Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
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These Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and easy way to dress up a classic dessert for Christmas! Made with peppermint marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and a little peppermint extract, each treat is dipped in melted chocolate, sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy, and finished with a white chocolate drizzle.
They’re a festive no-bake Christmas treat that’s perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, dessert trays, or packaging up as homemade gifts.
Table of contents
- Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
- Tips for the Best Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
- Can You Make Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats Ahead of Time?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Christmas Treats to Make
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
- No oven needed. The marshmallows and chocolate melt right in the microwave, making these easy to prepare without turning on the oven.
- Full of peppermint flavor. Peppermint marshmallows, peppermint extract, and crushed peppermint candy give these treats their festive flavor.
- Soft and chewy. Folding in extra marshmallows at the end adds little pockets of marshmallow throughout the crispy treats.
- Perfect for Christmas gifting. The chocolate-dipped corners and white chocolate drizzle make these treats look extra special without much extra work.
- Makes 24 treats. One batch is enough to share at a Christmas party or add to several holiday treat boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make these chocolate-dipped peppermint Rice Krispie treats.
For the Rice Krispie Treats
Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows into a smooth mixture.
Peppermint Mini Marshmallows: These seasonal marshmallows add peppermint flavor directly to the treats. You’ll use half in the melted mixture and fold in the remaining half at the end.
Regular Mini Marshmallows: Combine with the peppermint marshmallows to create the soft, gooey base that holds the cereal together.
Peppermint Extract: Adds an extra burst of peppermint flavor. Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more only if you’d like a stronger peppermint taste.
Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic crispy rice cereal gives these treats their familiar light and crunchy texture.
For the Chocolate Topping
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate creates a rich coating that balances the sweet peppermint flavor.
Shortening or Coconut Oil: Just a small amount helps the chocolate melt into a smooth consistency that’s easy to dip.
Almond Bark or White Candy Melts: A little white chocolate drizzle adds a pretty finishing touch.
Crushed Peppermint Candy: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the melted chocolate for extra crunch and festive color.
How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
These Christmas Rice Krispie treats come together in a few simple steps. Most of the time is spent letting the treats cool and the chocolate set.
Step 1: Melt the Marshmallows
Place the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 45 seconds, or until melted.
Add half of the peppermint marshmallows and all of the regular mini marshmallows. Stir to coat them with butter.
Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and continue heating in 30-second increments until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
Stir in ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Taste and add more, up to ½ teaspoon, if desired.
Step 2: Add the Rice Krispies
Stir the Rice Krispies cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture until all of the cereal is coated.
While the mixture is still warm, gently fold in the remaining peppermint marshmallows.
These extra marshmallows add little pockets of chewy marshmallow throughout the finished treats.
Step 3: Press Into the Pan
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter.
Transfer the cereal mixture to the pan and gently press it into an even layer using buttered hands or waxed paper.
Avoid pressing too firmly. Packing the cereal mixture too tightly can make the finished treats harder and denser.
Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them into 24 pieces.
Step 4: Dip in Chocolate
Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 20-second increments until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Dip one corner of each Rice Krispie treat into the melted chocolate.
Place the treats on waxed paper and immediately sprinkle the chocolate-dipped corners with crushed peppermint candy.
Step 5: Add the White Chocolate Drizzle
Once the chocolate coating has set, melt the almond bark or white candy melts according to the package directions.
Drizzle over the Rice Krispie treats for a festive finish.
Let the drizzle set completely before serving, stacking, or packaging the treats.
Tips for the Best Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
Don’t overheat the marshmallows. Microwave just until they’re melted and smooth. Overheating can affect the texture of the finished treats.
Use a gentle touch when pressing the mixture into the pan. Lightly pressing the mixture helps keep the treats soft rather than dense.
Start with less peppermint extract. Since the peppermint marshmallows already have flavor, start with ¼ teaspoon of extract. You can always add a little more.
