Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
There’s something magical about the holiday season that brings out the baker in all of us—even those who don’t typically step foot in the kitchen. But let’s be honest: as much as we love the idea of spending a whole day making Christmas cookies, the reality is that December gets busy fast. Between shopping, wrapping, school events, holiday dinners, decorating, and trying to squeeze in a moment to actually enjoy it all, sometimes we just need a recipe that’s festive and impressive without all the effort.
I typically start my Christmas baking in late September or early October because I generally make A LOT! I love gifting homemade goodies at Christmastime and so I need to fill my freezer so it is not such a daunting task in December to be able to put together cookie boxes or tins for my family and friends. Not every treat has to be difficult or complicated, sometimes the simplest treats are the most loved. Enter: Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats, the no-bake holiday dessert you’ll find yourself making again and again.
They’re everything you love about the classic childhood snack—soft, chewy, buttery, and perfectly sweet—elevated with cool peppermint crunch and if you like, a beautiful snowy drizzle of white chocolate. They look like Christmas, smell like Christmas, and taste like pure holiday joy.
🎄 A Holiday Twist on a Classic Treat
Rice Krispie treats have always held a spot in my nostalgic holiday memories. When I was a kid, my siblings and I used to gather around the counter, waiting for the moment we were finally allowed to press the warm marshmallow mixture into the pan. It was messy, chaotic, and absolutely perfect.
But peppermint? That addition takes things to a whole new level.
Crushed candy canes melt ever so slightly into the warm marshmallow mixture, adding little pops of peppermint flavor and a gorgeous red-and-white sparkle. When you add a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top, they become the kind of treat that looks like you spent way more time on them than you did.
And the best part? You only need about 15 minutes from start to finish.
✨ Why Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats Make the Perfect Christmas Treat
If you’re not already sold, here’s why these treats deserve a spot in your holiday lineup:
- They travel well. Perfect for potlucks, classroom parties, and cookie exchanges.
- They’re kid-friendly. Kids can help crush candy canes, sprinkle toppings, and even stir if supervised.
- They’re budget-friendly. No expensive ingredients required.
- They stay fresh for days. Which means you can make them ahead of time and avoid the last-minute scramble.
- They’re endlessly customizable. Add sprinkles, dip in chocolate, shape into ornaments—make them your own!
- They DO freeze well.
Peppermint Rice Krispie Squares
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
- 1 9×13 rectangular pan
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows (white) 1 bag
- 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- ⅓ cup White Chocolate chips (optional)
- ¼ tsp Peppermint Extract
- 3 Candy Canes (crushed into pieces) *smash with a rolling pin
- 1 cup White chocolate Chips (melted for topping) optional
Instructions
- Butter your 9×13" pan and set aside
- In a large pot over low heat, melt the remaining butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are melted and smooth. Remove from the heat, and stir in the peppermint extract.
- Stir in the rice cereal and white chocolate chips (if using) and 1/3 of the crushed candy canes and stir to combine everything. Quickly transfer to the buttered dish and using buttered hands or a buttered spatula, press the mixture evenly into the pan.
- Once it is pressed evenly, top with the remaining crushed candy canes and using your hand or a spatula, press them slightly into the rice krispie treats to make sure they stick.
- Let them sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before attempting to cut them. If they are set properly you can take them out of the pan (flip them) for easier cutting. Cut into your desired sized squares and enjoy.
Optional White Chocolate Drizzle topping
- Melt white chocolate or milk chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl on 50% power in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth, stirring after each interval. drizzle melted chocolate over Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes