and a subtle nutty taste.

2. Perfect Texture To ensure even distribution and prevent chunks, add the marshmallows gradually to the melted butter, stirring continually. This ensures a silky and smooth marshmallow mix that coats the cereal uniformly.

3. Even Coating Work quickly when mixing the cereal with the marshmallow mix to ensure that every piece is evenly coated before it starts to set. Use a large mixing bowl to give you plenty of room to stir.

4. Clean Cutting For clean and precise squares, run a sharp knife under hot water before slicing the set treats. This will help the knife glide through smoothly without sticking.

5. Presentation Tip Drizzle the melted white chocolate in a decorative pattern using a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a snipped corner. This not only enhances the treats aesthetically but also adds a lovely hint of sweetness.