Holiday Rice Krispie M&Ms Bars

These Holiday Rice Krispie Treats bring festive cheer to any celebration with their gooey marshmallow base studded with bright holiday candies and a drizzle of white chocolate. They come together quickly and always disappear fast from the dessert table.

My family requests these every December for our cookie trays and we always save a few extra for Santa. The white chocolate drizzle was a game changer once I tried it and now I can never skip that step.

Ingredients

• Salted butter: brings rich flavor and helps bind the treats Use a good quality dairy butter for best results
• Mini marshmallows: make these treats extra gooey and help hold them together Fresh marshmallows melt much more smoothly
• Pure vanilla extract: adds a warm depth to the sweetness Look for real vanilla for true flavor
• Rice krispies cereal: gives the signature crunch Check the box for freshness so treats stay crisp not stale
• Holiday M and Ms: create bursts of chocolate and color Use the festive themed variety for the prettiest results
• Holiday sprinkles: bring a pop of color and extra crunch Choose a mix that will not bleed in the melted marshmallows
• Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers: make for a creamy drizzle that sets up perfectly Snap a piece in the package to hear a clean break which indicates freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Line the Pan:

Line a 9 inch square baking dish with parchment paper fitting it neatly into the corners to prevent sticking and make removal easy

Melt the Butter and Marshmallows:

In a large heavy saucepan melt the salted butter over medium heat swirling the pan to coat the bottom Once melted add all but one cup of the mini marshmallows Stir constantly over low heat until every marshmallow is fully melted and the mixture looks smooth and glossy

Add Vanilla and Cereal:

Take the pan off the heat immediately and stir in the pure vanilla extract Add all of the rice krispies cereal plus the reserved one cup of mini marshmallows Stir gently but thoroughly with a sturdy spatula to coat every bit of cereal without crushing it

Fold in M and Ms and Sprinkles:

While the mixture is still warm gently fold in one cup of the holiday M and Ms and all of the sprinkles Mix just until they look evenly distributed without overmixing to help candies stay whole and festive

Spread and Top:

Scrape the sticky mixture into the prepared pan Using lightly greased fingers or a piece of parchment gently press down so it fills the pan evenly without packing too tightly Drizzle the melted white chocolate in a zigzag pattern over the top Scatter the rest of the M and Ms and a few extra sprinkles if you wish

Cool and Cut:

Allow the treats to set at room temperature for at least one hour until the white chocolate is firm and the bars cool completely Lift out by the parchment and cut into even squares with a sharp knife wiping the blade between each cut for clean edges

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The sprinkles are my favorite touch especially because my son loves picking out his favorite shapes before anyone else gets one I used rainbow nonpareils once in a pinch and it felt like confetti at the table

Storage Tips

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature stacking with parchment between layers to keep the drizzle intact They stay soft for up to three days If you want them to last a bit longer refrigerate them but bring back to room temperature for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the white chocolate drizzle for dark or milk chocolate or leave it off entirely for a classic version Dried cranberries or chopped peppermint candies also make a fun holiday twist If you do not have mini marshmallows cut up regular size ones with kitchen scissors

Serving Suggestions

Pile these up on a big platter with other holiday cookies for a colorful dessert spread Individually wrap squares in clear bags with ribbon for an easy edible gift They are always a hit at class parties and cookie exchanges

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A Little Festive History

Rice Krispie Treats were invented as a fundraiser by Kellogg company employees in the 1930s and have been a family classic ever since Adding festive candies and a chocolate drizzle is a modern twist that keeps this vintage treat feeling fresh with every holiday season

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular M&Ms instead of holiday-themed ones?

Yes, any variety of chocolate candies will work for added color and flavor. Holiday-themed versions enhance festive appeal.

→ How do I prevent the bars from sticking to my hands or the pan?

Line your dish with parchment paper and lightly coat your fingers with butter or spray when pressing the mixture.

→ Is it possible to substitute other cereals?

Other puffed rice cereals work well, but classic Rice Krispies offer the best texture for these bars.

→ Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Yes, prepare a day in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy.

→ What's the best way to melt white chocolate for drizzling?

Melt wafers gently in the microwave at half power, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth for easy drizzling.