Work quickly when adding the crushed peppermint. Sprinkle it onto the chocolate immediately after dipping so it sticks before the chocolate sets.
Let the chocolate set before packaging. This keeps the chocolate coating and white drizzle from smearing when you stack or wrap the treats.
Can You Make Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats Ahead of Time?
Yes! These peppermint Rice Krispie treats are a convenient Christmas dessert to prepare ahead of a holiday party or gathering.
For the best texture, prepare them close to when you plan to serve them. Let the chocolate and drizzle set completely, then store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you’re making them for Christmas gift boxes, place parchment or waxed paper between layers to protect the chocolate decorations.
How to Store Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats
Store the finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days for the best texture.
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat so the chocolate coating doesn’t soften.
You can separate layers with waxed paper or parchment paper to prevent the chocolate-covered corners from sticking together.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make peppermint-flavored Rice Krispie treats with regular marshmallows and peppermint extract, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different from this recipe. The peppermint marshmallows are part of what makes this version special.
Rice Krispie treats can become hard if the marshmallow mixture gets overheated or the cereal mixture is pressed too firmly into the pan. Melt the marshmallows gently and use a light touch when spreading the mixture.
Yes. White chocolate or white candy melts would make a pretty variation. Semi-sweet chocolate adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallows and peppermint candy.
Absolutely! Crushed candy canes work beautifully and give the chocolate-dipped corners a classic red-and-white Christmas look.
Yes! Everything is prepared in the microwave, so there’s no need to turn on the oven. You’ll just need to allow time for the treats to cool and the chocolate to set.
Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 10 oz Jett-Puffed Peppermint Mini Marshmallows, divided
- 6 oz mini marshmallows
- ½ tsp peppermint extract, (start with less and adjust to taste)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
For the Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ tsp Crisco shortening, or coconut oil
- ½ cup almond bark, or white candy melts
- ½ cup peppermint candy, crushed
Directions
- Place the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high power for 45 seconds, or until melted. Add half of the peppermint marshmallows and all of the regular mini marshmallows. Stir to coat the marshmallows with butter.
- Microwave the marshmallow mixture on high power for 1 minute. Stir well, then continue heating in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract, starting with ¼ teaspoon and adding more to taste, up to ½ teaspoon.
- Stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated. While the mixture is still warm, gently fold in the remaining peppermint marshmallows until evenly distributed.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (butter adds extra flavor). Transfer the mixture to the pan and gently press it into an even layer using buttered hands or waxed paper. Do not pack the mixture down firmly. Allow to cool completely, then cut into 24 equal pieces.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue heating in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Dip one corner of each Rice Krispie Treat into the melted chocolate. Place on a sheet of waxed paper and immediately sprinkle the dipped portion with crushed peppermint candy. Let the chocolate set for about 15 minutes.
- Melt the almond bark or candy melts according to package directions. Drizzle over the treats and allow to set completely before serving.
Equipment
Nutrition Facts
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More Easy Christmas Treats to Make
If you love making homemade Christmas goodies, here are a few more festive recipes to try!
- Christmas Tree Oreos: Chocolate-covered Oreo cookies decorated to look like Christmas trees.
- Snowman Nutter Butter Cookies: Cute holiday cookies made with Nutter Butter cookies and festive decorations.
- Easy No-Cook Divinity: A classic Christmas candy with a shortcut preparation method.
- Microwave Peanut Brittle: A crunchy homemade candy made right in the microwave.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls: Chocolate-covered peanut butter candies that are perfect for holiday gifting.
The Perfect Addition to Your Christmas Dessert Tray
These Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats are a fun way to add something a little different to your Christmas baking lineup. The combination of crispy cereal, soft marshmallows, chocolate, and peppermint makes them a festive treat for anyone who loves chocolate and mint.
Make a batch for your next Christmas party, tuck a few into holiday treat boxes, or enjoy them with a mug of hot chocolate!
