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Are you looking for an adorable and festive treat for Christmas? These easy Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats are just what you need! Sugary-sweet and hand-decorated, it’s a holiday snack or dessert made with love! They are delicious and so much fun to make.
Why We Love These Reindeer Rice Krispies!
- Great for Gifts: Skip the traditional Christmas cookies this year! Package the finished reindeer cereal bars in an airtight container, wrap them with Christmas cheer, and gift this homemade treat to your friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers.
- Fun for Kids: Kids and the kids at heart will love making this holiday recipe! It’s also a fun activity for Christmas parties. Or, make it a new family tradition– Make them on Christmas Eve and decorate them on Christmas Day!
- Classic Rice Krispie Treat Flavor: If you’re a Rice Krispies fan, this recipe will surely be a winner! You get that classic treat with fun pretzel antlers, candy eyes, an M&M nose, and a red candy scarf.
We always look forward to the edible creations that come with the holidays. And Christmas is probably the most exciting time for making art from classic recipes. There are so many iconic symbols and characters for the most wonderful time of the year! For more fun holiday recipes, try my Grinch Pretzel Bites, Santa’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, or these Chocolate Candy Cane Kiss Cookies – Yum!
Ingredient Notes
How To Make Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and instructions!
Step 1 | Prepare and melt butter
Prep for the recipe by lining a baking tray with parchment paper and setting it aside for later. Then, melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.
Step 2 | Melt marshmallows
Next, separate about two cups of the total marshmallows, setting them aside for later. After, add the remaining mini marshmallows to the pot with the butter, carefully melting them on low heat, stirring until completely melted.
Remove the pot from the heat and add the vanilla and salt.
Step 3 | Add Rice Krispies Cereal, Marshmallows, and Sprinkles to the Mixture
Then, pour the cereal into the pot and gently fold it in.
Add the rest of the reserved marshmallows and the nonpareil sprinkles, mixing until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4 | Form in Pan, Let Set, & Cut
It’s time to add the Rice Krispies mixture to the baking pan! Spread the mixture in an even layer and press it gently into the prepared pan.
Let it rest for about half an hour at room temperature to cool and harden the ingredients. Then, slice it into bars about 3 inches long and 2.5 inches wide.
Step 5 | Melt the chocolate, Dip Bars, and decorate
Let’s get to decorating! When the treat is cooled and hardened, melt the chocolate wafers until smooth.
Next, grab one Rice Krispie treat bar and dip it into the melted chocolate to coat the top, placing it on the baking tray with the chocolate side up.
Before the chocolate cools and dries, add two pretzels to the top corners to make the reindeer’s antlers.
Then, add the candy eyes and an M&M nose.
Continue these decorating steps for the rest of the bars.
Step 6 | Melt Red Candy Melts, Pipe Scarf & Let Set
Now, let’s add the festive red scarf by melting the red candy melts. Place them in a piping bag, twist to seal, and microwave on the defrost setting in 30-second bursts. Knead the bag between each interval and continue until the candy is melted.
Then, let the candy cool for a few minutes. Cut a small piece of the tip of the piping bag and pipe the scarves onto your reindeer. After the red scarves harden (about 15 minutes), the yummy treats are ready to guide Santa’s sleigh!
Dig in and enjoy your adorable reindeer Rice Krispie treats!
Happy Holidays!
Tips
- Perfect Bars – After the cereal and marshmallow mixture cools, use a large sharp knife to slice along a ruler to get straight lines when cutting the bars.
- Melt the Chocolate– Melt the wafers using a double boiler on low heat, a candy melting pot, or follow the microwave instructions on the packaging using a microwave-safe bowl.
- Let the Melted Red Candy Cool– Don’t rush the process! It’s essential to let the red candy cool before piping the scarves to your decorated treats. If it’s too hot, it will flow too quickly and make a mess.
Variations and Substitutions
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Recipe FAQs
Sure! To save a few calories, replace the mini marshmallows with nut butter whipped with coconut oil. The texture and effect will be similar, but the taste will differ. It’s still delicious, though!
The culprit may be old marshmallows. They are far more challenging to melt than fresh ones. So, if you used a bag of marshmallows that have been sitting in the pantry for a while, you may want to purchase a new one for this recipe.
