Reindeer Rice Krispie Treatsrn

Name: Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons margarine, (divided into 4 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons (your favorite brand - I used Blue Bonnet)); 10 ounces marshmallows ((40 marshmallows or 5½ cups mini marshmallows)); 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, (I used Great Value brand); 2 ounces white almond bark; 16 chocolate covered pretzels; 1 red M&M, (for Rudolph’s nose); 7 brown M&M’s; 16 candy eyes; Colorful sprinkles, (for “hair”)

overhead shot of Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

As delicious as the classic version, these reindeer rice Krispie treats are so sweet and whimsical, right down to Rudolph’s red nose.

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Table of Contents

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions For Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
How to Make This Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
How To Serve These Christmas Rice Krispies
Christmas Recipes
When To Serve Marshmallow Treats For Christmas
Storing Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Why We Love These Holiday Rice Krispie Treats
FAQ About Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
More Christmas Recipes You’ll Love
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Rice Krispie treats just got a Christmas upgrade! These Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats are not only adorable but packed with nostalgia and a touch of whimsy. Crunchy, sweet, and loaded with fun, these treats turn simple ingredients into something magical. With gooey marshmallows, chocolate-dipped pretzels for antlers, and bright red M&M noses, each bite is a perfect blend of holiday cheer—an ideal dessert for a kids Christmas party, Christmas Eve or Christmas day.

About These Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Rice Krispies, marshmallows, margarine, almond bark, chocolate-covered pretzels, candy eyes, M&Ms, sprinkles.
Quick Steps: Melt margarine + marshmallows, add Rice Krispies, press into pan, cut into triangles, and decorate.
Total Time & Yield: 25 minutes, yields 8 servings.

Why Choose This Recipe

A standout feature of our recipe is the use of almond bark, which provides a smoother finish that helps the decorations adhere well. This makes it ideal for crafting clean, well-defined reindeer faces.

While many recipes use minimal decorations, this one goes all out, ensuring each reindeer has an expressive face that’s fun for kids and festive for gatherings.

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats raw ingredients that are labeled

These yummy treats have the same delicious flavor as the original Rice Krispie treats but with a festive twist that is all about adding a few creative and fun decorations.

Using chocolate pretzels, candy eyes, M&Ms, and holiday sprinkles, you can transform the classic treat into a cute reindeer with plenty of personality.

To make this recipe for Christmas reindeer treats, you’ll need:

6 tablespoons of margarine, divided into 4 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons
1 10-ounce package of full-size marshmallows (40 marshmallows or 5½ cups mini marshmallows)
6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
2 ounces of white almond bark
16 Chocolate covered pretzels
16 candy eyes
1 red M&M (for Rudolph’s red nose)
7 brown M&M’s
Colorful sprinkles for “hair”

PRO TIP:

Be sure to use fresh marshmallows for the best results for these Christmas Rice Krispie treats.

Substitutions And Additions For Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

ALMOND BARK: You can substitute chocolate almond bark for the dabs for the pretzel ears.

PRETZELS: If you cannot find chocolate-covered pretzels for the pretzel antlers, you can dip plain twisted pretzels in chocolate almond bark.

CEREAL: Use other cereal flavors like Cocoa Krispies instead of the crispy rice cereal in this no-bake treat.

MARSHMALLOWS: To experiment with flavors, try using flavored marshmallows like strawberry or caramel.

This simple twist can add a delightful hint of sweetness and aroma to your reindeer treats without changing the texture significantly.

FLAVOR EXTRACTS: To introduce unique flavors, consider adding a drop or two of extracts like almond, coconut, or peppermint to the marshmallow-butter mixture.

MARGARINE: You can use your favorite brand. We used Blue Bonnet in this recipe.

RICE KRISPIES: You can use the brand name cereal or a generic brand. We used the Great Value brand.

How to Make This Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe for reindeer Rice Krispies is accessible even for novice bakers.

It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need complexity to create something truly delightful.

STEP ONE: Use your hands to spread two tablespoons of the margarine around a 10-inch springform pan.

You can also place a parchment paper circle on top of the buttered bottom of the springform pan. It’s not a necessary step, but it is an option.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can also use a 9×13 pan for the reindeer. They will be flatter than the round pan.

Slice long ways down the center of the Rice Krispies, then slice seven triangles in the halved Rice Krispies.

If you are using the 9×13 pan, you will need 28 chocolate-covered pretzels, 14 M&M’s, 28 eyes, and sprinkles.

