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Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Reindeer

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These festive rice krispie treat reindeer transform the classic cereal bars into adorable holiday characters that will make everyone smile. Their pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and cute red noses make the perfect Christmas treat to make with kids or bring to your next holiday party.

Festive Christmas treats shaped like reindeer with pretzel antlers and chocolate coating, served with hot cocoa and decorations.

If you are on the hunt for more Christmas treat recipes, you might want to try out my Christmas Oreo Balls Recipe or my Easy Christmas Tree Brownie Bites. Both recipes use chocolate melts just like these reindeer treats and are perfect for your holiday dessert table.

Still in the mood for rice krispie treats? Check out my Neapolitan Rice Krispies Treats recipe that combines strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavors for a unique twist on the classic.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It takes just 30 minutes of prep time plus 1 hour setting time
  • It only requires simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
  • Perfect for making with kids during the holiday season
  • Can be made ahead for Christmas parties or cookie exchanges

What’s in This Rice Krispie Treat Reindeer Recipe?

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredients arranged on a table: mini marshmallows, butter, vanilla, candy melts, M&M's, cereal, mini pretzels, and sprinkles.
  • Unsalted butter helps create that classic chewy texture while allowing you to control the saltiness.
  • Mini marshmallows form the base of these treats, with some reserved to fold in at the end for extra texture and gooeyness.
  • Pure vanilla extract adds depth of flavor to complement the marshmallows and cereal.
  • Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
  • Rice Krispies cereal provides the signature crispy crunch we all love
  • Nonpareils add festive color and sparkle throughout the treats
  • Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers create a smooth chocolate coating that sets beautifully
  • Mini pretzel twists transform into perfect reindeer antlers
  • Candy eyes bring our reindeer friends to life
  • M&M’s in red and brown make adorable noses
  • Red candy melts add the finishing touch of a festive scarf

Substitutions and Additions

  • Rice Krispies can be swapped for Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate version
  • Ghirardelli melting wafers can be replaced with chocolate chips melted with a bit of coconut oil
  • Pretzel antlers could be substituted with mini candy canes or chocolate-covered pretzels
  • Candy eyes can be replaced with black decorative gel icing or melted black candy melts
  • M&M noses could be swapped for Red Hots or other small round red candies
  • Add-ins like different sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels can be mixed into the base
  • Red candy melt scarves could be made with any color to match your holiday theme

How to Make Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats (step-by-step directions)

Four-step process of melting marshmallows in a red pot on a stove: butter melting, adding marshmallows, partially melted, fully melted.
  1. Begin by preparing your workspace – line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Gently melt butter in a large pot over low heat, careful not to overheat or brown it. (Photo 1)
  3. Set aside 2 cups of marshmallows, then add the remaining marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly over low heat until completely melted and smooth. (Photos 2 & 3)
  4. Remove from heat immediately and stir in vanilla extract and salt until well combined. (Photo 4)
Four step process of making marshmallow rice cereal treats in a red pot and spreading them in a rectangular pan.
  1. Fold Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated, then add reserved marshmallows and nonpareil sprinkles. Continue folding until everything is well distributed. (Photos 5, 6, & 7)
  2. Spread mixture into prepared pan, pressing gently to create an even layer. (Photo 8)
Collage of rice crispy treats on a baking sheet, and melted chocolate in a bowl.
  1. Allow treats to cool and set for 30-45 minutes before cutting into bars. (Photo 9)
  2. Melt chocolate wafers using a double boiler or candy melting pot until smooth. (Photo 10)
Step-by-step process of decorating rice krispie treats with chocolate, pretzels, and candy eyes to resemble reindeer.
  1. Dip the top of each bar in melted chocolate and place on a lined baking tray. (Photo 11)
  2. Add pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and an M&M nose before the chocolate sets. (Photo 12)
  3. Create scarves using melted red candy melts in a piping bag, allowing them to cool slightly before piping. (Photos 13 & 14)
  4. Let treats set completely for about 15 minutes before serving.
Two stacked rice crispy treats with chocolate topping, decorated with pretzels and candies, on a festive napkin.

