Nothing says it's the holidays quite like homemade Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats. These are simple enough to make with the kids for a fun baking day in the kitchen. They're a festive Christmas treat and perfect for parties, to give as gifts, and more!
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Check out my Reindeer Hot Chocolate Bombs and my Grinch Fudge for more fun Christmas recipes!
Reindeer Rice Krispie treats are a yummy, crunchy, marshmallow-y delight. Your kids can help make these simple shapes and decorate them with a chocolate frosting, red chocolate candies, candy eyes and pretzels.
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These reindeer treats are an easy holiday dessert that are loved by kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These treats are perfect for the holiday season and are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. The reindeer design is cute and fun, making them a great addition to any holiday gathering or party.
- This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it a great option for novice bakers or those short on time. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and festive treat.
- Kids will love helping to make and decorate these treats, and they're also a great option for school or classroom parties.
- Last but not least, these treats are simply delicious. The combination of sweet and salty flavors from the Rice Krispies, chocolate, and pretzels is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salted Butter: Used to help bind the Rice Krispie treats together and add flavor.
- Mini Marshmallows: Melted with the butter to create a sticky, sweet mixture that holds the Rice Krispies together.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle flavor to the treats that complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and Rice Krispies.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The main ingredient in this recipe and provides the crunchy texture that makes these treats so satisfying.
- Chocolate Chips: Used to frost the treats and add a rich, chocolatey flavor to the treats.
- Mini Pretzel Twists: Used to create the antlers and add a salty crunch to the treats.
- Candy Eyes: A fun and festive decoration that bring the reindeer design to life.
- Red M&M's: Used to create the reindeer's nose and add a pop of color to the treats.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a large microwave safe bowl, add the butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until melted.
Step 3: Add the marshmallows. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until marshmallows are melted. Add vanilla extract and stir.
Step 4: Stir in the Rice Krispies until combined with the marshmallow. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press down evenly. Allow the mixture to cool and firm up for at least 30 minutes.
Step 5: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave according to the package instructions.
Step 6: Spread the top of each cereal square with a thin coating of the chocolate. While the coating is still wet, place two mini pretzel twists on either side of the top of the treat to create the antlers.
Step 7: Place two candy eyes on the chocolate and a red M&M below the eyes to create the reindeer's nose. Repeat for all the Rice Krispie treats. Allow the chocolate to set and harden before serving.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh marshmallows. Fresh marshmallows will melt more easily and create a smoother, more cohesive mixture. Make sure your marshmallows are not stale or old.
- Work quickly. Once you add the Rice Krispies to the marshmallow mixture, it will start to cool and harden quickly. Be sure to work fast and press the mixture into the pan before it sets.
- Grease your hands. Greasing your hands with butter or cooking spray before pressing the Rice Krispie mixture into the pan will help prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Chill before cutting. Let the Rice Krispie treats chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into rectangles. This will help the treats set and make them easier to cut.
Variations
- White Chocolate: Swap out the chocolate candy melts for white chocolate candy melts to create a lighter, sweeter version of this recipe.
- Peanut Butter: Add a dollop of peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture before adding the Rice Krispies for a nutty twist on this classic recipe.
- Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted marshmallow mixture for a refreshing, minty flavor.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Place the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: To freeze Reindeer Rice Krispie treats, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 6 weeks. To thaw them, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If they become a bit soft after thawing, you can put them in the fridge for a few minutes to firm them up again.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can use regular sized marshmallows, but you will need to use fewer marshmallows to get the right consistency.
Yes, you can use a different type of cereal, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and taste of the treats. Some good alternatives include corn flakes, Cocoa Krispies, or Fruity Pebbles.
Let the treats cool completely in the pan. Use a knife with cooking spray to neatly cut the Rice Krispie treats into uniform rectangles.
Yes, you can use other types of snacks or candies for the antlers, such as chocolate-covered pretzels or candy canes.
Nope! For best taste and texture it is recommended you consume within a few days.
More Desserts You'll Love
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Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 10 ounces chocolate candy melts
- 32 mini pretzel twists
- 32 candy eyes
- 16 red M&M's
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large microwave safe bowl, add the butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until melted.
- Add the marshmallows. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until marshmallows are melted. Add vanilla extract and stir.
- Stir in the Rice Krispies until combined with the marshmallow. Pour themixture into the prepared baking pan and press down evenly. Allow the mixtureto cool and firm up for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave according to the package instructions.
- Spread the top of each cereal square with a thin coating of the chocolate.While the coating is still wet, place two mini pretzel twists on either side of the top of the treat to create the antlers.
- Place two candy eyes on the chocolate and a red M&M below the eyes to create the reindeer's nose. Repeat for all the Rice Krispie treats. Allow the chocolate to set and harden before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh marshmallows. Fresh marshmallows will melt more easily and create a smoother, more cohesive mixture. Make sure your marshmallows are not stale or old.
- Work quickly. Once you add the Rice Krispies to the marshmallow mixture, it will start to cool and harden quickly. Be sure to work fast and press the mixture into the pan before it sets.
- Grease your hands. Greasing your hands with butter or cooking spray before pressing the Rice Krispie mixture into the pan will help prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Chill before cutting. Let the Rice Krispie treats chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into rectangles. This will help the treats set and make them easier to cut.
- Storing: Place the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: To freeze Reindeer Rice Krispie treats, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 6 weeks. To thaw them, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If they become a bit soft after thawing, you can put them in the fridge for a few minutes to firm them up again.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Enjoy!
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