Sure! That means all that’s left is decorating the Christmas treats! However, they won’t have the fun Christmas sprinkles like the homemade version.
Storage
Keep on the Counter: Once cooled and hardened, you can store homemade Rice Krispie treats on the countertop, away from direct sunlight and at room temperature, in an airtight container for up to four days.
Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate the leftovers. You’ll want to set them out on the counter about half an hour before serving to come to room temperature.
Freeze for Long-term Storage: You can also freeze Rice Krispie treats by wrapping them in parchment paper or wax paper and storing them in a freezer-safe baggie. They will last for about three months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight to enjoy the next day.
What to Serve with Rudolf Rice Krispies Reindeers
Enjoy this perfect holiday treat with a festive beverage like a steaming hot mug of homemade Peppermint Hot Cocoa from a simple mix or this Biscoff Cookie Butter Latte. If you’re craving something chilled, instead, you must try my green Grinch Punch or this delicious homemade Eggnog Recipe.
More Tasty Cereal Bars
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Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats
Equipment
- Baking Sheet for allowing reindeer to set
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter, (½ cup), unsalted
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt, (or you can use salted butter and omit)
- 8 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ¼ cup nonpareils
- 10 ounce Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers
- 30 mini pretzel twists, for the antlers
- 30 candy eyes
- 15 red and brown M&M's , for the nose
- ½ cup red candy melts, for the scarf
Instructions
Make Rice Krispie Bars
- Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, being careful not to overheat it.
- Reserve 2 cups of mini marshmallows to add in later. Afterward, combine the remaining marshmallows in the pot and gently melt them with the butter on low heat. Continue to stir until fully melted.
- After melting, remove the pot from the heat. Add in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour in the rice krispies cereal and gently fold. Add in two cups of marshmallows (that were set aside) along with the nonpareil sprinkles. Continue folding until they are evenly distributed and coated throughout.
- Spread the rice krispies mixture evenly in the baking pan and gently press it in the baking pan.
- Let it rest on the countertop for 30-45 minutes until it cools completely and becomes firm. Then cut into bars, about 3 inches long and 2 ½” inches wide. You can use a ruler to help cut them into straight lines.
Decorate Reindeer
- Melt the Ghirardelli milk chocolate wafers until they become melted and smooth by using either a double boiler on low heat, a candy melting pot, or package microwave instructions.
- Take a single rice krispie treat bar and dip it into the melts, just enough to coat the top. Place it on the prepared lined baking tray with the chocolate-covered side facing upward.
- While the chocolate is still wet, place two pretzels at the top corners to create antlers, attach two candy eyes, and affix an M&M for the nose. Repeat these steps for the remaining bars.
- Place ⅓ cup of red candy melts inside a piping bag, twist it shut, and microwave it on a low or defrost setting in 30-second intervals until melted. Remember to knead the bag at each interval to ensure uniform heating.
- Let the melted mixture cool for a few minutes before cutting a small portion of the piping bag's tip and then proceed to pipe the scarves. If the mixture is too hot, it will flow out too quickly.
- Allow the rice krispie treat reindeer to sit for 15 minutes to set. Enjoy
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
They were not only delicious, but also adorable with the reindeer decorations. The combination of crispy Rice Krispies and sweet marshmallow was a holiday delight!
Thank you, Gianne!
This is cuteness overload. Making tonight for an early Christmas party with friends, and their kiddos!!
Aren’t they just the cutest! I hope all went well with your party and that they were a hit!
I made these super cute treats with my kids this weekend and they absolutely loved them!! My kids had a blast decorating their “reindeers” and then had an equal amount of fun eating them 🙂 Thanks for this festive recipe!
I am so glad you enjoyed a fun holiday treat and time together. Thank you for making them!
These are so much fun, and simple enough to make with the kiddos, too. Great idea!! (Also, can I just tell you how much I love your reindeer serving board! It’s adorable!)
Thank you, Renee! I love that you had fun with the kiddos! That’s the most important part of the season. Thank you, I got mine at Homegoods, but I have seen them on Amazon too this season. I attached the link (affiliate) in the Recipe Card if you want to grab one.
These were such fun and festive treats that do not disappoint! Quick, easy and delicious; my kids and I loved them!
Thank you, Sara! I’m so glad you and your kids enjoyed them!