Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
There is nothing more nostalgic than Rice Krispie Treats, these are an elevated version made with browned butter, mini marshmallows and m&ms, perfect for the holidays! These are crisp and crunchy, yet chewy and have that quintessential marshmallow pull.

The nostalgia of rice krispie treats…
One of my favourite childhood memories was making rice krispie treats. I felt so independent, I remember watching everything melt together and pouring in way too many rice krispies and licking the bowl clean. Food has always been such a huge part of my life and these simple rice krispie treats were a portal into a world of being able to create food and not just taste it, probably because rice krispie treats are so simple to make a six year old could make them. This is a festive version that stills brings me back to my six year old self, and her love of snow, baking and marshmallows.

Ingredient Notes
The ingredients that go into these festive and delicious christmas rice krispie treats
Browned Butter – adds SO much flavour and is the perfect base for the rice krispie treats.
Marshmallows – is the key ingredient, holding everything together.
Rice Krispies – of course! We need rice krispies for rice krispie treats.
M&Ms – for those classic christmas colours, they add some crunch and chocolate flavour.
Mini Marshmallows – will add so much dimension and texture. You could even cut up large marshmallows, if you’d like.
Salt – balances everything out and enhances all of the flavours
Vanilla Paste or Vanilla Extract – adds so much flavour, depth and that classic vanilla smell!

How to make Christmas Rice Krispie Treats – step by step
- Start by greasing a large baking dish, using butter or cooking spray, glass or metal is fine (You could also line this pan with parchment paper for easier removal.). I used a 9 x 12 glass baking dish.
- In a large pot, brown the butter over a low – medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter begins to foam and turns a golden brown, emitting a nutty aroma.
- Add in the marshmallows and stir frequently, using a rubber spatula, until fully melted, making sure the marshmallows do not burn!
- Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Now, turn the heat off and add in the rice krispies, mini marshmallows and the m&ms and stir well. Making sure everything is evenly coated.
- Now, spread the rice krispie mixture into an even layer, in your prepared baking pan. Using the back of a rubber spatula, damp hands or a piece of parchment paper, making sure to not pack it too tightly.
- Leave to set at room temp for 1 hour or for 20 minutes in the fridge and use a sharp knife cut into 12 or 16 squares, depending on how big you want the treats to be.
- Enjoy!

What can you substitute for Rice Krispies in Rice Krispie Treats?
Any cereal will make a great substitute for rice krispies, if you are using a square cereal, like, chex mix or cinnamon toast crunch, you’ll need to use less cereal, than this recipe calls for, as there is more surface area and using the same amount of cereal will leave you overly crunchy treats. Another great substitute is corn flakes as they soften slightly with heat but still remain crunchy.

How do you keep Rice Krispie Treats soft?
The trick is to not pack the rice krispies too tight into the tray, but rather lightly pat them down to create an even layer, using damp hands or some parchment paper. Packing them too tightly, make them tougher and not as light. The rice krispie treats will harden as they cool, so, to soften them up again, pop them in the microwave for 10 – 15 secs, and they will soften again and have that classic marshmallow pull.

Can I use Vegan Marshmallows in Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes! I use vegan marshmallows all the time. They are just as delicious, they just tend to not be as stretchy or chewy, once they’ve set but, 10 seconds in the microwave and they soften right up, you can’t even tell the difference! Vegan butter can also be used, if you’d like this to be a 100% vegan rice krispie treat.

How to store Christmas Rice Krispie Treats?
Store these delicious Christmas Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container or tin, at room temp. They should last for about a week. If they harden, pop them in the microwave for 10 – 15 secs, and they will soften again and have that classic marshmallow pull.

Tips and Tricks – Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
- Use a sharp knife – to cut the treats, for a clean professional look.
- Store the rice krispie treats – in a airtight container or tin, and store at room temperature at they should last for about a week
- Line the baking pan – with parchment paper and you can use metal binder clips on the sides, for a clean look and easy removal
- Use butter or cooking spray – to grease the pan
- For more flavour – you could add your favourite christmas spices, to the melted marshmallows!
- Finally, you can see a full recipe see a full recipe video on my Tik Tok or IG – please tag me @aceofspoons_ if you make this recipe


Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 1 glass or metal baking tray (9×9 inch or 9×12 inch)
- Large pan
- Rubber Spatula
Ingredients
- 125 g butter (9 tbsp)
- 300 g marshmallows (10.5 oz)
- 200 g rice krispies (8 cups)
- 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 100 g mini marshmallows (4 oz)
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
Instructions
- Start by greasing a large baking dish, using butter or cooking spray, glass or metal is fine (You could also line this pan with parchment paper for easier removal.). I used a 9 x 12 glass baking dish.
- In a large pot, brown the butter over a low – medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter begins to foam and turns a golden brown, emitting a nutty aroma.
- Add in the marshmallows and stir frequently, using a rubber spatula, until fully melted, making sure the marshmallows do not burn!
- Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Now, turn the heat off and add in the rice krispies, mini marshmallows and the m&ms and stir well. Making sure everything is evenly coated.
- Now, spread the rice krispie mixture into an even layer, in your prepared baking pan. Using the back of a rubber spatula, damp hands or a piece of parchment paper, making sure to not pack it too tightly.
- Leave to set at room temp for 1 hour or for 20 minutes in the fridge and use a sharp knife cut into 12 or 16 squares, depending on how big you want the treats to be.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a sharp knife – to cut the treats, for a clean professional look.
- Store the rice krispie treats – in a airtight container or tin, and store at room temperature at they should last for about a week
- Line the baking pan – with parchment paper and you can use metal binder clips on the sides, for a clean look and easy removal
- Use butter or cooking spray – to grease the pan
- For more flavour – you could add your favourite christmas spices, to the melted marshmallows!