There’s something magical about combining crisp, buttery marshmallows and the holiday zing of peppermint – that’s why I’m so excited to share this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. It’s a festive twist on a classic snack that’s perfectly chewy, chocolatey, and full of minty cheer.

The image shows square treats layered with three visible parts: the bottom layer is a light beige crispy rice cereal, soft and airy, the middle layer is a dark brown chocolate drizzle with a glossy look, and the top layer is a white drizzle with small crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces sprinkled all over. The treats are arranged on a white marbled surface, mixed with small whole peppermint candies scattered around, adding a festive red and white color contrast. One treat is held by a woman's hand showing the porous texture inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how easy and fun this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is yet it feels so special. It’s that perfect holiday treat you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether for casual snacking or festive parties.

Classic Meets Holiday: This recipe marries the nostalgic crispiness of Rice Krispies with refreshing peppermint and rich chocolate flavors—hello, delicious layers!
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have almost everything in your pantry, making it a hassle-free holiday project for anyone.
Customizable Toppings: The crushed candy canes and double chocolate drizzle means you get holiday sparkle and texture with every bite.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser: Kids LOVE these, and I’ve never had a gathering where they didn’t disappear fast. Perfect for gifting too!

The image shows a stack of two square rice cereal treats with a light, crispy texture and beige color. The top layer is covered with a shiny, dark chocolate coating that has small bits of red and white candy sprinkled over it. Pieces of white marshmallow are baked inside the treats, visible within the beige layers. The treats are placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and a few striped red and white peppermint candies lie beside them. In the background, blurred cereal treats can be seen, with a clear glass bottle featuring a red stopper adding some height. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe has a reason for being here—creating the perfect balance between chewy, crunchy, minty, and chocolatey. Here’s why they shine together and a few tips to keep in mind when shopping.

Flat lay of a small square pat of salted butter, a generous pile of miniature white marshmallows, a small white bowl of clear peppermint extract, a neat mound of puffed Rice Krispies cereal, a small white bowl filled with crushed red and white candy cane pieces, a small white bowl of chopped dark chocolate chunks, a small white bowl of chopped white chocolate chunks, all arranged symmetrically and naturally fresh on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted Butter: Adds richness and just the right amount of savory balance to all that sweetness.
Miniature Marshmallows: These melt more evenly and smoothly, giving you that classic gooey texture.
Peppermint Extract: Pure minty magic in concentrated form—you’ll want to be precise here so it doesn’t overpower the treats.
Rice Krispies Cereal: The iconic crispy base that delivers light crunch and structure.
Crushed Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and peppermint bursts throughout—fresh candy canes crush the best.
Dark Chocolate: For a deep, slightly bitter contrast that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
White Chocolate: Creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the dark chocolate and candy cane toppings.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with peppermint levels and chocolate combos, and you should definitely feel free to do the same. This recipe is a versatile canvas—add your twist and make it truly yours!

Variation: Once, I swapped half the dark chocolate for milk chocolate just to satisfy my sweet tooth, and it was still deliciously festive!
Dietary Tip: For a gluten-free option, just be sure to pick gluten-free Rice Krispies or an equivalent crisp rice cereal.
Seasonal Twist: For a non-holiday spin, swap peppermint extract for vanilla and use sprinkles instead of candy canes—just as fun!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Candy Canes and Pan

First things first: line your 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, so cleanup is a breeze and treats release easily. Then, unwrap your candy canes and crush them into uneven bits—some larger chunks for crunch, some fine for garnish. I usually bang them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. It’s quick and keeps the mess contained.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over medium heat, gently melt your salted butter. Once melted, lower the heat and add most of the marshmallows (save one cup to stir in later). Stir consistently until the marshmallows are fully melted and silky smooth. This step is where patience pays off — don’t rush the melting or the mixture can scorch or become grainy.

Step 3: Add Peppermint, Cereal, and Extra Marshmallows

Remove the pot from heat and stir in your peppermint extract carefully—start with the recommended amount, then adjust to taste next time if you like more mint punch. Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies, two tablespoons of crushed candy cane, and the reserved marshmallows. Stir until combined but don’t overmix or your treats might turn dense.

Step 4: Press Into Your Pan

Transfer the mixture to your parchment-lined pan. Press it down gently using the empty butter wrapper or a buttered spatula or hands. The key here is to press it evenly but not compact it too much—you want those treats light and chewy, not rock hard.

Step 5: Chocolate Drizzle and Final Candy Cane Sprinkle

Melting chocolate can feel intimidating, but trust me, microwaving in short intervals (20 seconds) and stirring in between is foolproof. Melt your dark and white chocolate separately until smooth, then drizzle both artistically over the top of the pressed treats. Shake the pan gently to smooth the chocolate, then sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes generously on top. Let these set completely before slicing to keep the topping neat and intact.

Top Tip

After making these treats several times, I realized a few small tweaks can make a big difference in texture and flavor. Here are my top helpful pointers so your peppermint Rice Krispies treats come out perfectly every time.

Use Low Heat for Melting: Heating the butter and marshmallows too fast can cause a burnt flavor—slow and steady wins the race here.
Don’t Skip That Extra Cup of Marshmallows: Tossing in marshmallows after the initial melting adds texture and little gooey pockets throughout.
Butter Your Tools: Grease whatever you use to press the mixture down to prevent sticking and keep the texture light.
Let It Set Fully: Patience is key! Waiting for the chocolate to harden before slicing keeps those gorgeous layers clean and intact.

How to Serve Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Peppermint Rice Krispies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding an extra sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top before serving for that extra peppermint crunch and visual appeal. You can also add mini chocolate chips or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra festive flair.

Side Dishes

Serve these treats alongside a warm cup of cocoa or peppermint tea; the minty notes will really complement each other. They also pair wonderfully with simple holiday cookies or even salty snacks like spiced nuts to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to cut these treats into festive shapes using cookie cutters—stars or trees work great. Wrap individual squares with clear cellophane and tie with a bright ribbon for charming homemade gifts. Layering small squares in a glass jar looks stunning too and makes for an eye-catching table display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found they stay chewy and delicious for about five days—perfect for making ahead if you want to prep for a party.

Freezing

I often freeze leftover treats by wrapping each square tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed at room temperature, they keep their texture and flavor beautifully for up to two months—great for keeping holiday snacks on hand.

Reheating

If you want that freshly-made gooey feel, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds works wonders without melting the chocolate drizzle too much. Just be careful not to overheat or your treats might become sticky and lose their signature crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones in this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute regular marshmallows, but they may take a little longer to melt and create a slightly thicker mixture. Just be patient and stir frequently over low heat to prevent burning.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for the recipe?

The easiest way is to place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer. This helps control the size of the pieces and prevents sticky messes.

Can I make these treats vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting vegan butter and plant-based marshmallows, but results may vary as traditional marshmallows contain gelatin. Look for specific vegan marshmallow brands and gluten-free Rice Krispies for a fully vegan treat.

Why is it important not to over-press the Rice Krispies mixture in the pan?

Over-pressing the mixture can make the treats dense and hard instead of light and chewy. Gently pressing with buttered hands or a wrapper helps keep a fluffy texture while holding the treats together.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe has become my go-to for special occasions and last-minute treats. I love how it brings a festive sparkle without fuss and always impresses friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll find it just as addictive and joyful to make as I do!