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To make Peppermint Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats, you need some key ingredients: - 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal - 4 cups mini marshmallows - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies - Pinch of salt These ingredients create the base for your treats. The Rice Krispies give a nice crunch. The mini marshmallows and butter provide that classic gooey texture. You can make these treats even better with a few optional ingredients: - A dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor - Sprinkles for a festive touch - Chopped nuts for added crunch - A sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast These extras let you customize your treats. You can adjust the flavors to fit your taste. Using quality brands can improve your treats. Here are some suggestions: - Rice Krispies: Kellogg’s is the classic choice. - Mini Marshmallows: Campfire brand is soft and fluffy. - Unsalted Butter: Land O’Lakes is a great option. - Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Ghirardelli offers rich chocolate flavor. - Peppermint Candies: Starlight mints or any name brand work well. Choosing these brands can help ensure your treats taste fantastic. They are reliable and easy to find in stores. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan. Use butter or cooking spray. This step helps the treats come out easily later. Make sure to cover the bottom and sides well. It’s important for no pieces to stick. Next, get a large saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter. Watch it closely until it bubbles. Once it’s melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir nonstop until they melt into a smooth mixture. This will be the base of your treats. Now, take the saucepan off the heat. Add the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Mix well to blend the flavors. Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal. Fold gently to coat every piece without crushing them. Then, let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes. Stir in half of the chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies. This adds bursts of flavor throughout the treats. Finally, press the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a buttered spatula or your hands to flatten it evenly. This will shape your delicious final product. To get the best texture in your treats, use fresh marshmallows. Old marshmallows can be hard. Make sure to stir the mixture gently when adding the Rice Krispies. This keeps the cereal crunchy and avoids crushing it. Press the mix into the pan firmly, but not too hard. You want it to hold together but not be dense. When melting chocolate, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir after each interval until smooth. This method helps keep the chocolate from burning. If you burn the chocolate, it can become grainy. If that happens, add a little vegetable oil to fix the texture. Store your treats in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them in plastic wrap first. Avoid putting them in the fridge, as it can make them hard. Instead, store them at room temperature for the best taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Peppermint: Make sure to use fresh peppermint candies or candy canes for the best flavor and crunch. Old candies can become stale and lose their vibrant taste. Control the Melt: When melting chocolate, do it in short intervals to prevent overheating. Stirring frequently will help maintain a smooth texture. Press Firmly: When pressing the mixture into the pan, use a bit of pressure to ensure the treats hold together well. This prevents them from crumbling when cut. Let Them Cool: Allow your treats to cool completely at room temperature before cutting. This helps the chocolate set properly and makes for cleaner squares. {{image_4}} You can swap Rice Krispies with other cereals. Try using Cornflakes for a crunchier bite. Chex cereal also works well, giving a different texture. For a sweeter twist, consider using Cocoa Puffs. Each cereal adds its own flavor and crunch to your treats. Want to mix things up? You can add nuts like chopped almonds or walnuts for more texture. If you like a richer taste, try adding peanut butter or Nutella to the melted marshmallow mix. Different extracts can also change the flavor. Use almond or vanilla extract for a unique twist. Decorating your treats can make them special. For holidays, use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. You can also place whole peppermint candies on top for a festive look. For birthday parties, consider adding chocolate drizzle or colorful frosting. Use your creativity to make each batch unique! To keep your Peppermint Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats fresh, place them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Store it at room temperature away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain their chewy texture and delightful flavor. If you want to save some treats for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the treats into squares before freezing. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a zip-top freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can enjoy them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. When stored properly, Peppermint Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats last about one week at room temperature. If you freeze them, they can stay fresh for several months. Keep an eye on any signs of spoilage, like unusual smells or changes in texture. Enjoy these tasty treats while they are fresh for the best flavor! Yes, you can make these treats ahead of time. They are great for parties or gifts. Just store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. To thaw, leave them out for a few hours. They will still taste delicious! If you don't have peppermint extract, you can use other extracts. Try using vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor. You can also use fresh mint leaves. Crush the leaves and stir them into the melted marshmallows. Adjust the amount based on how strong you want the flavor. To make these treats gluten-free, choose gluten-free Rice Krispies. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the label to be sure. The other ingredients in this recipe are already gluten-free. With these simple swaps, everyone can enjoy these yummy treats! You now know the ingredients and steps for making peppermint chocolate Rice Krispie treats. The blend of melted butter and marshmallows creates a great base. You can personalize these treats with different cereals or flavor twists like nuts. Remember to store them right to keep them fresh and crunchy. With tips for decoration, you'll impress everyone at any event. These treats are fun to make and share. Enjoy creating your tasty snacks!

Peppermint Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

A festive and delicious treat combining Rice Krispies, chocolate, and peppermint for a delightful holiday snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pan: Begin by greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan lightly with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
  • Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbling. Once melted, add in the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Add Peppermint Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the peppermint extract along with a pinch of salt, mixing until well incorporated.
  • Combine with Rice Krispies: Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture, folding gently to coat the cereal evenly without crushing it.
  • Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Allow the mixture to cool for about 1-2 minutes. Then, add half of the chocolate chips (1/2 cup) and half of the crushed peppermint candies (1/4 cup) into the bowl. Stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Press into the Pan: Transfer the cereal mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a buttered spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to press it down firmly and evenly.
  • Melt Remaining Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
  • Drizzle Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the surface of the pressed Rice Krispie treats. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
  • Add Remaining Peppermint: While the chocolate is still melted, sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies over the top for added crunch and holiday flair.
  • Let Set: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature until the chocolate has hardened, which will take approximately 30-60 minutes. Once set, cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

Serve on a festive platter or package in gift boxes for a charming homemade gift.
Keyword chocolate, holiday treats, peppermint, Rice Krispies