STEP TWO: Add the remaining margarine to a 5 to 6-quart heavy-bottomed stock pot, and melt the margarine over medium-high heat.

STEP THREE: Once the margarine is completely melted, add the marshmallows, and stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted.

If the marshmallows are not completely melted, it can cause the Rice Krispies to lose all of the crunch associated with Rice Krispie treats. Remove the pan from the heat.

marshmallows added to the margarine mixture in a pot

STEP FOUR: Stir in the Rice Krispies and continue to stir until completely incorporated.

rice krispies added to the marshmallows mixture in a pot

STEP FIVE: Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan. Gently press the marshmallow Krispies down to ensure a level surface.

To prevent the sticky mixture from adhering to your hands or spatula, dampen them with water or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Don’t put too much pressure when pressing down on the cereal mixture; you don’t need to completely smoosh them.

Allow the Krispies to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before decorating. This ensures that the decorations, especially chocolate ones, don’t melt upon contact.

PRO TIP:

To make cleanup easier, soak the pot and utensils in warm soapy water immediately after use to prevent the marshmallow from hardening.

STEP SIX: Once the Krispies are cooled, place a large cutting board on top of the pan.

Flip the pan over, release, and carefully remove the sides and bottom of the springform pan.

STEP SEVEN: Use a large sharp knife to cut/divide the circle of treats in half. Then divide that circle in half.

Slice the four triangles like you would slice a piece of pie.

If the knife gets sticky, dampen it with a bit of water or lightly coat it with cooking spray for smoother cuts.

cut rice krispies into triangles on a wooden board

STEP EIGHT: Add two ounces of white almond bark to a small heat-safe bowl.

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth.

using almond bark attach pretzel to make antlers on a wooden board

STEP NINE: Dab a small amount of melted chocolate on the top two corners of each triangle.

Lay one of the chocolate-covered pretzels on each dot.

make eyes out of 2 dabs on a wooden board

STEP TEN: In the center of the triangle, dab two dots of the almond bark. Place the eyes on the dabs.

make nose out of a dab on a wooden board

STEP ELEVEN: At the point of the triangle, dab another little dot for the nose, either the brown or red M&M.

place almond bark between antlers and add sprinkles on a wooden board

STEP TWELVE: In between the chocolate-covered pretzels, dab a final dot of almond bark for the colorful sprinkles of your choice.

Allow the reindeer to dry completely before serving.

How To Serve These Christmas Rice Krispies

SERVE WITH HOT DRINK: Christmas Rice Krispies are great alongside mugs of mint hot chocolate, Christmas Hot Chocolate or our hot apple cider.

SERVE ON A STICK: Insert popsicle sticks or candy canes into the base of each treat, turning them into easy-to-hold pops.

This method is especially fun for kids (see our hot chocolate on a stick as another great example).

SERVE ON A CHRISTMAS COOKIE TRAY: Arrange the treats on a holiday cookie tray with our colorful Christmas pinwheels and classic Christmas sugar cookies.

Add some colorful holiday candies or sprinkles around the platter to enhance the holiday vibe.

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Our classic Rice Krispie treats are always a hit, while our Fruity Pebbles treats are a fun variation.

When To Serve Marshmallow Treats For Christmas

Here are some ideal occasions and settings to serve your Reindeer Rice Krispie treats:

CHRISTMAS PARTY: The reindeer theme makes these treats perfect for just about any Christmas gathering or any winter holiday celebration.

You can even bring a bit of cheer to your workplace by sharing these Christmas Rice Krispies at an office holiday party.

CLASSROOM CHRISTMAS PARTY: Whether it’s a classroom party, bake sale, or a winter-themed school event, they’ll be a hit among both kids and adults.

SECRET SANTA OR WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE: Packaged in a decorative box or tin, these treats make the perfect homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or family during gift exchanges or Secret Santa events.

COOKIE EXCHANGE: Participating in a holiday cookie exchange? While not a traditional cookie, these treats will stand out and be a unique addition to the mix.

Storing Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

When storing, make sure your Christmas Rice Krispies are in a single layer. If you need to stack them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

ON THE COUNTER: Storing your these krispie treats on the counter is a convenient option, especially if they’ll be enjoyed within a few days.

To keep them fresh, place the treats in an airtight container. Keep the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.

