If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that festive treats are just a must-have during the holiday season. That’s why I’m so excited to share this fan-freaking-tastic Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe that’s become a holiday staple in my kitchen. It’s colorful, chewy, and loaded with those joyful little bursts of chocolate from M&Ms — a combo that’s sure to wow your friends and family. Stick around because I’ll walk you through every step and share tips to get it just right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: You’ll have these festive treats ready in under an hour, perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
- Fun and Colorful: The M&Ms and sprinkles add a festive pop that brightens up any holiday dessert table.
- Great Texture Mix: The combination of Rice Krispies and Rice Chex gives these treats a satisfying crunch that’s not too sticky.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these every year — they’re perfect for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference with this Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe. Using mini marshmallows instead of large ones helps everything melt evenly, and mixing two types of cereals gives it a unique texture. Plus, the M&Ms bring the festive colors and a chocolate surprise in every bite!
- Unsalted Butter: Melts smoothly and controls the saltiness so you can balance flavors to your liking.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness — don’t skip it!
- Mini Marshmallows: Easier to melt evenly compared to large marshmallows, making your treats perfectly gooey.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the marshmallow mix.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic cereal that makes these treats perfectly crisp yet tender.
- Rice Chex Cereal: Adds extra crunch and a slightly different texture to keep things interesting.
- Christmas M&Ms: The stars of the show — colorful and chocolatey for a festive burst of flavor.
- Holiday Sprinkles: For that added festive sparkle that really says “Christmas”!
Variations
I love how flexible this Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve toyed with a few twists that still keep the spirit alive but add a personal flair — and you can too!
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: I once swapped half the butter with peanut butter, and it added a rich, nutty flavor that my family couldn’t get enough of.
- Gluten-Free Option: By using certified gluten-free Rice Krispies and Rice Chex, you can make this treat safe for gluten-sensitive friends with no compromise on taste.
- Extra Festive: Adding crushed candy canes on top creates a peppermint crunch that’s both pretty and delicious.
- Nut-Free Version: This recipe is nut-free as is, so it’s great for classroom treats or crowds with allergies.
How to Make Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe
Step 1: Prep Smart – Get Everything Ready
This is a key step I never skip: measure out all your ingredients before you start. Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with non-stick spray. This little prep saves you scrambling later and makes cleanup easier — trust me, it’s worth the extra minute.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows Gently
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and salt together first. Then add 8 cups of the mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until everything smooths out into a thick, glossy mixture. Don’t rush this — medium-low heat keeps the marshmallows soft and prevents burning.
Step 3: Flavor and Combine the Dry Ingredients
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that cozy aroma. Next, quickly fold in the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows along with the Rice Krispies and Rice Chex cereals until they’re fully coated in that melty, buttery marshmallow goodness. You’ll want to work fast here so everything sticks together without letting the marshmallows harden too soon.
Step 4: Fold in the M&Ms and Sprinkles Carefully
This is where the magic of the Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe really happens. Gently and quickly fold in the M&Ms and holiday sprinkles. Don’t add them too early or the colors might bleed — a trick I learned the hard way the first time I tried this recipe! The goal is to get those colorful bursts just right in every bite.
Step 5: Transfer and Press Gently
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. I like to scatter a few extra M&Ms and sprinkles on top for extra festive flair. Use lightly greased hands or parchment paper to gently press it down—don’t overdo it, or your treats might turn out dense and tough. A light touch preserves that perfect chewy-crunchy texture I adore.
Step 6: Let Them Set and Cut
Let the pan sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the treats firm up nicely. Then gently lift the parchment to remove the whole slab and cut into festive squares. If you wait too long, it might be harder to get clean cuts, so timely patience pays off here.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe
- Don’t Overheat Marshmallows: Melting them slowly over medium-low keeps them glossy and prevents hardening later.
- Add M&Ms Last: Adding them too early can cause the M&Ms to bleed color and melt.
- Use Parchment Paper: It helps you press the mixture without stickiness and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Gentle Pressing: Pressing firmly can make the treats dense and tough; a light touch keeps them soft but stable.
How to Serve Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of extra holiday-colored sprinkles or a few leftover M&Ms on top for presentation. Sometimes I dust them lightly with edible glitter — it instantly makes these treats party-ready and perfect for gifting.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and sweet! These treats pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a cozy mug of spiced apple cider. They’re also great alongside a small cheese platter for holiday gatherings when you want that sweet crunch to balance savory bites.
Creative Ways to Present
One year, I cut the treats into festive shapes using cookie cutters before they fully set, then wrapped them individually in cellophane tied with ribbon for holiday party favors. Another idea is stacking squares on a decorative plate with pine sprigs or candy canes for a charming centerpiece that guests can nibble on all night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms are cooled and cut, I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to two weeks, so you can whip them up ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the season. Just keep them away from heat or humidity to avoid stickiness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these treats wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes — they come out just as delicious and chewy as fresh.
Reheating
While these treats are best served at room temperature, if you want to warm them slightly, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) will soften them delightfully. Just don’t overheat or the marshmallow could become too sticky.
FAQs
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Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?
You can, but mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, which helps achieve the perfect texture. If you only have regular ones, break them into smaller pieces for a smoother melt.
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Why do my M&Ms sometimes bleed color in the treats?
This usually happens if you add M&Ms too soon while the marshmallow mixture is still very hot. To avoid this, fold them in gently at the end, off the heat, to keep the colors vibrant and neat.
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Can I substitute the Rice Chex with another cereal?
Yes! Corn Chex works well too, but I avoid wheat varieties because their texture and flavor can change the overall taste and crunchiness you want in this recipe.
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How do I keep my Christmas Krispies Treats soft and not hard?
Don’t over-press the mixture into the pan and avoid overcooking the marshmallows. Gentle handling and careful melting usually do the trick to keep them perfectly soft and chewy.
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How long will these treats keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay delicious for up to two weeks. Just keep them somewhere cool and dry.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to holiday goodies — not just for how easy it is, but because it always brings smiles and a bit of festive cheer to any gathering. I love sharing it with friends and watching their eyes light up at the colorful surprise inside. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing treat to add to your holiday lineup, I can’t recommend this one enough. Give it a try and let me know how your family enjoys it — happy holidays and happy baking!
Print
Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive and colorful, these Christmas Krispies Treats combine the classic chewy texture of marshmallow and crispy cereals with a holiday twist. Featuring a mix of rice krispies and rice chex cereals, loaded with Christmas M&Ms and holiday sprinkles, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet seasonal snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups rice krispies cereal
- 3 cups rice chex cereal
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
- 2 teaspoons holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Premeasure all ingredients before you begin cooking to ensure smooth preparation. Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with non-stick spray; set this aside for later use.
- Melt marshmallows and butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter along with the salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined.
- Add vanilla and cereals: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Then immediately add the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows along with the rice krispies and rice chex cereals. Stir thoroughly until all the cereals are evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Fold in candies and sprinkles: Gently and quickly fold in the Christmas M&Ms and holiday sprinkles to incorporate them without melting the candy colors.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle extra M&M’s and holiday sprinkles on top for garnish. Using parchment paper or greased hands, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan, being careful not to press too hard to avoid making the treats tough.
- Set and cut: Allow the treats to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm. Once set, remove from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares to serve.
Notes
- Salted butter can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter if preferred.
- Corn Chex cereal may be used instead of rice Chex, but avoid using wheat Chex to maintain texture.
- Add the M&M’s towards the end of mixing to prevent their colors from bleeding into the marshmallow mixture.
- Press the mixture gently into the pan to avoid creating tough, hard treats.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 2×2 inches)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
