There’s something about the jingle of festive lights and the scent of sweet treats in the air that makes the kitchen feel extra cozy. That’s why I’m excited to share this No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe with you. It’s quick, delightfully crunchy, and packed with holiday cheer—perfect for busy days when you want something festive without the fuss.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe has been a favorite in my household for years because it’s so simple and never fails to bring smiles. The best part? It requires zero baking, which means less heat in the kitchen and more time for fun.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes—ideal for last-minute holiday treats.
- No Oven Needed: Perfect when you want cookies but don’t want to turn on the oven during a busy day.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping mix and shape these festive bites, making it a great family activity.
- Deliciously Crunchy: The classic Rice Krispies cereal adds that satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with creamy peanut butter and sweet white chocolate.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role to create the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. When you pick good quality ingredients, it really elevates the final cookies—especially the white chocolate and peanut butter.
- White Chocolate Chips: These melt down to create a smooth, velvety base that binds everything together and adds that sweet, creamy flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Adds a rich, nutty undertone and helps hold the cookies firmly when chilled.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds crunch and lightness—don’t substitute with puffed rice, or the texture will change.
- Marshmallows: Give an extra touch of chewiness and sweetness, making the cookies irresistible.
Make It Your Way
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable depending on what you have on hand or your personal tastes. I sometimes swap out the peanut butter for almond butter for a milder flavor, or toss in some festive sprinkles to make them extra colorful.
- Nut-Free Version: I’ve replaced peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly treats that everyone can enjoy.
- Chocolate Twist: Mixing in a handful of mini chocolate chips adds a surprise burst of chocolate in each bite.
- Extra Crunch: Adding chopped nuts or crushed pretzels can give your cookies that salty-sweet twist I love.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Start by gently melting your white chocolate chips in a double boiler. I love this method because it’s gentle and prevents burning. Once melted and smooth, stir in the peanut butter until you get a glossy, smooth mixture. If you don’t have a double boiler, just set a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water—I've done this many times and it works like a charm!
Step 2: Mix in Cereal and Marshmallows
Remove the bowl from heat and add Rice Krispies cereal along with the marshmallows. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so every crispy bite is coated with that creamy, sweet mixture.
Step 3: Drop and Chill
Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls onto a sheet of waxed paper. Once all the mixture is portioned out, pop the tray into your fridge. The cookies need about 30 minutes to firm up nicely—this step helps them hold their shape perfectly.
Top Tip
In my experience, taking care with the melting step really makes a difference. Overheating white chocolate can make it grainy or burnt, so go low and slow. Also, be sure your marshmallows are fresh and soft—they blend much better and add that lovely chewiness I adore.
- Gentle Melting: Avoid direct heat and stir frequently when melting chocolate and peanut butter.
- Fresh Marshmallows: Use the freshest marshmallows possible to ensure smooth mixing and great texture.
- Even Mixing: Take your time mixing so every crispy piece is evenly coated—not a single bite left unflavored!
- Chill Fully: Don’t rush the chilling step—allow cookies to fully firm up or they’ll be too sticky to handle.
How to Serve No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive flare, I love sprinkling these cookies with a pinch of crushed candy canes or adding a few red and green holiday sprinkles on top before chilling. It gives them such a merry look and a bit of minty crunch!
Side Dishes
Pair these with a mug of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a perfect holiday snack. They also go great alongside other no-bake treats like fudge or spiced nut clusters, making your Christmas spread a dream come true.
Creative Ways to Present
I often arrange these cookies in decorative holiday tins lined with parchment paper and add a sprig of fresh rosemary or holly for a charming presentation. They also make delightful edible gifts when wrapped up with a festive ribbon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them firm and fresh. I've kept mine for up to a week, and they stay wonderfully crunchy and tasty without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them out on parchment-lined trays to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They thaw quickly at room temperature without losing their texture.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake and best served cool, I recommend enjoying them straight from the fridge or after thawing. If you prefer them slightly softer, let them sit out for 10 minutes before eating—no oven necessary!
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can try using other crispy cereals like Cornflakes, but it will change the texture and flavor. Rice Krispies are the perfect size and crispness for this recipe, giving that signature crunch without being too heavy.
No worries! You can create a makeshift double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. This method gently melts your chocolate and peanut butter without burning it. Just be careful handling the hot bowl and steam.
Absolutely! Swap the white chocolate chips for a vegan or dairy-free alternative and ensure your peanut butter and marshmallows are also vegan-friendly (some marshmallows contain gelatin). There are several vegan marshmallow brands available now that work well in this recipe.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to one week. If frozen, they can last up to 3 months, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe feels like a little holiday hug in every bite. Whether you’re whipping them up last minute for a party or making them with your kids, these treats bring joy and comfort with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple on your holiday baking list—and I promise, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Print
No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies are a delightful and easy holiday treat combining sweet white chocolate, creamy peanut butter, crispy rice krispies, and gooey marshmallows. Perfect for festive gatherings or quick dessert cravings, they require no baking and come together in just minutes.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups rice krispies
- 2 cups marshmallows
Instructions
- Melt the white chocolate: In a double boiler, gently melt the white chocolate chips over simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth and completely melted, then remove from heat.
- Combine with peanut butter: Add the peanut butter to the melted chocolate and stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Mix in dry ingredients: Fold in the rice krispies and marshmallows, stirring until everything is evenly combined and coated.
- Form cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of the mixture onto waxed paper, spacing them apart.
- Chill to set: Place the dropped cookies in the refrigerator and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
- Store properly: Once set, store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and firm.
Notes
- If you don't have a double boiler, create one by simmering a few inches of water in a saucepan and placing a heatproof bowl on top. Make sure the bowl fits snugly and avoid steam burns when handling.
- Use waxed paper on your tray or surface to easily remove the cookies after chilling.
- Peanut butter can be substituted with almond or sunflower seed butter for variety or allergy adjustments.
- For firmer cookies, chill for at least 1 hour or until completely set.
- Store cookies in the fridge to prevent melting due to the white chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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