Christmas Rice Crispy Treats in Festive Balls Recipe
Celebrate the festive season with these delightful Christmas Rice Crispy Treats. Soft and chewy rice krispie balls are coated in creamy white chocolate and adorned with vibrant red, green, and white sprinkles for a fun and colorful holiday treat that’s perfect for parties and gift-giving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups puffed rice cereal
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (or 1 cup mini marshmallows + 1/4 cup marshmallow fluff)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating and Decoration
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or white chocolate candy melts
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
- 1/2 cup red, green, and white nonpareils (sprinkles)
Instructions
- Make the Rice Krispie Mixture: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and marshmallow fluff, stirring continuously until everything is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the puffed rice cereal until fully coated. Allow the mixture to cool for 2 to 3 minutes until warm but safe to handle.
- Shape the Balls: Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If crumbly, press gently to shape. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool completely.
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. If chocolate is thick, stir in coconut oil to loosen it. Let the melted chocolate sit for a minute or two to thicken slightly for easier coating.
- Coat the Balls and Add Sprinkles: Dip each rice krispie ball into the melted white chocolate until fully coated. Use a fork to lift and gently tap off excess chocolate. Place coated balls back on the parchment-lined tray and immediately sprinkle with red, green, and white nonpareils before chocolate sets.
- Set and Serve: Allow the coated balls to set at room temperature, or refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to speed up setting. Once firm, transfer to a serving dish or airtight container. Stack neatly to showcase the festive colors.
Notes
- Lightly greasing your hands helps prevent the sticky rice krispie mixture from adhering to them.
- If you do not have marshmallow fluff, use 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows instead.
- Coconut oil is optional but helps to achieve a smoother, shinier white chocolate coating.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These treats are best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days for optimal texture and flavor.
