I make these Grinch Rice Krispie treats whenever I need a fast, festive treat that’s guaranteed to make my kiddos smile. They start with the classic chewy base I know and love, but a splash of green food coloring, a layer of melted candy, and those signature red hearts turn them into the cutest Grinch Christmas Rice Krispie treats! My kids love helping mix, press, and decorate them–and honestly, they disappear faster than anything else on our holiday cookie platter.
Green Rice Krispie Treats for Christmas
These green Rice Krispie treats are perfect when I need something simple, fun, and totally holiday-ready. The Rice Krispie treat base comes together in minutes: just melt marshmallows and butter, tint the mixture green, and stir in the cereal. Spread it into a pan, cover with melted green chocolate, and finish with heart sprinkles for that classic Grinch look.
These Grinch Rice Krispie treats slice beautifully, pack well for gifting, and hold their shape on dessert trays. Whether I’m making them for a school party, holiday movie night, or a last-minute dessert, they bring all the festive fun without any extra effort.
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The Secret to Vibrant, Glossy Green Treats
For the most even, vibrant Grinch-green color, warm the marshmallow mixture just until melted, not bubbling. Overheated marshmallows turn dull and sticky, which affects both their texture and tint. Keeping the heat low guarantees a smooth, glossy green and that classic chewy Rice Krispie texture!
Grinch Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9×13 Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows (1 bag)*
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 14 drops green food coloring **
- 12 ounces green melting chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons heart sprinkles ***
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine the marshmallows and butter. Cook until the marshmallows are melted, stirring occasionally.10 ounces mini marshmallows, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Mix the vanilla extract and food coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture.1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 14 drops green food coloring
- Once all of the marshmallows are green, add the Rice Krispies and stir until the cereal is coated.5½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spray your hands with nonstick spray, and press the Rice Krispies mixture into an even layer.
- Place the green melting chocolate and coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30-second intervals until the chocolate melts, making sure to stir after every 30 seconds.12 ounces green melting chocolate, 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Pour the chocolate over the Rice Krispies and spread it in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the hearts all over the top of the chocolate. Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set for 15 to 20 minutes.2 tablespoons heart sprinkles
- Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- If you want to skip the “cooking” and focus on the decorating, you can get some Rice Krispie treats at the store. Add the green chocolate, red hearts, and any other candies you want to use to decorate!
- Greasing the pan with butter is a must! This will make it easy to get those sticky Rice Krispie treats out after they set.
- Melt the marshmallows on low to medium heat–high heat makes the treats firm instead of chewy. If the mixture starts bubbling, the heat is too high.
- Add the food coloring when the marshmallows are fully melted but still hot. The color will look slightly lighter in the pot, but don’t add more until it’s cooled a bit.
- When it’s time to press the Rice Krispies mixture into the pan, lightly spray your hands with non-stick spray first. Trust me, this will make your life so much easier.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, and give it a good stir between each interval so it melts evenly.
- Add the heart sprinkles while the chocolate is still glossy so they bond to the top instead of falling off later.
- Let the treats chill in the fridge so the chocolate can set.
- Cut them into squares or however you like. If you have some holiday cookie cutters, you can shape them into little Christmas trees!
- You could also form the mixture into bite-sized balls for a unique way to serve these treats.
How to Make Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Step-by-Step
Prep: Gather up everything you need to make these green Rice Krispie treats. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter and set aside.
Melt the Marshmallows: In a large saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine 10 ounces of mini marshmallows and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Cook until the marshmallows are melted, stirring occasionally. If the mixture starts bubbling, the heat is too high!
Color the Marshmallows: Mix 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 14 drops of green food coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture. The color will look slightly lighter in the pot but will darken as the treats cool.
Stir in the Cereal: Once all of the marshmallows are green, add 5½ cups of Rice Krispies and stir until the cereal is coated.
Coat with Chocolate: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spray your hands with nonstick spray, and press the Rice Krispies mixture into an even layer. Don’t press too hard, or the treats will turn out hard. Place 12 ounces of green melting chocolate and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals until the chocolate melts, making sure to stir after every 30 seconds. Pour the chocolate over the Rice Krispies and spread it in an even layer.
Decorate and Serve: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of heart sprinkles all over the top of the chocolate while it’s still shiny. Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set for 15-20 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy.
How to Store and Freeze
Store Grinch Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 3 days or freeze them wrapped in 2 layers of plastic wrap and 1 layer of aluminum foil for up to 6 weeks. Let thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
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