Santa Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s like a burst of nostalgic holiday cheer wrapped up in the sweet, gooey crunch of Rice Krispies and marshmallows, instantly taking me back to my childhood Christmases. Plus, crafting these adorable Santa hats is not only fun and festive but also the perfect way to spread joy and spark conversation at any holiday gathering!

I adore constructing holiday confections, and my Santa Rice Krispie Treats are a hit. They consist of Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and unsalted butter.

The proportions I use are 6 cups of Rice Krispies, 10 oz of marshmallows, and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. The treats are chewy and festive, thanks in part to the red food coloring I add for the fun twist.

And oh, the ways in which I “deck the halls” (and by that I mean my treats) are not even all of the ways one could get creative with these ingredients and this recipe.

Ingredients

Crispy Rice Cereal: Delivers a crunchy consistency and is a supply of starch.

Sugar, mostly, but crucial for binding—melted into sweetness and stickiness, a marshmallow isn’t a marshmallow without plenty of sugar to melt and bind.

Butter (unsalted): Provides richness and smoothness for a buttery flavor.

Crimson Food Dye: Provides the merry crimson color for the Santa’s hat attraction.

Candy melts, or white chocolate, are a creamy, sweet coating that adds smoothness.

Decorating with mini chocolate chips gives a chocolaty touch to the eyes, providing them with a dipping-like context and a kind of dollop effect that seems to say “delicious” without even saying it.

Chocolatey red M&M’s: Sweet aroma and a burst of color.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 oz marshmallows (about 40 regular-sized or 4 cups of mini marshmallows)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• Red food coloring
• Mini marshmallows for the trim and pom-pom of Santa hat
• White chocolate or candy melts (for coating)
• Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes (for eyes)
• Red M&M’s or red candy-coated chocolates (for nose)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. When the butter is completely melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are also completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

2. Combine a few drops of red food coloring with the melted marshmallow mixture, stirring until the Santa hat mixture is a bright red color without lumps.

3. Take the pot off the heat and slowly, using a spatula, mix in the Rice Krispies cereal. Be sure to fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture so that each piece gets well-coated and none stay behind.

4. Let the blend cool a little, then form into small triangle shapes that look like Santa hats. You can use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and shape them directly on it.

5. When the treats have taken shape, melt the white chocolate or candy melts following the manufacturer’s directions.

6. To create the trim for the Santa hat, dip the base of each Rice Krispie treat into the melted white chocolate. For the finished look, place a mini marshmallow at the tip of the hat.

7. Use a dab of melted chocolate as glue to attach two mini chocolate chips or candy eyes onto each treat.

8. Using a small amount of melted chocolate, secure either a red M&M or a red candy-coated chocolate as the nose.

9. Put your Santa Rice Krispie treats to one side so the chocolate can harden and fully set.

10. Present these festive confections on a platter and relish the delightful holiday merriment they bring to your table!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Spatula
3. Baking sheet
4. Parchment paper
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Small bowls (for melting chocolate and mixing food coloring)
8. Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler (for melting chocolate)
9. Platter (for presentation)

FAQ

• Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?Although Rice Krispies are the classic cereal for this treat, you can also use similar puffed rice cereals as a substitute. But the texture and flavor might vary, and some might even prefer the puffed wait.
• How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands?To avoid sticking, you should lightly grease your hands with butter or a non-stick cooking spray before you touch the marshmallow mixture.
• Is there a way to make these treats without red food coloring?Certainly, you can attempt to use natural food colorings—such as beet juice or strawberry puree—for a natural red tint. Do keep in mind: these might slightly change the flavor profile.
• Can I make these treats ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare Santa Rice Krispie Treats in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• How can I make vegan Santa Rice Krispie Treats?Substitute the regular marshmallows and butter for their vegan versions. Make certain that the chocolate used for covering and embellishing the dish is also derived from plants.
• What’s the best way to melt white chocolate or candy melts?The preferred method is to melt them in a bowl safe for the microwave, using 30-second bursts of power and stirring between each, until fully melted. Another option is to use a double boiler, which gives you a more controlled melt that is less likely to scorch.

Substitutions and Variations

To make the treats vegan-friendly, use vegan marshmallows as a substitute for regular marshmallows.
For a dairy-free version, use margarine or coconut oil in place of unsalted butter.
If you would rather use a natural coloring, use beet juice or a natural red food dye instead of red food coloring.
If you have a different flavor or texture in mind for the eyes, consider alternatives such as dark chocolate chips or raisins instead of mini chocolate chips.
Replace red M&M’s with red jelly beans or any red candy-coated chocolate for the nose, based on your taste and what’s handy.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Marshmallows Always use fresh marshmallows for the best texture and flavor. Stale marshmallows are harder to melt and can make your treats less gooey.

2. Non-stick Tip To make shaping the Santa hats easier, lightly grease your hands with butter or spray them with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the Rice Krispies mixture from sticking to your hands while forming the triangles.

3. Consistent Color When adding food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture, mix it thoroughly to ensure a uniform red color throughout. Start with a few drops and gradually add more to achieve your desired shade.

4. Avoid Overpacking When shaping the hats, be careful not to pack the mixture too tightly. This can make them too dense and hard. Gently form the shapes to keep the treats light and crispy.

5. Quick Chocolate Setup Speed up the setting of the chocolate coating by placing the decorated treats in the refrigerator for a short period. This will help the chocolate harden faster, so they’re ready to serve sooner.