Easy & Delicious Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats: A Festive No-Bake Delight

Get ready to infuse your holiday season with the delightful cheer of peppermint! As mentioned in my previous post, the culinary world recently saw an exciting collaboration between McCormick and Kim Ima, the renowned cookie-sharing expert and author of the fantastic “The Treats Truck Baking Book.” Their partnership aimed to bring forth a collection of innovative and utterly delicious cookie recipes, perfect for spreading joy during Christmas. Today, I’m thrilled to share one of the standout recipes I explored from Kim’s collection: these incredibly easy and irresistibly tasty Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats.

While the original inspiration was a delightful starting point, I must confess that I embarked on a little ingredient adventure of my own. My quest for gingerbread marshmallows led me down a different, yet equally enchanting, path when I stumbled upon vibrant mini peppermint marshmallows. It was an instant decision! Instead of opting for plain mini marshmallows paired with peppermint extract, I chose to embrace these pre-flavored “babies.” This simple swap promised to deliver that signature cool peppermint kick and a beautiful festive hue, making these treats truly special. The convenience of using already flavored marshmallows also streamlined the process, ensuring a burst of minty freshness in every bite without extra steps.

The Irresistible Charm of Homemade Rice Crispy Treats

There’s something uniquely comforting and incredibly satisfying about homemade rice crispy treats. I often find myself forgetting just how much I adore them until I dive back into making a fresh batch. The process is wonderfully straightforward, yielding a treat that’s far superior to any store-bought version. The texture, the freshness, and the ability to customize them to your heart’s content truly set them apart.

One crucial tip for anyone embarking on this delicious journey: make sure you grab a generously sized bowl! When you’re melting butter and marshmallows, and then stirring in all that crispy rice cereal, a large bowl will be your best friend, preventing spills and ensuring everything gets perfectly coated. This simple step makes the mixing process much smoother and more enjoyable.

My delightful peppermint marshmallow discovery did come with a rather distinctive side effect: the squares turn a surprisingly vivid shade of pink. Picture a hue reminiscent of Pepto Bismol – quite an eye-catcher! While I found it charmingly whimsical and perfectly suited for a playful holiday treat, you certainly have options if you prefer a different aesthetic. For a more traditional Christmas look, a few drops of red food coloring could easily transform them into a vibrant scarlet. Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a softer, pastel holiday palette, you could even try a touch of green food coloring. Embrace the pink, or change it up – it’s all part of the fun of homemade baking!

Toppings and Festive Flair: Personalizing Your Treats

When it comes to decorating these festive treats, the possibilities are endless. I’ll confess, I’m not a huge fan of the texture or overpowering mintiness of crushed candy canes, so I decided to bypass them in favor of something equally enchanting: beautiful snowflake sprinkles. Their delicate shimmer added a touch of winter wonderland magic without overwhelming the subtle peppermint flavor. But don’t let my personal preference limit your creativity! Crushed candy canes would certainly provide a classic holiday crunch and an extra burst of mint for those who love it. Other fantastic options include a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate, a sprinkle of festive nonpareils, or even some edible glitter for an extra dose of sparkle. Customizing the toppings is a wonderful way to make these treats uniquely yours and perfectly suited for any holiday gathering or gift-giving occasion.

The Recipe: Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats

Below, you’ll find the full recipe for these delightful Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats. It’s designed to be simple, quick, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this no-bake recipe is a fantastic choice for creating festive memories in the kitchen.

Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats

Yield:
16 squares

Delightful rice crispy treats made festive with mini peppermint marshmallows.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 package (10 ounces) mini peppermint marshmallows OR plain mini marshmallows + 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
• Sprinkles or crushed candy canes, for decorating

Instructions

1. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the treats out later. This prevents sticking and makes removal a breeze.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows (either peppermint or plain). Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent them from becoming tough.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you are using plain marshmallows, now is the time to add the peppermint extract; mix it in thoroughly. Then, quickly stir in the crispy rice cereal and white chocolate chips until everything is evenly coated. Work fast as the mixture will start to set.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared 9×9 pan. Using a buttered spatula (or buttered hands for less stickiness), gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly, as this can make the treats dense. Immediately sprinkle the top with your chosen sprinkles or crushed candy canes. If needed, place a piece of cellophane wrap or parchment paper on top and gently press down to ensure the treats are flat and the toppings adhere. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes at room temperature before cutting into squares.

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Tips for Success and Customization

Achieving the perfect batch of Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats is easy with a few key considerations. Firstly, always use fresh marshmallows; stale ones won’t melt as smoothly, leading to a lumpy texture. Secondly, the key to soft, chewy treats is to melt your butter and marshmallows over consistently low heat. High heat can cause the marshmallows to caramelize and become hard when cooled. Once the marshmallows are melted, work quickly when adding the cereal and pressing the mixture into the pan, as it sets rapidly. When pressing into the pan, apply gentle, even pressure rather than compacting them too much, which can make them overly dense. And remember, buttering your spatula (or hands!) will save you a lot of sticky clean-up.

These treats are also wonderfully versatile for customization beyond the suggested toppings. If peppermint isn’t your only festive flavor craving, consider adding different extracts. A touch of almond or even a hint of orange zest could create an entirely new flavor profile. You could also experiment with different cereals – cocoa crispy treats with a touch of peppermint would be a dream for chocolate lovers! For an extra textural element, stir in some mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries along with the cereal. A drizzle of colored icing or a generous dip in melted chocolate after they’ve set can elevate them further. These treats are not just for Christmas; adjust the sprinkles and flavors, and they can be enjoyed year-round for any celebration!

This delightful recipe was adapted from McCormick, a trusted source for classic and innovative recipes. Their foundational guide provided the perfect canvas for our peppermint-infused holiday creation.

More Sweet Treats You’ll Love

If these festive Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats have captured your heart and taste buds, you might also enjoy exploring some of my other popular crispy treat and no-bake dessert recipes. Each offers a unique twist on classic flavors, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the year:

• Chocolate Mint Rice Crispy Treats: A perfect pairing of rich chocolate and refreshing mint in a chewy, crispy package.
• Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats: The ultimate combination of peanut butter and chocolate, enhanced with a satisfying crunch.
• No Bake Fudgy Peppermint Cathedral Cookies: Another no-bake wonder, combining rich fudge with a cool peppermint swirl in a visually stunning cookie.

Happy baking, and enjoy these wonderfully festive treats!