Ah, the holidays. That magical time of year when everything smells like cinnamon, sounds like carols, and tastes like chocolate. If you’re looking for an easy, adorable, and absolutely delicious dessert that screams “Christmas,” then these Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are calling your name. They’re bite-sized, covered in melty chocolate, and topped with red and green sprinkles that practically shout “Ho Ho Ho!” from the dessert table.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to pull them off. Just a few simple ingredients, a little time, and a big appetite for holiday sweetness.
Let’s dive into the sugary snowstorm of goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Recipe
Let’s be real. The holidays can be chaotic—gift shopping, decorating, last-minute dinners. So, when a dessert comes along that’s quick, no-bake, and still has that wow-factor? That’s a win.
Here’s why you’ll love these chocolate rice krispie balls:
- Super easy: You don’t need an oven or any fancy tools.
- Fast: Done in under 30 minutes.
- Festive: Red and green sprinkles bring that holiday vibe instantly.
- Fun to make: Especially with kids—rolling the balls and dipping in chocolate is the kind of “messy fun” they live for.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re taking them to a party or gifting them in treat bags, people will swoon over these cuties.
Plus, they look just like the picture you saw—chunky, chocolatey, and packed with ooey-gooey goodness in every bite. So let’s make it happen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’re only a few pantry staples away from crispy, chewy, chocolate-covered holiday heaven. Here’s what you need:
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The crunchy base.
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows – For that sticky-sweet binder.
- 3 tablespoons butter – Rich flavor and helps melt the marshmallows.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – For dipping.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of warmth and depth.
- Red and green sprinkles – For decoration and festive cheer.
You can easily find all of this at your local grocery store, probably even in one aisle. And if you’re missing a few ingredients? No worries—we’ve got suggestions for substitutions and add-ons below.
Optional Add-ins for a Personal Twist
Want to jazz up your Christmas chocolate balls and make them your own? Here are a few delicious ways to do that:
- Chopped nuts – Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a crunchy contrast.
- Mini chocolate chips or M&Ms – Stir them in for extra sweetness and color.
- Dried cranberries – For a tart, chewy burst.
- Toasted coconut flakes – For a tropical twist that still fits the holiday vibe.
- White chocolate drizzle – A snowy finish on top.
These add-ins can be stirred right into the Rice Krispie mix before rolling into balls. Just be careful not to overload—too much, and they won’t hold together as nicely.
Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
Before you start, gather these basic tools:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Baking sheet or tray
- Measuring cups and spoons
That’s it. No mixers, no baking pans, no oven mitts required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make your Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls? Let’s walk through the process together.
- Melt the butter
Start by melting your butter in a large saucepan over low heat. This keeps it from burning and gives you better control. - Add marshmallows
Dump in your bag of mini marshmallows and stir continuously. Watch them melt into a gooey cloud of sweetness. This takes about 3–5 minutes. - Stir in vanilla
Once smooth, remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. It adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Mix in cereal
Immediately add your Rice Krispies cereal and stir gently but quickly. Make sure everything gets coated evenly in the marshmallow mixture. - Let cool slightly
Give it 5 minutes to cool—just enough so you can handle it without burning your fingers. - Shape into balls
Scoop up small handfuls and roll them into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Wetting your hands slightly can help prevent sticking.
- Melt the chocolate
Toss your chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy. - Dip and decorate
Dip each Rice Krispie ball halfway into the chocolate, let the excess drip off, and place on wax paper. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with red and green candy bits. - Let them set
Leave them at room temp or stick them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
That’s it! Easy peasy.
Chocolate Coating: The Finishing Touch
Now let’s talk about that luscious chocolate coating. It’s what turns these simple cereal balls into a next-level holiday treat. The glossy chocolate not only adds richness and decadence but also acts like a glue for the sprinkles—locking in that Christmas charm.
Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use good quality chocolate chips – Semi-sweet chocolate is perfect because it balances out the sweetness of the marshmallow. If you want a sweeter option, go for milk chocolate; if you’re a dark chocolate fan, you know what to do.
- Microwave slowly – Heat in 20-second intervals and stir each time. If you zap it too long, you’ll burn it and there’s no going back from that.
- Add a splash of oil (optional) – Want a shinier, thinner chocolate for dipping? Add 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil while melting. It makes the chocolate smoother and glossier.
- Dip halfway for a stunning look – Dipping only half the ball (like in the image you uploaded) makes them look polished and professional. It’s also less messy for fingers when serving.
- Place on wax or parchment paper – After dipping, set the balls on a non-stick surface to cool. That way they don’t stick and lose their perfect shape.
Once they’re dipped, it’s sprinkle time! Let’s make those babies festive.
Decorating for the Holidays
This is the fun part, especially if you’ve got little helpers in the kitchen. Decorating these Christmas rice krispie balls takes them from “tasty treat” to “holiday showstopper.”
Here’s how to get that festive look just like the photo:
- Use red and green nonpareils or sprinkles – The classic Christmas combo that pops against the chocolate background.
- Sprinkle immediately after dipping – Don’t wait, because once the chocolate starts to set, nothing will stick.
- Add extras if you want to be fancy:
- Crushed candy canes for a minty twist
- Edible glitter for sparkle
- Mini M&Ms in holiday colors
And don’t forget: the goal is to make them look fun, not perfect. Let each ball be a little different—that’s part of the homemade charm.
