Perfect 20-Minute Christmas Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms
These quick and easy Christmas Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms are a festive, no-fuss holiday treat that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a simple sweet treat that brings holiday cheer without the stress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
- 1/4 cup additional M&Ms for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
- White chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray or rub it with a thin layer of butter. Set aside.
- Place a large pot over medium-low heat. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt slowly without browning.
- Pour the entire 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows into the melted butter. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps, about 3-4 minutes. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
- Remove the pot from heat. Pour in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal all at once. Fold gently but thoroughly until every piece of cereal is coated.
- Let the mixture cool for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in 1 cup Christmas M&Ms and fold gently with 5-6 folds to distribute evenly.
- Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray, then press the mixture evenly into the pan without pressing too hard.
- While still warm, press the remaining 1/4 cup M&Ms into the top, spacing them evenly.
- Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Notes
For best results, let the marshmallow mixture cool for about 30 seconds before adding M&Ms to prevent the candy shells from melting. If treats come out too hard, the marshmallow mixture was cooked too long. If too soft, too much butter was used or marshmallows weren’t cooked long enough. Treats can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days, refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Christmas Rice Krispie treats, holiday treats, no-bake dessert, easy Christmas recipe, M&M treats, 20-minute dessert