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
How to Make This Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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These adorable reindeer Rice Krispie treats will bring plenty of magic to your holidays. The classic, ooey-gooey marshmallow squares are turned into Rudolph and his friends and are sure to delight all the little ones.

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats raw ingredients that are labeled

PRO TIP:

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

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 cute reindeer with plenty of personality.

To take your gooey marshmallow treats a step further, you’ll need:

6 tablespoons of margarine, divided into 4 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons (your favorite brand – I used Blue Bonnet)
1 (10-ounce) package of full-size marshmallows (40 marshmallows or 5½ cups mini marshmallows)
6 cups of Rice Krispie cereal (I used the Great Value brand)
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”

Substitutions And Additions

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.

How to Make This Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

To make these fun treats, first, you’ll need to make a batch of gooey Rice Krispie treats, combining butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies in a round pan.

Once made, the treats will be sliced into triangles before adding pretzel antlers, candy eyes, M&M noses (don’t forget one red nose for Rudolph!), and sprinkles for the reindeer “hair”.

Invite your little people into the kitchen and follow these steps to sweet reindeer treats.

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 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.

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.

Allow the Krispies to cool for 15 to 20 minutes.

PRO TIP:

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.

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.

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.

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.

using almond bark attach pretzel to make antlers 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 eyes out of 2 dabs 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.

make nose out of a dab 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.

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

How To Serve

These cute little reindeer treats will delight everyone, young and old.

Whip them up for a holiday cookie swap along with our colorful Christmas pinwheels and classic Christmas sugar cookies for a trifecta of sweet treats.

What better way to enjoy a yuletide treat than by pairing the reindeer Rice Krispie treats with some mint hot chocolate or a mug of hot apple cider?

Either is perfect to get into the festive spirit.

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

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Storage

Whether you’ve made a batch for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy throughout the week, these storage tips will ensure they stay fresh and tasty.

MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead or simply want to save time, you can prepare these Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats in advance.

After forming and decorating them, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two to three days.

This is great for when you want to have them ready for guests or surprise the family with a sweet treat.

ON THE COUNTER: You can store the homemade Rice Krispie treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days.

IN THE FRIDGE: You can store the reindeer Rice Krispies treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one week.

IN THE FREEZER: You can also freeze this fun treat.

Wrap each reindeer individually in wax paper, then in two layers of plastic wrap for up to three months.

Allow the reindeer to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

close up shot of Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Why We Love This Recipe

FESTIVE FUN: These treats are a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit. Shaped like adorable reindeer, they’re perfect for Christmas gatherings, school parties, or just spreading some seasonal cheer.

KID-FRIENDLY: This recipe is a fantastic activity to do with kids. 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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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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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Rhadonda Sedgwick Creative Director
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Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions

How to Make This Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

How To Serve

Peeps Rice Krispie Squares

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Storage

Why We Love This Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

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