Recipe Tips

  • Spray your hands lightly with cooking spray when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
  • Keep heat low when melting marshmallows to prevent them from getting too tough.
  • Don’t compress the mixture too firmly, or the treats will become dense
  • Work quickly when adding decorations so the chocolate doesn’t set before you’re finished
  • Let red candy melts cool slightly before piping, or they’ll run too quickly
  • Cut bars into even sizes for a consistent look
  • Have all decorations ready before starting the chocolate dipping process
  • Keep extra chocolate melted in case you need to touch up any spots

Storing Tips

  • Storage: Store rice krispie treat reindeer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Refrigerator: Not recommended, as refrigeration will make the treats hard and affect their texture.
  • Freezing: While you can freeze plain Rice Krispie treats, these decorated versions don’t freeze well, as the decorations may fall off during thawing.

Serving Suggestions

These festive treats pair perfectly with other holiday favorites from the site, like my Festive Gingerbread Hot Cocoa Bombs or a Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bomb for a cozy Christmas treat. 

For a complete holiday dessert spread, serve alongside my Christmas Muddy Buddies and Christmas Pretzels Dipped in Chocolate.

Festive reindeer-themed treat with pretzel antlers, red candy nose, and chocolate coating on a textured green napkin.

Recipe FAQs

Why did my Rice Krispie treats turn out hard?

The most common reason for hard Rice Krispie treats is overheating the marshmallows or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. Keep the heat low and press gently for best results.

Can I make these reindeer rice krispie treats ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these up to two days in advance. For best results, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Why isn’t my chocolate setting properly?

If your chocolate isn’t setting well, it might be too warm in your kitchen. You can pop the treats in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to help the chocolate set, but don’t leave them in too long.

How do I prevent my decorations from falling off?

Add the decorations while the chocolate is wet, and gently press them in. Once it sets, the chocolate acts as “glue” to hold everything in place.

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?

While you can use regular marshmallows, mini marshmallows melt more evenly and are easier to work with. If using regular marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces first.

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Six reindeer themed treats with chocolate, pretzels, and candy eyes on a wooden tray.
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Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Reindeer


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
These festive reindeer rice krispie treats transform the classic cereal bars into adorable holiday characters that will make everyone smile.

Ingredients 

  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 16 ounces (453 ⅗ g) mini marshmallows divided
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 cups (224 g) Rice Krispies cereal
  • ¼ cup (40 g) nonpareils
  • 10 ounce (283 ½ g) package Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers
  • Mini pretzel twists for the antlers
  • Candy eyes
  • Red and brown M&M’s for the nose
  • Red candy melts for the scarf

Instructions

  • Begin by preparing your workspace – line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Gently melt butter in a large pot over low heat, careful not to overheat or brown it.
    1 stick unsalted butter
  • Set aside 2 cups of marshmallows, then add the remaining marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly over low heat until completely melted and smooth.
    16 ounces mini marshmallows
  • Remove from heat immediately and stir in vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract,¼ teaspoon salt
  • Fold in Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated, then add reserved marshmallows and nonpareil sprinkles. Continue folding until everything is well distributed.
    8 cups Rice Krispies cereal,¼ cup nonpareils
  • Spread mixture into prepared pan, pressing gently to create an even layer.
  • Allow treats to cool and set for 30-45 minutes before cutting into bars.
  • Melt chocolate wafers using a double boiler or candy melting pot until smooth.
    10 ounce package Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers
  • Dip the top of each bar in melted chocolate and place on a lined baking tray.
  • Add pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and an M&M nose before the chocolate sets.
    Mini pretzel twists,Candy eyes,Red and brown M&M’s for the nose
  • Create scarves using melted red candy melts in a piping bag, allowing them to cool slightly before piping.
    Red candy melts for the scarf
  • Let treats set completely for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Spray your hands lightly with cooking spray when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
  • Keep heat low when melting marshmallows to prevent them from getting too tough.
  • Don’t compress the mixture too firmly, or the treats will become dense
  • Work quickly when adding decorations so the chocolate doesn’t set before you’re finished
  • Let red candy melts cool slightly before piping, or they’ll run too quickly
  • Cut bars into even sizes for a consistent look
  • Have all decorations ready before starting the chocolate dipping process
  • Keep extra chocolate melted in case you need to touch up any spots

Nutrition Information

Calories: 261kcal (13%) Carbohydrates: 51g (17%) Protein: 2g (4%) Fat: 7g (11%) Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.003g Cholesterol: 0.1mg Sodium: 145mg (6%) Potassium: 75mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 31g (34%) Vitamin A: 995IU (20%) Vitamin C: 9mg (11%) Vitamin D: 1µg (7%) Calcium: 6mg (1%) Iron: 5mg (28%)

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