Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls – A Festive No-Bake Delight

Every Christmas season deserves a little touch of sweetness — and these Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls deliver just that. They’re a perfect combination of nostalgic crunch, rich chocolate flavor, and a touch of holiday cheer that sparkles from the first bite. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cookie exchange, gifting to neighbors, or adding them to your Christmas dessert table, these little chocolatey bites are guaranteed to steal the show.

What makes them so special? They require no baking, use simple pantry ingredients, and can be dressed up with endless festive toppings — from crushed candy canes to mini M&Ms to red and green sprinkles. Kids love rolling them, adults love eating them, and everyone loves how quickly they disappear.

This recipe keeps that classic Rice Krispie treat texture — chewy yet crisp — but takes it to another level with melted chocolate, butter, and a hint of vanilla. Add a few Christmas decorations, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

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Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if preferred)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for decoration)
• ½ cup melted white chocolate (for drizzling, optional)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixing Bowl:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside for the finished treats to cool and set.
2. Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until almost completely melted. Then, add the chocolate chips, stirring constantly until everything becomes smooth and glossy.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt:
   Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and salt. This gives a warm, balanced flavor to the chocolate base.
4. Combine with Rice Krispies:
   Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the melted chocolate mixture. Gently stir until all cereal pieces are evenly coated and chocolatey.
5. Shape the Balls:
   Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the mixture. With lightly buttered hands, roll them into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Decorate:
   While the balls are still slightly warm, sprinkle with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes so they stick perfectly. If you’d like, drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant touch.
7. Set and Serve:
   Let the Rice Krispie balls rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm. Serve on a festive platter or store in an airtight container.

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Tips & Tricks

• Keep your hands buttered or oiled: The mixture can get sticky — lightly grease your hands before rolling to make shaping easier.
• Double the batch: These are perfect for gifting, and they store beautifully, so make extra!
• Add-ins: Try mixing in peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, or crushed pretzels for a fun twist.
• Perfect drizzle: If adding white chocolate drizzle, let the balls cool first so it doesn’t melt right off.

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Variations

• Peppermint Crunch: Mix in crushed candy canes for a minty Christmas surprise.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls: Add ½ cup peanut butter to the melted mixture for a nutty flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Elegance: Use dark chocolate chips and sprinkle with gold sugar pearls for a sophisticated treat.
• Holiday Surprise: Press a mini marshmallow or small caramel candy in the center of each ball before rolling for a gooey middle.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these chocolate Rice Krispie balls as:

• A part of your Christmas dessert tray with cookies and fudge.
• Edible gifts in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon.
• Party bites on holiday platters surrounded by candy canes and pine sprigs.
• A fun activity for kids — they’ll love decorating their own!

Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for the ultimate holiday comfort moment.

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Storage Information

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 2 weeks; let them sit out before serving to soften slightly.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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FAQ

Can I use other cereals?
Yes! You can use Cocoa Krispies for an extra chocolatey version or cornflakes for added crunch.

Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely. They’re great for making a day or two before your event — the texture stays just right.

Can I skip the marshmallows?
Marshmallows help bind and sweeten the mixture, but you can substitute with ½ cup of corn syrup or sweetened condensed milk for a slightly different texture.

Do they melt easily?
They hold up well at room temperature but should be stored in a cool, dry place.

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History / Fun Facts

Rice Krispie treats were first invented in the 1930s by Kellogg’s home economists, but the idea of rolling them into festive balls didn’t catch on until decades later — when home bakers discovered just how perfect they were for parties. Adding chocolate transformed this simple cereal snack into a decadent dessert, and by the 1980s, chocolate Rice Krispie balls became a Christmas favorite in North America and beyond.

Today, you’ll find countless variations, from peanut butter-filled to colorful sprinkle-coated versions. The beauty lies in their versatility — they’re nostalgic, customizable, and universally loved. Every family seems to have its own version, passed down and adapted year after year.

So, as you roll each chocolatey ball and add a pinch of sparkle, you’re not just making dessert — you’re continuing a sweet, decades-old holiday tradition that brings smiles and joy to every table.