These Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats are the perfect blend of chewy marshmallow goodness and festive holiday flavor. With layers of melted chocolate and crushed candy canes, these easy holiday treats bring a delightful crunch and the added peppermint flavor we all love this time of year.
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Rice Krispies Treats, dreamed up in 1939 by Kellogg’s geniuses, have been delighting snackers for generations with their gooey marshmallow charm. Peppermint bark, made famous by Williams Sonoma in 1998, adds a festive twist with its chocolate layers and candy cane crunch, though versions of it have sweetened holidays since the 1960s. When these two iconic treats collide, the result is a holiday dessert mashup that’s irresistibly chewy, chocolaty, and packed with peppermint candy magic!
These peppermint rice krispies are more than just a delicious treat—they’re a holiday must-have. Their chewy texture, thanks to the gooey marshmallow mixture, is balanced beautifully by the crunch of crispy rice cereal and crushed candy canes. Plus, the white chocolate layer and drizzle of dark chocolate add a rich, indulgent touch that makes them feel extra special for the holiday season.
For even more Rice Krispies magic, give my S’mores Rice Krispies Treats, Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies Treats, Mickey Rice Krispies Treats, Easy Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats, and Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats a try—each one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why We Love This Recipe
- The combination of chewy marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and peppermint candies creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that screams holiday season.
- These treats are quick and easy to make with simple ingredients like melted dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes—no complicated steps or baking required!
- They’re the perfect holiday treats for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, preparing holiday recipes for loved ones, or looking for an easy treat to brighten someone’s day.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Salted Butter – Adds richness and helps keep the treats soft and flavorful. Substitute vegan butter for a plant-based option.
- Miniature Marshmallows – The base of the marshmallow mixture, creating that gooey texture everyone loves. Vegan marshmallows are a great alternative!
- Peppermint Extract – Brings that added peppermint flavor, enhancing the festive vibe of these crispy treats.
- Rice Krispies – The star of the show, providing the signature crunch in every bite. Regular or gluten-free cereal works perfectly.
- Crushed Candy Canes – For a festive and crunchy topping that adds both color and peppermint candy goodness.
- Dark Chocolate – Melts into a silky layer, balancing the sweetness with a hint of richness.
- White Chocolate – Creates the white chocolate layer for that classic peppermint bark look.
- Non-Stick Spray or Butter – Keeps the prepared pan and your hands or spatula greased, making it easier to handle the rice krispie mixture without sticking.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats
- Prepare pan and candy canes. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray it lightly with non-stick spray. Crush the candy canes into small pieces and set them aside.
- Melt butter and marshmallows. In a large pot, melt the salted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add most of the marshmallows, saving a handful for later. Stir until completely smooth and melted into a luscious marshmallow mixture.
- Combine ingredients. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the peppermint extract, Rice Krispies, and a portion of the crushed candy canes. Add the reserved marshmallows for extra gooey bites. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Press into pan. Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan. Use a greased spatula, buttered hands, or even the empty butter wrapper to press it into an even layer without compacting too much.
- Add peppermint chocolate drizzle. Melt the dark chocolate and white chocolate separately in microwave-safe bowls, heating in 20-second intervals. Drizzle both over the rice krispies treats, then sprinkle with the remaining crushed candy cane pieces for a festive finish.
- Set and slice. Allow the treats to cool and set completely at room temperature. Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Now they’re ready to enjoy—or share, if you’re feeling generous!
Recipe FAQ’s
Absolutely! Regular marshmallows work perfectly in this recipe, but vegan marshmallows are a great option for those with dietary preferences.
Place them in a plastic bag, then use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces. It’s quick, easy, and mess-free!
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days—if they last that long!
Yes! Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature for the best texture.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh marshmallows for the fluffiest, chewiest results. Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and can affect the texture.
- Grease your spatula or hands well before pressing the cereal mixture into the pan to avoid sticky situations.
- For even chocolate layers, spread the melted white chocolate and dark chocolate quickly before they cool and harden.
- Don’t compact the cereal mixture too tightly—it can make the treats overly dense. Press gently to keep them light and crispy.
- Let the chocolate set completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat squares with all those beautiful layers intact.
What to Serve with Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats
Pair these Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats with a steaming mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy holiday snack.
They also make a great addition to a dessert platter filled with cookies, fudge, and other holiday recipes.
For a festive twist, serve them alongside peppermint marshmallows or your favorite holiday drinks, like Traditional Wassail and Homemade Eggnog.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative with a slight tropical hint.
- Swap white chocolate chips for milk chocolate if you prefer a less sweet topping.
- Add a handful of peppermint marshmallows to the cereal mixture for even more peppermint candy flavor.
- Try festive sprinkles in place of crushed candy canes for a colorful, non-peppermint twist.
- Make a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
More Peppermint Treats You’ll Crave All Season
- Frosted Peppermint Brownies
- Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
- Peppermint Macarons
- Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe
- Homemade Peppermint Patties
- Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna
- Peppermint Bark Fudge
- 17+ of the Best Peppermint Recipes
Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 (10-ounce) bags miniature marshmallows
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 8 cups Rice Krispies
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes, divided (about 4 candy canes)
- 5 ounces chopped dark chocolate (about ¾ cup)
- 5 ounces chopped white chocolate (about ¾ cup)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Unwrap and crush candy canes.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Reduce the heat to low and add most of the marshmallows, setting aside 1 cup for later. Stir until completely melted and combined.½ cup salted butter, 2 (10-ounce) bags miniature marshmallows
- Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract, Rice Krispies, 2 tablespoons of the crushed candy canes, and the reserved marshmallows. Transfer to the prepared pan, pressing gently into an even layer without compacting. It helps to use the empty butter wrapper or buttered hands or spatula to press out the rice krispies treats.¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, 8 cups Rice Krispies, ¼ cup crushed candy canes,
- Carefully melt the dark chocolate and white chocolate in separate bowls by heating in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each burst of heat, until smooth. Drizzle both types of chocolate over the rice krispies treats, then give the pan a little shake to help smooth out the top a bit. Sprinkle with the remaining crushed candy cane pieces. Let the rice krispies set up completely before slicing them into squares.5 ounces chopped dark chocolate, 5 ounces chopped white chocolate
Notes
Storage & Make Ahead
- Store: Keep treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to stay fresh and chewy.
- Freeze: Wrap each square in plastic wrap and freeze in a container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheat: Warm thawed treats briefly in the microwave for a gooey texture, but don’t overdo it to preserve the chocolate layers.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to three days in advance and store in a sealed container—perfect for easy holiday entertaining!
