These Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats blend the classic crunch of cereal with a festive peppermint twist. Topped with a sweet glaze and crushed candy canes, they’re quick, easy, and perfect for the holidays.
Peppermint Rice Krispie Squares are a festive spin on the classic marshmallow cereal bars we all grew up with.
They’re light, crispy, and sweet with just the right hint of peppermint—not too overpowering, but enough to feel fresh and seasonal.
Topped with a drizzle of peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Making these is a breeze. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced skills, just a saucepan, a spatula, and a little holiday cheer.
One of the things I love most is how versatile they are. You can make them as simple or fancy as you like, depending on your mood and who’s eating them.
Plus, they’re no-bake, so they’re perfect for when you want something homemade without turning on the oven.
These are great for gifting, cookie swaps, or just enjoying with a cup of hot chocolate. Trust me, one bite and you’ll feel the holiday spirit!
Looking for more holiday dessert recipes? Be sure to try Dried Cranberry Muffins, Cranberry Banana Bread, Rum Balls Without Rum, and Grinch Cookies!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Only a few ingredients and no baking required.
- Festive Look: The red drizzle and candy cane topping make them perfect for holidays.
- Customizable: You can adjust the peppermint flavor, color, and decorations to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Great for Gifting: Package them in festive bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The base of the treat. Generic crispy rice cereal works just as well.
- Miniature Marshmallows: The glue that holds everything together. Use fresh ones for the best meltability.
- Butter: Adds richness and keeps the marshmallow mixture smooth. Salted or unsalted works.
- Peppermint Extract: Gives the treat its signature flavor. Be careful not to overdo it; peppermint is potent.
- Red Gel Food Coloring (optional): Adds a festive touch. You can skip this if you prefer a natural look.
- Powdered Icing Sugar: For the drizzle, adding sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Milk: Thins out the icing for easy drizzling.
- Crushed Candy Canes (optional): Adds crunch and a festive look to the finished squares.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make this recipe
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the marshmallows, reduce the heat to low and stir until melted.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring to get the desired color.
Stir the rice krispies cereal into the pot.
Press mixture evenly and firmly into a buttered 9x13-inch pan using a buttered spatula or back of a spoon.
Set aside to cool, then cut into squares.
For the icing, mix the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk together until smooth, then mix in a few drops of red gel food colouring to get your desired colour.
Drizzle over the completely cooled peppermint rice krispie treats, and add some crushed candy canes.
Variations
- Swap peppermint for vanilla extract for a classic flavor.
- Use green gel food coloring instead of red for a different festive look.
- Add mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-mint twist.
- Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate instead of icing.
- Top with sprinkles instead of crushed candy canes.
More Dessert Recipes
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Advice
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep away from humidity to maintain the crunch.
- Freezing: These freeze well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make-Ahead: These can be made 1-2 days in advance. Decorate just before serving to keep the candy canes crisp.
Recipe Tips
- Butter your spatula or hands to prevent sticking when pressing the mixture into the pan.
- Don’t overheat the marshmallows; low and slow ensures a smooth mixture.
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture.
- Add food coloring gradually; a little goes a long way.
- Press the mixture gently into the pan to avoid compacting it too much.
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📖 Recipe
Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring optional
- 5 cups rice crispy cereal
To decorate (optional)
- ½ cup powdered icing sugar 100g
- 3 teaspoons milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red gel food colouring
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the marshmallows, reduce the heat to low and stir until melted.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring to get the desired color.
- Stir the rice krispies cereal into the pot.
- Press mixture evenly and firmly into a buttered 9x13-inch pan using a buttered spatula or back of a spoon.
- Set aside to cool, then cut into squares.
- For the icing, mix the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk together until smooth, then mix in a few drops of red gel food colouring to get your desired colour.
- Drizzle over the completely cooled peppermint rice krispie treats, and add some crushed candy canes.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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