When stored properly on the counter, the treats will maintain their freshness and texture for up to three to four days.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you prefer to store your treats in the fridge, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, the freezer is your friend. Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag.

They can be stored for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour or until they’re soft and chewy again.

REHEATING: These holiday treats are best enjoyed at room temperature.

If you have to reheat them, place a Rice Krispie treat on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature.

close up shot of Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Why We Love These Holiday Rice Krispie Treats

THEY’RE MEMORABLE: These treats are not just delicious; they’re conversation starters that are bound to leave an impression.

THEY’RE KID-FRIENDLY: From shaping the treats into reindeer to decorating with candy eyes and pretzel antlers, it’s a hands-on, creative project that little ones will adore.

THEY’RE QUICK AND EASY: Making these treats is a breeze, and you don’t need any special culinary skills. The step-by-step instructions make it a hassle-free recipe that even novice bakers can conquer.

FAQ About Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Why are my Rice Krispie treats hard?

Getting the marshmallow and butter mixture too hot can lead to your Rice Krispie treats getting too hard. Also, it can impact your treats if you don’t use fresh marshmallows or butter.

How do you keep Rice Krispies squares from sticking together?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container or bag in between sheets of wax paper to help keep each square from sticking to the others.

How do I mix the marshmallows and cereal without it sticking to everything?

You can dampen your hands and spatula with water or spray both with cooking spray to help avoid the mixture sticking to you.

Made with simple ingredients, this classic treat is made extra festive with the addition of cute little faces that will be a hit this holiday season. Ooey, gooey, and oh-so-sweet, no one will be able to resist reindeer Rice Krispie treats.

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Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

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As delicious as the classic version, these reindeer rice Krispie treats are so sweet and whimsical, right down to Rudolph’s red nose.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

6 tablespoons margarine, divided into 4 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons (your favorite brand – I used Blue Bonnet)
10 ounces marshmallows (40 marshmallows or 5½ cups mini marshmallows)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, I used Great Value brand
2 ounces white almond bark
16 chocolate covered pretzels
1 red M&M, for Rudolph’s nose
7 brown M&M’s
16 candy eyes
Colorful sprinkles, for “hair”

Instructions

Use your hands to spread 2 tablespoons of the margarine around a 10-inch springform pan. (You can also place a parchment paper circle on top of the buttered bottom of the springform pan. It’s not a necessary step, but it is an option)
Add the remaining margarine to a 5 to 6-quart heavy-bottomed stock pot, and melt the margarine over medium-high heat.
Once the margarine is completely melted, add the marshmallows, and stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted. (If the marshmallows are not completely melted, it can cause the Rice Krispies to lose all of the crunch associated with Rice Krispie treats.) Remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in the Rice Krispies and continue to stir until completely incorporated.
Pour the marshmallow Krispies into the prepared pan. Gently press the marshmallow Krispies down to ensure a level surface. Allow the Krispies to cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
Once the Krispies are cooled, place a large cutting board on top of the pan. Flip the pan over and release and carefully remove the sides and bottom of the springform pan.
Use a large sharp knife to cut/divide the circle of treats in half. Then divide that circle in half. Slice the 4 triangles like you would slice a piece of pie.
Add the 2 ounces of white almond bark to a small heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth.
On the top 2 corners of each triangle, dab a small dot of the melted almond bark. Lay 1 of the chocolate-covered pretzels on each dot.
In the center of the triangle, dab 2 dots of the almond bark. Place the eyes on the dabs,
At the point of the triangle, dab another dot for the nose (either the brown or red m&m).
In between the chocolate-covered pretzels, dab a final dot of almond bark for the colorful sprinkles of your choice. Allow the reindeer to dry completely before serving.

Video

Notes

Be sure to use fresh marshmallows for the best results for these Christmas Rice Krispie treats!
You can also use a 9×13 pan for the reindeer. They will be flatter than the round pan. Slice long ways down the center of the Rice Krispies, then slice 7 triangles in the halved Rice Krispies. If you are using the 9×13 pan, you will need 28 chocolate-covered pretzels, 14 M&M’s, 28 eyes, and sprinkles.
Don’t put too much pressure when pressing down on the cereal mixture; you don’t need to completely smoosh them. If you’re using your fingers or rubber spatula to press the mixture down, run your hands/spatula under water and shake off the excess before starting. This will help prevent the sticky mixture from clinging to you. You can also spray your hands or spatula with a little bit of nonstick spray.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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