Festive Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and easy-to-make holiday treat, this Festive Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe is exactly what you need. These colorful, sweet bars bring together the nostalgia of classic rice krispie treats with a merry Christmas twist — thanks to the crunchy Christmas M&Ms and cheerful holiday sprinkles. Honestly, every year, when I whip up a batch, friends and family can’t stop munching on them at parties and cookie exchanges.

What makes this recipe special is how perfectly it balances chewy marshmallow goodness with crispy cereal crunch and bursts of chocolatey M&M sweetness. It’s one of those no-fuss recipes that works beautifully when you want quick Christmas desserts without any complicated baking. So if you want to impress and spread holiday cheer effortlessly, you’ll love making (and eating) these Festive Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple staples, but together they create a wonderfully textured and flavorful holiday treat. Just a quick tip before you shop or dig out your pantry: opt for mini marshmallows for that melt-and-bind magic, and grab those festive Christmas M&Ms to really pop with color and flavor.

• Unsalted butter: Helps bind everything and adds a lovely, rich flavor without extra salt.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness perfectly.
• Mini marshmallows: These melt easily and create that classic krispie treat texture you want.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to bring all flavors together.
• Rice krispies cereal: For the traditional crispy base everyone loves.
• Rice chex cereal: I like how it adds an extra layer of crunch and texture diversity.
• Christmas M&Ms: The star of the show; their festive colors and chocolate make every bite extra fun.
• Holiday sprinkles: Just the right touch of sparkle to make these treats feel special for the season.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe during the holidays to suit different tastes and occasions. Feel free to customize it — that’s the beauty of these Festive Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe, you can make it yours!

• Peanut butter twist: I’ve swirled in some peanut butter before melting the marshmallows and butter—it adds a rich, nutty layer that pairs gorgeously with the M&Ms.
• Gluten-free version: Simply swap the cereals for gluten-free crispy rice cereal varieties, and you’re good to go.
• White chocolate drizzle: Once set, I drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an extra festive look and flavor boost.
• Veggie Marshmallows: For a vegetarian option, just make sure your marshmallows are gelatine-free or vegan.

How to Make Festive Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Start by melting ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large pot over low heat. Once melted, add 5 cups of mini marshmallows and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently but continuously until everything is smooth and gooey. I find keeping the heat low helps prevent marshmallows from scorching, plus it’s easier to stir without the mixture sticking or burning.

Step 2: Add Vanilla, Cereals, M&Ms, and Sprinkles

Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract right away. Then quickly fold in 6 cups of rice krispies cereal, 3 cups of rice Chex cereal, and 1 cup of festive Christmas M&Ms. I like to reserve a handful of M&Ms and sprinkles to press into the top after transferring to the pan—that way it looks even more festive! Finally, toss in 2 teaspoons of holiday sprinkles throughout for extra sparkle and fun.

Step 3: Press Into the Pan and Let Set

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour your mixture into the pan and use a spatula or wax paper to press it down evenly and firmly. Don’t press too hard or your treats will become too dense; you want them nicely packed but still light and chewy. Let the pan sit at room temperature for at least one hour to set completely before slicing.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe

Garnishes

I always top these treats with a few extra Christmas M&Ms and a sprinkle of those colorful holiday sprinkles after pressing into the pan. It makes them look joyous and perfect for sharing. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for an extra fancy touch that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

These krispies treats stand out beautifully on any holiday dessert table, but I like pairing them with hot cocoa or eggnog for an indulgent seasonal moment. They also go well alongside gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark if you want to mix up your festive snacks.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite tricks is to cut the treats into festive shapes using cookie cutters—like stars or Christmas trees—before they set fully. You could also layer them in a clear jar or wrap individual squares in colorful cellophane tied with ribbon as thoughtful, homemade Christmas gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Festive Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, which is perfect for having a sweet pick-me-up throughout the holiday week.

Freezing

Freezing these treats works surprisingly well! I wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes — they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.

Reheating

If you want to revive the soft, gooey texture after refrigeration or freezing, pop a treat in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat; a quick warm-up brings back that melty marshmallow goodness beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making these Festive Christmas Krispies Treats with M&Ms Recipe always feels like a little holiday tradition to me. There’s something so joyful about pulling these vibrant, chewy squares out of the pan and watching the smiles they bring to everyone’s faces. If you want a no-stress, crowd-pleasing treat that still feels special and festive, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this one in your holiday arsenal for years to come!

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