Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Bites Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that’s quick to whip up and always a hit at holiday parties, you’re going to love this Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Bites Recipe. These colorful little bites are not only adorable but absolutely delicious—crispy, gooey, and perfectly sweet. Plus, making them in classic Christmas red, green, and white makes dessert tables pop. Trust me, once you try this recipe, they’ll become your go-to holiday snack to make and share with friends and family.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Bites Recipe are straightforward but so well-balanced—sweet, soft marshmallows meld perfectly with buttery richness and the crunch from the cereal, while food coloring and sprinkles bring that festive cheer. Picking quality essentials makes a noticeable difference, so I always use salted sweet cream butter and mini marshmallows for that smooth, even melt.

• Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Cereal: The crisp cereal is crucial to get that classic texture, so don’t swap it for puffed rice or another cereal.
• Mini Marshmallows: They melt faster and more evenly than large ones, which makes mixing a breeze.
• Butter (Sweet Cream, Salted): Adds a creamy richness and keeps the treats from being too sticky.
• Wilton Color Right Food Coloring – Red, Crimson, Yellow, Blue: This brand mixes well and gives vibrant, true-to-Christmas colors every time.
• Nonpareils Christmas Sprinkles: Optional, but these add a little festive sparkle and texture that your guests will love.

Tweak to Your Taste

Here’s the fun part—you can make these Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Bites Recipe your own by playing with colors, textures, and add-ins. I love switching up the sprinkles each year to surprise guests and occasionally swap out a few ingredients to accommodate diet preferences or just for a more personal touch.

• Variation: Once, I made a peppermint version by adding crushed candy canes before rolling the bites, and it was a huge hit—minty freshness combined with that classic Rice Krispie chew is divine.
• Dietary Modifications: For dairy-free, just swap the butter with coconut oil, and you still get fabulous texture and flavor.
• Seasonal Changes: Try swapping the colors for other holidays—pinks and reds for Valentine’s, or pastels for Easter. It’s super versatile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Bites Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium pan over low heat. Patience is key here—use low heat so the butter melts gently and doesn’t brown. Once melted, add 3 cups of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until everything is smooth and totally melted. The marshmallow mixture should be glossy and lump-free, which tells you it’s time to move on.

Step 2: Add Color and Mix in the Cereal

Take the pan off the heat and add your chosen food coloring. I usually start with a little and add more until I get that perfect shade. Then, slowly stir in 3 cups of Rice Krispie cereal until every flake is coated in that luscious marshmallow mixture. This part goes quick, so have your sprinkles ready if you want those festive touches!

Step 3: Cool Slightly and Roll

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle but still warm enough to mold. I scoop about .6 oz (roughly a heaping tablespoon) and roll it between my hands to make perfect little round bites. Don’t worry if your bites aren’t exactly uniform—the homemade charm makes them even better!

Step 4: Repeat for Each Color

Make two more batches following the same steps, adjusting your food coloring to create red, green, and white batches. This trio brings the Christmas spirit right to your kitchen.

How to Serve Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I like adding a sprinkle of festive nonpareils or tiny edible glitter on top of each bite right after rolling them, while they’re still sticky—gives a magical sparkle. You can also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over some bites for an extra indulgence that’s surprisingly simple.

Side Dishes

These bites pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of chilled eggnog to complete that cozy holiday vibe. At parties, I serve them alongside a cheese platter and fresh fruit—balance sweet and savory for happy guests!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, assemble the bites in a holiday-themed glass jar or mini gift boxes tied with ribbons as edible holiday favors. Another fun way is to skewer a few colored bites on festive toothpicks or cocktail sticks for bite-sized holiday kebabs that are party-perfect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days. If you find them a bit dry day two or three, just pop a slice of bread in the container briefly overnight—it helps keep moisture in.

Freezing

If you want to make them in advance for a big party, freezing works great! Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can keep well for a month. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for about an hour.

Reheating

These treats don’t really need reheating, but if you like them a bit soft, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave will do the trick. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll become too sticky and lose that perfect bite-size form.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Bites Recipe has saved me during hectic holiday seasons—quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly cute. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm holiday hug every time you bite in, and it’s just plain fun to make with family or friends. So go ahead and give it a try—you’ll love how these bites bring a splash of sweetness and festive spirit to your celebrations, just like they do to mine.

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