Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
I absolutely adore this Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats recipe because it’s a nostalgic throwback to childhood that adds a delightful, festive twist with its adorable reindeer decorations. Plus, the combination of gooey marshmallows and crunchy Rice Krispies with the fun touch of chocolatey and pretzel accents makes it an irresistible holiday treat for sharing with friends or Netflix nights in!
I adore making cheerful, festive confections, and that includes these Rice Krispies treats reimagined as reindeer. They call for 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 10 ounces of marshmallows, and 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal—ingredients that are enhanced with red M&M candies for noses, mini pretzel twists for antlers, and mini chocolate chips for eyes.
Perfect for a lighthearted holiday snack!
Ingredients
Butter provides a delectable taste and assists in binding the snacks together.
Marshmallows: Supply the sweetness and the sticky foundation for the confections.
The cereal Rice Krispies: Mainly composed of carbohydrates, it has a mostly crunchy texture.
M&M’s in red: Sugary confections added for decorative refinement and the sweetening of the olfactory senses.
Pretzel twists, mini: Salty and crunchy, they make great antlers.
Tiny chocolate morsels: Sweet chocolate accents for the eyes and the finish.
Ingredient Quantities
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- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 ounces) marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Red M&M candies (for noses)
- Mini pretzel twists (for antlers)
- Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
- Melted chocolate (for attaching eyes and noses, optional)
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Instructions
1. In a big saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat.
2. Add the melted butter to a 10-ounce package of marshmallows, and stir continuously until you achieve a smooth mixture with no lumps and no marshmallow bits left in it.
3. Take the saucepan off the heat. Gently fold the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into the saucepan until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
4. Using a spatula or wax paper, press the blend into a greased 9×13-inch pan, making sure it is an even layer throughout.
5. Let the mixture cool for roughly 30 minutes or until it has firmed up enough to cut.
6. After the treats are set, slice them into either rectangles or squares, based on your reindeer taste-test preferences, for just the right amount of chewtastic!
7. To create the reindeer antlers, insert two mini pretzel twists into the top of each treat.
8. Position a red M&M candy near the bottom center of each of the reindeer candies to represent a reindeer’s nose.
9. Using melted chocolate to secure them if necessary, place two mini chocolate chips above the nose for the reindeer eyes.
10. If chocolate was used, allow the treats to set completely before serving. Then, enjoy your festive Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats!
Equipment Needed
1. Large saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
3. 9×13-inch baking pan
4. Wax paper or additional spatula (for pressing the mixture)
5. Knife (for cutting treats)
6. Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan (for melting chocolate, if using)
7. Spoon or piping bag (for applying melted chocolate, if using)
FAQ
- Q:Is it permissible to use margarine in place of unsalted butter? A: Yes. You can substitute margarine for unsalted butter, but it may alter the flavor ever so slightly.
- Q:Can I substitute large marshmallows for a 10-ounce package of small ones? A: You can use large marshmallows; you’ll need about 40 of them to equal a 10-ounce package.
- Q:How can I ensure the Rice Krispie treats are not too hard?
Avoid packing the mixture too tightly into the pan and allow it to cool to room temperature so that it retains its chewy texture. - Q:Is it possible to prepare these delights beforehand? A: Indeed, you can prepare them a day ahead. Store them in a hermetically sealed container to ensure their freshness.
- Q:What can be used to melt chocolate to attach decorations? A: Chocolate can be melted using a microwave or a double boiler, stirring it frequently until it becomes smooth.
- Q:Can I freeze Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats? A: It isn’t advised because freezing can alter the texture, making them less enjoyable and almost candy-like.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitute coconut oil for unsalted butter to make a non-dairy version.
Replace marshmallows with marshmallow fluff for a smoother texture.
Rice Krispies cereal can be substituted with any puffed rice cereal.
Exchange red M&M chocolate candies for red Skittle candies to preserve a gummy nose.
Use small breadsticks as antlers instead of mini pretzel twists.
Pro Tips
1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that the marshmallows and Rice Krispies cereal are fresh for the best texture and flavor. Stale marshmallows can make the treats tough and less enjoyable.
2. Low Heat is Key: Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat to prevent burning or browning, which can affect the taste and texture of the treats.
3. Non-Stick Technique: To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands or utensils, lightly grease your hands and spatula with butter or use wax paper for pressing the mixture into the pan.
4. Consistent Coating: Stir the Rice Krispies into the marshmallow mixture gradually to ensure each piece is evenly coated, resulting in a uniform treat.
5. Creative Variations: For added fun, consider using different colored M&Ms to represent various reindeer or swap mini pretzel sticks for the twists for different antler shapes.
Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
My favorite Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
3. 9×13-inch baking pan
4. Wax paper or additional spatula (for pressing the mixture)
5. Knife (for cutting treats)
6. Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan (for melting chocolate, if using)
7. Spoon or piping bag (for applying melted chocolate, if using)
Ingredients:
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- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 ounces) marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Red M&M candies (for noses)
- Mini pretzel twists (for antlers)
- Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
- Melted chocolate (for attaching eyes and noses, optional)
“`
Instructions:
1. In a big saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat.
2. Add the melted butter to a 10-ounce package of marshmallows, and stir continuously until you achieve a smooth mixture with no lumps and no marshmallow bits left in it.
3. Take the saucepan off the heat. Gently fold the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into the saucepan until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
4. Using a spatula or wax paper, press the blend into a greased 9×13-inch pan, making sure it is an even layer throughout.
5. Let the mixture cool for roughly 30 minutes or until it has firmed up enough to cut.
6. After the treats are set, slice them into either rectangles or squares, based on your reindeer taste-test preferences, for just the right amount of chewtastic!
7. To create the reindeer antlers, insert two mini pretzel twists into the top of each treat.
8. Position a red M&M candy near the bottom center of each of the reindeer candies to represent a reindeer’s nose.
9. Using melted chocolate to secure them if necessary, place two mini chocolate chips above the nose for the reindeer eyes.
10. If chocolate was used, allow the treats to set completely before serving. Then, enjoy your festive Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats!