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Rice Crispy Treats Holiday Balls

Rice Crispy Treats Holiday Balls - featured image

Rice Crispy Treats Holiday Balls are a festive, chewy, and crunchy dessert perfect for parties, gifting, or family gatherings. These easy-to-make treats combine classic marshmallow rice crispy goodness with colorful candies and sprinkles for a burst of holiday cheer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups crispy rice cereal (Rice Krispies or similar)
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing hands
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup holiday-colored mini chocolate candies (M&Ms or similar)
  • 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for optional drizzle or dipping)

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet or counter with parchment paper. Grease your hands lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 4 cups mini marshmallows and stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  3. Remove saucepan from heat. Pour in crispy rice cereal and gently fold with a silicone spatula until evenly coated.
  4. Let mixture cool for 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle in mini chocolate candies and sprinkles, gently folding to distribute.
  5. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of mixture at a time and roll quickly between greased palms to form balls. Place each ball onto parchment paper.
  6. Optional: Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled balls or dip half of each ball. Add extra sprinkles while chocolate is wet.
  7. Let balls rest at room temperature for 20 minutes, or until firm. Alternatively, chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  8. If mixture hardens before shaping, microwave for 10 seconds and stir. For sticky hands, rinse and re-grease. If balls flatten, add more cereal and re-roll.

Notes

For gluten-free treats, use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and vegan marshmallows. Grease hands and utensils well to prevent sticking. Customize with different mix-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or flavored extracts. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: rice crispy treats, holiday dessert, festive snacks, party treats, marshmallow balls, easy dessert, Christmas treats, kid-friendly, gluten-free option