Chilling and Setting Tips
Once you’ve dipped and decorated, your rice krispie balls need a bit of time to firm up. Here’s how to set them right:
- At room temp: Place them on a tray lined with wax paper and let them sit for 30–45 minutes. This works fine if your kitchen isn’t too warm.
- In the fridge: If you’re short on time, pop them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. The chocolate will harden faster.
- Avoid the freezer: While tempting, freezing can make the chocolate develop condensation when brought back to room temp, which ruins the look.
Want to prevent stickiness? Dust your hands with a bit of powdered sugar before rolling or use non-stick spray on your palms. That little trick keeps everything smooth and easy.
Storing Your Rice Krispie Balls
Let’s talk shelf life and storage.
These festive treats are actually pretty durable, which makes them perfect for making ahead or gifting.
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the fridge: They’ll last 5–7 days in a sealed container.
- Freezer-friendly? Sort of. You can freeze them, but it’s best to freeze the undipped version. Chocolate tends to sweat after thawing.
Pro tip: Layer them between sheets of wax paper in a Tupperware so they don’t stick together.
How to Make These Ahead for Holiday Parties
If you’ve got a long to-do list, here’s how to prep these chocolate rice krispie balls ahead of time without losing freshness:
- Make and roll the balls up to 2 days in advance.
- Store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to dip and decorate.
- Dip and sprinkle the day of your event for the freshest appearance.
This also works great if you want to create a “decorate your own” station for kids. Give them plain balls, melted chocolate, and a few bowls of festive toppings—and let them go wild.
Fun Ways to Serve Your Rice Krispie Balls
Presentation matters—especially during the holidays. These are some of the cutest ways to serve or display your treats:
- On a dessert tray with Christmas cookies and peppermint bark
- In mini cupcake liners for easy serving
- Wrapped in cellophane with ribbon for party favors
- Stacked like a mini tree on a festive platter
You could even stick them on skewers and make “Krispie Pops”—like cake pops, but way easier.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Them With
Rice Krispie Balls are delicious on their own, but pair them with the right drink or dessert and you’ve got a full-on Christmas experience.
- Hot cocoa with whipped cream and marshmallows
- Eggnog or holiday punch
- Mulled wine for the grownups
- Christmas cookies for a full dessert buffet
If you’re hosting a party, try creating a DIY hot chocolate bar with these Krispie Balls as the star treat.
Print
Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: No-Bake Christmas Treat / Holiday Dessert
Description
🎄✨ These festive chocolate-dipped Rice Krispie balls are crunchy, chewy, sweet, and perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or cozy December snacking. A fun treat kids and adults will love! 🎁🍫
Ingredients
4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir gently as it melts. (⏱️ 2 minutes)
Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. (⏱️ 3–4 minutes)
Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract. (⏱️ 10 seconds)
Add the Rice Krispies cereal and fold until evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. (⏱️ 1 minute)
Let the mixture cool slightly, then scoop small portions and roll into balls using your hands. (⏱️ 5 minutes) 😊
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. (⏱️ 1–2 minutes)
Dip each Rice Krispie ball halfway into the melted chocolate, then place on wax paper. (⏱️ 3 minutes)
Sprinkle red and green sprinkles over the wet chocolate for a festive touch. 🎄✨ (⏱️ 30 seconds)
Allow the balls to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. (⏱️ 10–15 minutes)
Notes
Fun, kid-friendly, and perfect for festive parties
Quick 25-minute treat with simple pantry ingredients
Great for gifting, cookie trays, or Christmas dessert tables
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20 balls
- Calories: 150 kcal per ball
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Variations for Every Holiday
These treats are so versatile you can make them all year round. Just change the colors and maybe a couple of ingredients:
- Valentine’s Day – Dip in white chocolate and top with pink/red heart sprinkles.
- Easter – Use pastel colors and mix in mini eggs.
- Halloween – Orange and black sprinkles with candy eyeballs!
- Birthday party – Rainbow sprinkles and funfetti cereal mix-ins.
The possibilities are endless once you have the base recipe down.
Final Thoughts: Spreading Holiday Joy One Bite at a Time
Christmas is about warmth, comfort, and sharing—what better way to do that than with a plate of homemade treats? These Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls check every box: they’re sweet, crunchy, gooey, and so much fun to make and eat.
They’re perfect for bake sales, cookie swaps, family gatherings, or just a cozy movie night at home. Whether you make them with kids, friends, or solo while blasting Christmas music in your kitchen, they’re sure to become a new holiday tradition.
So grab your cereal, melt that chocolate, and get rolling!
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FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes! While Rice Krispies give the classic crunch, you can also use Cocoa Pebbles, Corn Flakes, or even Cheerios for a twist. Just avoid cereals that get soggy too quickly.
2. Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free butter alternative, vegan marshmallows, and dairy-free chocolate chips. They’ll taste just as delicious and still hold their shape.
3. How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure the marshmallow mixture is fully melted and your cereal is well-coated. Letting them cool slightly before rolling helps them stick together better.
4. Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, and they’ll love it! Let them help stir, roll, dip, and sprinkle. It’s messy but fun—and they’ll be proud of their tasty creations.
5. How long do they last?
Stored in an airtight container, they last about 3–5 days at room temp, and up to a week in the fridge. But let’s be honest—they’re usually gone within 24 hours.
