Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
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Creating festive treats is one of the joys of the holiday season, and Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful way to spread cheer. These whimsical, no-bake sweets not only taste delicious but also bring a fun, creative element to your holiday gatherings. I remember the first time I made these with my kids; we laughed as we decorated each treat, turning ordinary marshmallow snacks into adorable reindeer. They quickly became a holiday tradition in our home, perfect for parties, gifts, or just a cozy night in.
Reasons to try it
One of the best things about Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, they come together swiftly, making them ideal for last-minute holiday treats or fun projects with the kids. The crispy rice and gooey marshmallows create a textured bite that’s hard to resist, while the playful reindeer decoration adds a festive touch that can brighten any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, a winter-themed birthday, or simply looking to indulge in a little holiday spirit, these treats will surely impress.
"These Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats were such a hit at our holiday party! They were not only adorable but also super easy to make. My kids loved helping out, and they disappeared faster than I could keep them stocked!" — Jessica R.
Step-by-step overview
Making Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats is as enjoyable as eating them! This recipe takes you through melting, mixing, chilling, and decorating, resulting in adorable and delicious festive bites. You’ll need to gather your ingredients, prepare for some fun assembling, and then let them cool before enjoying. Let’s walk through the process before diving into the details.
What you’ll need
Here’s the shopping list for your Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
- 16 candy eyes
- 16 chocolate-covered pretzels
- 7 brown plain M&M’s
- 1 red plain M&M
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
Feel free to substitute the chocolate-covered pretzels with other types of snacks, like chocolate-covered almonds, if you want to get creative!
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Spray a 9” cake pan generously with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s completely liquid.
- Add Marshmallows: Stir in the mini marshmallows with a spatula until they’re fully coated with melted butter. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are smooth and melted.
- Mix in Cereal: Remove the pot from the heat and add the crispy rice cereal. Stir until the cereal is completely coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Form the Treats: Pour the mixture into your prepared cake pan. Press it down evenly with your hands or a spatula to flatten.
- Cool Completely: Allow the Rice Krispie treats to cool for about 30 minutes, or until set.
- Remove from Pan: Once cooled, run a butter knife around the edges of the pan, then flip it onto a cutting board or platter.
- Slice into Treats: Using a sharp knife, cut the treats into 8 evenly sized squares.
- Melt White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips according to the package directions.
- Decorate: Spread a small amount of melted chocolate on the back of each chocolate-covered pretzel, and press two pretzels onto each treat for the antlers.
- Finish Up: Use the melted chocolate to secure two candy eyes on each treat and place a red M&M for the nose. And just like that, your adorable reindeer treats are ready to bring joy!
Best ways to enjoy it
To serve your Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats, gather some festive holiday platters or cake stands to showcase their cuteness. Pair these sweet delights with hot cocoa or warm spiced cider for a cozy snack experience. They also make excellent party favors wrapped in cute packaging for guests to take home. When presenting, consider scattering some extra M&Ms or candy canes around the treats for a burst of color!
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store your Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully chewy for about 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an option! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Helpful cooking tips
- Get Kids Involved: This is a perfect recipe for children to help with, allowing them to decorate their own reindeer.
- Don’t Overheat the Marshmallows: When melting, keep the heat low and stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Easy Cleanup: Spray your spatula with cooking spray before pressing the treats down—this helps prevent sticking while you shape them.
Creative twists
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations for these treats:
- Flavored Rice Cereal: Swap out the crispy rice for chocolate or fruity cereal for an extra flavor profile.
- Fun Decorations: Change the M&M colors to fit different holidays or events, or use candy canes for antlers during Christmas.
- Add Sprinkles: Use festive holiday sprinkles mixed into the original treat before cooling for an extra festive touch.
Your questions answered
How long do these Rice Krispie Treats take to prepare?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and another 30 minutes to cool—so roughly 45 minutes total.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats a day or two in advance; just store them properly to maintain freshness.
Are there any substitutions I can make?
You can substitute the treats with different candies, such as gummy bears or different chocolate varieties. Allergies can also be accommodated by avoiding gluten or using dairy-free chocolate.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these charming Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats offer a delightful way to get in the holiday spirit. Gather your ingredients and enjoy making these festive treats with your loved ones! Happy holidays!
Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Method
- Spray a 9” cake pan generously with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s completely liquid.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows with a spatula until they’re fully coated with melted butter. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are smooth and melted.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the crispy rice cereal. Stir until the cereal is completely coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared cake pan. Press it down evenly with your hands or a spatula to flatten.
- Allow the Rice Krispie treats to cool for about 30 minutes, or until set.
- Once cooled, run a butter knife around the edges of the pan, then flip it onto a cutting board or platter.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the treats into 8 evenly sized squares.
- Melt the white chocolate chips according to the package directions.
- Spread a small amount of melted chocolate on the back of each chocolate-covered pretzel, and press two pretzels onto each treat for the antlers.
- Use the melted chocolate to secure two candy eyes on each treat and place a red M&M for the nose. Your adorable reindeer treats are ready!
