If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the very spirit of the holidays in every bite, Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats are your answer. These festive bars combine the nostalgic gooeyness of classic marshmallow cereal bars with a bright, cool burst of peppermint and a delightful crunch from crushed candy canes. Whether you’re making them for a winter party, a cookie swap, or a night curled up by the fire, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, they come together in just minutes—no oven required!—so you can satisfy your holiday sweet tooth with minimal fuss.

Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats is in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, contributing either crunch, creaminess, or that unmistakable peppermint zing. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): This is your crunchy, crispy base—essential for that perfect chewy-meets-crisp texture.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Butter enriches the bars with flavor and helps everything hold together smoothly.
Mini marshmallows (10 oz bag): Mini marshmallows melt down into gooey, sticky bliss, binding the treats and adding their signature pillowy softness.
Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): You only need a splash, but it brings that fresh, wintery flavor front and center.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (1/2 cup): These add pops of peppermint crunch, a fun burst of red-and-white color, and extra holiday pizzazz.
White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional for drizzle): For a creamy, elegant finish, melt and drizzle these over the top, or use them for dunking the bars—so decadent!

How to Make Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter or non-stick spray. This keeps your Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats from sticking and ensures easy removal and neat squares later on. Lining the pan with parchment also helps if you want to lift the treats out before cutting.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large, sturdy pot set over medium heat, melt your butter until it’s just liquid. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly. The marshmallows should melt down into a smooth, glossy mixture—resist the urge to crank up the heat, as you don’t want to burn the sugar.

Step 3: Add Peppermint Flavor

Once the marshmallows are completely melted and silky, remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the peppermint extract. This is the secret to infusing every bite with that cool, holiday-fresh sensation. Make sure you mix it in quickly and thoroughly so the flavor is distributed evenly.

Step 4: Mix in the Cereal and Peppermint Candy

Working quickly while the mixture is still warm, fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is evenly coated in marshmallow. Then, stir in most of your crushed peppermint candies or candy canes—save a little for sprinkling on top at the end. Fold gently to keep the cereal pieces crisp and not crushed.

Step 5: Press and Finish

Spoon the mixture into your prepared pan, pressing it down gently but firmly with a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper. This compacts the mixture for tidy, chewy bars. If you love extra flair, go ahead and melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second microwave bursts, drizzle the melted chocolate on top, and sprinkle with your reserved peppermint candy. Let the treats cool completely before slicing into squares.

How to Serve Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats. Finish each square with a dusting of crushed candy canes or a light drizzle of white or even dark chocolate for extra shine and festive color. Edible glitter or sparkly sugar can take them over the top for party platters!

Side Dishes

While these treats are perfect all on their own, they’re especially delicious alongside a mug of hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or even a chilled glass of milk. For a holiday dessert table, pair them with chocolate truffles, gingerbread cookies, or a platter of fresh berries to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, use cookie cutters to make Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats into stars, trees, or hearts. Stack the squares on festive plates, tuck them into cellophane bags with a ribbon for gifting, or serve as part of a “build your own dessert bar” with bowls of toppings like extra candies or coconut flakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), simply store the Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Separate layers with wax or parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay soft, chewy, and delicious—no refrigeration needed!

Freezing

Want to make these ahead for busy holiday weeks? Totally doable! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats will keep well for up to one month. Just thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat them, if your treats feel a little too firm from storage, pop a square in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds. It revives their gooey texture and makes the marshmallow extra chewy again. Just be careful not to overheat so they don’t melt everywhere!

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, you can! Just chop them up a bit so they melt more evenly, or keep an eye on them in the pot as larger ones take a bit longer to dissolve. The finished Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats will be just as delicious.

How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, which makes it ultra-easy to lift out the entire block and slice your treats neatly.

Can I leave out the peppermint extract or candies for kids who don’t love mint?

Of course! You’ll lose the “peppermint” in Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats, but you’ll end up with a classic Rice Krispie bar. Or try substituting with vanilla or a drizzle of caramel for a different twist.

Are these treats gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free crisped rice cereal, it’s easy to make these treats gluten-free. Check your labels on the marshmallows, candies, and chocolate chips to be sure there’s no hidden gluten.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use two 9×13 pans or one large sheet pan. Make sure to mix quickly since things get stickier with larger batches, and you’ll have plenty to share with your holiday guests.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to holiday treat-making, I hope you’re inspired to whip up a pan of Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats this season. It’s the kind of simple-but-festive recipe that instantly puts everyone in the holiday mood—so grab those marshmallows, get stirring, and enjoy every minty, gooey bite!

Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats. The classic marshmallow and cereal bars get a holiday twist with a hint of peppermint and a drizzle of white chocolate. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 oz bag mini marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Garnish:

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional for drizzle)

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Melt Marshmallows: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add marshmallows, stir until melted.
Add Flavor: Remove from heat, stir in peppermint extract.
Mix: Fold in Rice Krispies until coated. Add crushed peppermint.
Press: Press mixture into dish. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and more peppermint. Cool, then cut into squares.