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dessert

Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats

By Grandma Millie

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A plate of Reindeer rice krispies treats decorated with pretzel antlers and candy eyes.

Reindeer rice krispies treats bring instant holiday cheer, with gooey marshmallow clusters and crunchy cereal texture in every bite. Soft butter and melted marshmallows wrap the cereal into cozy, sticky squares, then pretzel twists become playful antlers with chocolate button eyes to complete the look. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds a snowy sparkle, and a touch of vanilla gives that warm, cocoa by the fire feeling. Quick to make and impossible to resist, reindeer rice krispies treats turn your kitchen into a festive little workshop full of smiles.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 45 mins
Serves: 12 servings
Calories: 150
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Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats

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Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
resting
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
IngredientsEquipmentMethodNotes

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (The base for your treats)
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows (For that gooey sweetness)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (For rich flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (To enhance the taste)
  • as needed pretzel sticks (For the antlers)
  • as needed red candy-coated chocolates (For the cute noses)
  • as needed mini chocolate chips (For the adorable eyes)

Equipment

  • 1 Large saucepan — For melting butter and marshmallows
  • 1 9×13-inch pan — For setting the treats
  • 1 Butter spatula — For pressing the mixture into the pan

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Melt Butter – In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it's completely liquid.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Add Marshmallows – Add the marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Stir in Vanilla – Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a delightful flavor.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Fold in Rice Krispies – Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Press into Pan – Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan using a buttered spatula for an even layer.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Let Cool and Cut – Let the treats cool slightly, then cut them into rectangles for easy serving.

  7. 7

    Step 7: Add Antlers – Insert two pretzel sticks at the top of each treat to create adorable antlers.

  8. 8

    Step 8: Decorate the Face – Press a red candy-coated chocolate into the center for the nose and two mini chocolate chips for the eyes.

  9. 9

    Step 9: Allow to Set – Allow the treats to set completely before serving. Enjoy your festive creation!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories150
Fat5g
Protein1g
Carbs25g
Sugar10g

Why You’ll Love This Reindeer rice krispies treats

  • They’re a fun and festive twist on a classic treat.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.
  • Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
  • Kids will love helping to decorate them!
  • They make delightful homemade gifts for friends and family.

Ingredients

Gather these delightful ingredients to make your festive Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats!

Ingredients for Reindeer rice krispies treats displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – the base for your treats
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows – for that gooey sweetness
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – for rich flavor
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – to enhance the taste
  • pretzel sticks – for the antlers
  • red candy-coated chocolates – for the cute noses
  • mini chocolate chips – for the adorable eyes

How to Make Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats

Get ready for a fun and festive treat! This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 5 minutes to cook, and a little time to set. Perfect for holiday gatherings!

Step-by-step process of making Reindeer rice krispies treats, including melting butter, adding marshmallows, folding in Rice Krispies, and decorating with pretzel antlers and candy eyes.

Step 1: Melt Butter

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it’s completely liquid.

Step 2: Add Marshmallows

Add the marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.

Step 3: Stir in Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a delightful flavor.

Step 4: Fold in Rice Krispies

Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Step 5: Press into Pan

Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan using a buttered spatula for an even layer.

Step 6: Let Cool and Cut

Let the treats cool slightly, then cut them into rectangles for easy serving.

Step 7: Add Antlers

Insert two pretzel sticks at the top of each treat to create adorable antlers.

Step 8: Decorate the Face

Press a red candy-coated chocolate into the center for the nose and two mini chocolate chips for the eyes.

Step 9: Allow to Set

Allow the treats to set completely before serving. Enjoy your festive creation!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Extra Time30 minutes (resting)
Total Time45 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves12
Best ServedAt room temperature or chilled

Pro Tips for Making Reindeer rice krispies treats

  • Use fresh marshmallows for a gooey texture.
  • Lightly grease your hands when shaping for less stickiness.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.
  • Use colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
  • Let them cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.

How to Serve this Reindeer rice krispies treats

  • Serve on a festive platter for a cheerful presentation.
  • Pair with hot cocoa or warm apple cider for a cozy treat.
  • Use as a fun centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
  • Wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for cute party favors.
  • Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare and store your Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats with ease:

Storing Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats Leftovers

  • Allow treats to cool completely before storing.
  • Place in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats

  • Wrap treats tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Place wrapped treats in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats

  • Let frozen treats thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • For a warm treat, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
  • Check texture; avoid overheating to maintain chewiness.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

These Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to spread holiday cheer! With their playful design and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for making memories with family and friends. So gather your loved ones, whip up this easy recipe, and enjoy the sweet rewards of the season together!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What ingredients do I need to make Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats?
To make Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats, you will need the following ingredients: 3 tablespoons of butter, 1 package (10 oz) of marshmallows (or 4 cups of mini marshmallows), 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, chocolate frosting or melted chocolate for decorating, pretzels for antlers, and candy eyes or M&Ms for the eyes. These simple ingredients come together to create a festive treat that everyone will love!
How do I shape Rice Krispies Treats into reindeer?
To shape your Rice Krispies Treats into reindeer, start by preparing the treats as you normally would by melting the butter and marshmallows together, then mixing in the Rice Krispies. Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, take a portion and form it into a rounded rectangle for the reindeer’s body. Then, create a smaller piece for the head and attach it to the body. You can use your hands to mold the shapes and make them look more like a reindeer!
What are some decorating tips for Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats?
For decorating your Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats, use chocolate frosting or melted chocolate to create a mouth and nose. Attach pretzels to the top of the head for antlers, and use candy eyes or M&Ms to give your reindeer some personality. You can also add a red candy or chocolate for the nose to make it look like Rudolph! Get creative and have fun with the decorations!
How should I store Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats to keep them fresh?
To keep your Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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