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Easy Christmas Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms (5-Ingredient Holiday Dessert)

Christmas Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms - featured image

These easy Christmas Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms are a quick, 5-ingredient holiday dessert that’s perfect for cookie swaps, parties, or last-minute gatherings. With a chewy, crispy texture and festive red and green M&Ms, they’re a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup red and green M&Ms (Christmas blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
  • ¼ cup sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Place a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the 6 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely.
  3. Once the butter is melted, add the entire bag of mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are smooth and gooey, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and salt (if using).
  5. Pour in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Fold gently until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture, being careful not to crush the cereal.
  6. Add ¾ cup of the M&Ms to the pot. Reserve the remaining ¼ cup for the top. Gently fold them in.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray, or use a piece of parchment paper to press the mixture evenly into the pan.
  8. Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of M&Ms over the top. Press them gently into the surface.
  9. Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature, about 1-2 hours.
  10. Once set, lift the treats out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

For best results, use fresh marshmallows and cereal. Do not refrigerate the treats as they will become hard. The treats are actually better the next day. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and vegan marshmallows. For gluten-free, ensure the cereal is certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas Rice Krispie treats, holiday dessert, easy dessert, no-bake, M&Ms, Rice Krispie treats, 5-ingredient, cookie swap