The best holiday memories often come from the simplest recipes. Imagine a treat that requires no baking, comes together in minutes, and brings sheer joy to everyone who helps make them. Now, imagine that treat is a delightful, bite-sized ball of chocolatey, crispy goodness, perfectly decorated for the season.
That’s the magic of these Christmas chocolate rice krispie balls! They are the ultimate easy holiday confection, combining the classic comfort of Rice Krispies treats with the festive fun of cake pops. They’re perfect for cookie plates, classroom parties, and leaving out for Santa. I promise, this will become a cherished, no-fuss tradition in your home.
WHY THIS CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE RICE KRISPIE BALLS RECIPE IS A HOLIDAY LIFE-SAVER
If your December schedule is as packed as mine, this Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls recipe is about to become your best friend.
- First, it is gloriously no-bake, meaning you can whip up a batch without ever turning on the oven, which is a true gift during the busy baking season.
- Secondly, they are incredibly kid-friendly; little hands love helping to roll the mixture into balls and sprinkle on the decorations.
- Furthermore, they are made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Finally, their make-ahead nature means you can check “holiday treats” off your list days in advance, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities.
Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls: The Most Fun You’ll Have in the Kitchen This Season
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive no-bake Christmas chocolate Rice Krispie balls crunchy, chocolatey, and perfect for holiday parties or edible gifts.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for decoration)
Instructions
- 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and honey.
- 3. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- 4. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- 5. Add Rice Krispies cereal and mix gently until fully coated with the chocolate mixture.
- 6. Let the mixture cool slightly until it’s easy to handle.
- 7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
- 8. Place balls on the prepared baking sheet and top with sprinkles or crushed candy canes while still slightly sticky.
- 9. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
- 10. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- For extra sparkle, drizzle with melted white chocolate before chilling.
- These treats make wonderful holiday gifts — package them in festive tins or bags!
- Store refrigerated for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: christmas treats, chocolate rice krispie balls, no bake dessert, holiday sweets
THE SIMPLE SECRET TO PERFECT NO-BAKE BALLS
The beauty of this Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls recipe lies in its simplicity, but one technique makes all the difference. The key is to allow the melted marshmallow and cereal mixture to cool just enough so thatit’s safe to handle, but still warm and pliable. If it’s too hot, it will be sticky and difficult to shape.
If it’s too cool, it will become hard and crumbly. I’ll guide you through the perfect timing. Another secret is a light coating of butter or cooking spray on your hands before rolling this. It prevents the mixture from sticking to you and makes the process smooth and easy.
YOUR FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE RICE KRISPIE BALLS INGREDIENT LIST
This Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls recipe is all about simplicity and fun! Here’s what you’ll need.
For the Balls:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (10-ounce) bag regular marshmallows
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for decoration)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate or vanilla candy melts, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, melted
- Festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or sanding sugar
- A large saucepan
- A spatula
- A large bowl
- Parchment paper
- Two small bowls for melting chocolate
- Forks or spoons for dipping
- Butter Your Hands: Seriously, this is the #1 tip! Lightly coat your hands in butter or cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking while you roll.
- Work Quickly: The marshmallow mixture will set as it cools, so have your sprinkles and melted chocolate ready to go before you start rolling.
- Get Creative with Decor: Use green and red sprinkles, holiday-shaped nonpareils, or even a drizzle of contrasting chocolate for a professional look.
- If It Hardens: If your mixture becomes too firm to roll, you can gently warm it in the microwave for 10-second intervals to soften it up.
- Peppermint Patty: Use ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract in the marshmallow mixture and roll the balls in crushed candy canes.
- Candy Cane Drizzle: Dip the balls in white chocolate and then drizzle with melted dark chocolate that has been tinted red with oil-based food coloring.
- Double Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the marshmallow mixture along with the chocolate chips for an extra-chocolatey base.
- Butter and marshmallows are ready to melt.
- Cereal is measured.
- Sprinkles and melting chocolates are standing by.
- Parchment paper is lining your baking sheet.
- Your hands are ready to be buttered!
For Decorating:
THE HOLIDAY HELPER TOOLKIT
The tool list is short and sweet:
FESTIVE FUN: YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Let’s create some holiday magic. Follow these simple steps for perfect results.
MELT THE BASE
First, melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Then, add the entire bag of marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. Be patient and keep the heat low to avoid scorching.
ADD CHOCOLATE AND CEREAL
Now, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the ¼ cup of chocolate chips until they melt into the marshmallow mixture. Then, quickly add the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and stir until every piece is evenly coated.
COOL AND SHAPE
Next, pour the mixture into a large, lightly buttered bowl to help it cool down faster. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it’s cool enough to handle. Then, with lightly buttered or wet hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
This is the most fun part! Place your melted white and dark chocolate in separate small bowls. Dip the top of each Christmas chocolate rice krispie ball into the chocolate, let the excess drip off, and then immediately decorate with your favorite festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Place them back on the parchment paper to set.
PRO TIPS FOR FLAWLESS FESTIVE TREATS
Make your holiday treats picture-perfect with these simple tricks.
DELICIOUS HOLIDAY VARIATIONS TO TRY
This basic Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity.
STORING YOUR HOLIDAY CREATIONS
These Christmas chocolate rice krispie balls store beautifully! Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days. I do not recommend refrigerating them, as it can cause the chocolate coating to sweat and the cereal to lose its crispness.
TROUBLESHOOTING: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
“My mixture is too sticky to roll.”
It’s likely still too warm. Let it cool for a few more minutes and make sure your hands are well-buttered.
“My balls are falling apart.”
The mixture may have cooled too much. Try warming it slightly in the microwave and pressing it more firmly when you roll.
“Can I use mini marshmallows?”
Yes! Mini marshmallows will melt even faster and more evenly.
“My chocolate coating is too thick.”
Thin your melted chocolate with a teaspoon of coconut oil to make it easier for dipping and to create a thinner shell.
A NOTE ON HOLIDAY INDULGENCE
This is a pure, fun, sugary holiday treat meant to be enjoyed and shared! It’s a wonderful activity to do with family and friends, and the result is a platter of happiness that everyone adores.
MY STORY: A NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION IS BORN
This Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls recipe was born out of a near-disaster. Years ago, I promised to bring a treat to my son’s winter party, but a snowstorm left me stranded with limited ingredients. With a box of cereal, a bag of marshmallows, and some leftover holiday chocolate, we improvised.
We rolled them into balls, dipped them in what we had, and decorated them with reckless, joyful abandon. They were the hit of the party. Now, making these Christmas chocolate rice krispie balls is one of our most anticipated holiday rituals. It’s less about the recipe and more about the laughter and messy hands that come with it.
YOUR FINAL HOLIDAY CHECKLIST
Before you start, run through this list:
CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE RICE KRISPIE BALLS FAQS
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They are perfect for making 2-3 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
How do I melt the chocolate for dipping?
The easiest method is in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
Can I use other cereals?
Yes! Cocoa Krispies would make a delicious double-chocolate version.
Why are they called “Christmas” balls?
The “Christmas” comes from the festive decorations! The base is a simple chocolate rice krispie ball, but the red, green, and white sprinkles and coatings give them their holiday spirit.