Name: No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispies Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz white chocolate chips; 1 cup peanut butter; 2 cups rice krispies; 2 cups marshmallows

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.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with clusters of light tan crispy cereal treats. Each cluster is made of puffed rice cereal coated in a creamy, smooth beige mixture that binds the cereal together. The clusters vary in size and have a rough, textured surface with visible individual cereal pieces clumped tightly. In the background, a white cloth with red stripes is softly draped, adding a pop of color behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

The image shows many small, round clusters of light golden popcorn mixed with a smooth, creamy coating, placed on a baking tray lined with white parchment paper. The baking tray is gray with a slight shine, and it rests on a white marbled surface with a red-striped cloth partially visible in the corner. Each popcorn cluster looks bumpy and textured, with the coating evenly covering the popcorn, forming irregular shapes, all arranged neatly in rows on the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of a small mound of glossy white chocolate chips, a smooth scoop of creamy peanut butter, a neat pile of crunchy rice krispies, and a cluster of soft white marshmallows, each ingredient arranged separately in simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Christmas Rice Krispies - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?

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.

What if I don’t have a double boiler?

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.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

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.

How long do these cookies last?

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!