Christmas Rice Krispies Treats

As a child, the Christmas season wasn’t marked by the first snowfall or the appearance of twinkling lights on neighborhood houses—it truly began in our family kitchen, on the day we made Christmas Rice Krispies treats. It was a ritual we all looked forward to, the one time of year when cereal, marshmallows, and a whole lot of food coloring magically transformed into holiday cheer.

My mom would gather us around the counter, where bowls of red and green marshmallow goo awaited. I’d always sneak a taste, which made my mom laugh as she gave me the “wait until after dinner” look. Carefully, we pressed the sticky, colorful layers into the pan, a little squished by tiny hands that couldn’t wait to taste the final product.

The real fun came with the decorations. Mini M&Ms, sprinkles, and little candy stars soon dotted the treats, each one like a tiny gift wrapped up in gooey marshmallow goodness. Somehow, in that messy, delightful process, Christmas itself seemed to fill the kitchen—sweet, sticky, and glowing with joy.

Years later, I still make Christmas Rice Krispies every season, my own little holiday tradition to share with friends and family. There’s something special about the simple act of mixing, pressing, and decorating that brings the holiday spirit alive. And with each bite, I’m reminded of those cozy childhood memories in my mom’s kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of family and the magic of the season.

So, whether you’re creating memories for little ones or adding a sweet holiday touch to your own kitchen, these Christmas Rice Krispies treats bring a little extra joy to the season. After all, sometimes the simplest treats make for the sweetest memories.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 oz marshmallows (about 40 regular-sized marshmallows or 4 cups mini marshmallows)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Red and green food coloring
• Christmas sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or other festive decorations (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the treats once they’re set.
2. Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they’re fully melted and smooth.
3. Divide and Color:
   • If you want a mix of red and green layers, split the melted marshmallow mixture into two separate bowls.
   • Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to the other. Stir until the colors are even.
4. Add the Cereal:
   • Add 3 cups of Rice Krispies to each bowl (or if you’re only doing one color, just add all 6 cups to one bowl).
   • Stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the colored marshmallow mixture.
5. Layer in the Pan:
   • Press one color layer (either red or green) into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or wax paper to gently press it down into an even layer.
   • Add the second color layer on top if you’re doing two colors.
6. Add Sprinkles (Optional): While the mixture is still warm, sprinkle festive decorations like sprinkles or mini M&Ms on top and gently press them in.
7. Cool and Cut: Let the treats cool completely in the pan, then slice into squares.

Tips:

• For easy slicing, lightly grease your knife to prevent sticking.
• Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Enjoy your holiday treats! 🎄