Imagine the cool, festive zing of peppermint melting perfectly with the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies. That’s exactly the magic you get in this **Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe**—a twist on a classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

The image shows square treats layered with three visible parts: the bottom layer is a light beige crispy rice cereal, soft and airy, the middle layer is a dark brown chocolate drizzle with a glossy look, and the top layer is a white drizzle with small crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces sprinkled all over. The treats are arranged on a white marbled surface, mixed with small whole peppermint candies scattered around, adding a festive red and white color contrast. One treat is held by a woman's hand showing the porous texture inside. 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 Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of Rice Krispies treats in my day, but adding peppermint and that crushed candy cane crunch just takes it to a whole new level. This recipe is perfect when you want something festive without fussing over complicated baking—it’s quick, fun, and deeply satisfying.

Festive Flavor Boost: Peppermint extract combined with candy cane pieces adds a refreshing holiday touch that brightens the classic treat.
Textural Fun: The mix of soft marshmallows, crispy cereal, and crunchy candy creates a perfect bite every time.
Chocolate Layers: Adding both dark and white chocolate drizzles brings richness and visual appeal that’s impressive but easy.
Simple & Quick: You can have these ready in under 30 minutes, making them awesome for last-minute parties or sweet cravings.

The image shows a stack of two square rice cereal treats with a light, crispy texture and beige color. The top layer is covered with a shiny, dark chocolate coating that has small bits of red and white candy sprinkled over it. Pieces of white marshmallow are baked inside the treats, visible within the beige layers. The treats are placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and a few striped red and white peppermint candies lie beside them. In the background, blurred cereal treats can be seen, with a clear glass bottle featuring a red stopper adding some height. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here balance classic crunch with festive flavor and creamy richness. Each plays a key role in both taste and texture, so I recommend using the best you can find, especially with the chocolate and peppermint.

Flat lay of a small square pat of salted butter, a generous pile of miniature white marshmallows, a small white bowl of clear peppermint extract, a neat mound of puffed Rice Krispies cereal, a small white bowl filled with crushed red and white candy cane pieces, a small white bowl of chopped dark chocolate chunks, a small white bowl of chopped white chocolate chunks, all arranged symmetrically and naturally fresh 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

Salted butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly, plus the salt balances sweetness nicely.
Miniature marshmallows: They melt easily for a gooey base but keep a bit of texture when some are reserved and mixed in later.
Peppermint extract: Gives that unmistakable holiday zing—don’t skip it or substitute improperly, or you’ll lose the signature flavor.
Rice Krispies cereal: Provides crisp, airy crunch that holds the treat’s shape without feeling heavy.
Crushed candy canes: These aren’t just for decoration—they add bursts of peppermint crunch and color throughout.
Chopped dark and white chocolate: Layered drizzles create a beautiful finish and balance sweet with slight bitterness.

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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

One of the fun things about Rice Krispies treats is how easy it is to add your own spin. For example, I love swapping in white chocolate chips right in the mix sometimes or using peppermint bark pieces instead of crushed candy canes for extra holiday cheer!

Variation: I once sprinkled mini M&Ms on top instead of candy canes for a colorful twist—delicious, especially for kids.
Dietary Change: For a gluten-free option, just make sure your cereal is certified gluten-free.
Seasonal Twist: Swap peppermint extract with orange or cinnamon for a cozy fall feel.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Candy Canes

I always start by lining my 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps me lift the treats out easily. Next, unwrap your candy canes and crush them by placing them in a plastic bag and smashing gently with a rolling pin. You want small, uneven pieces—not powder.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Use a large pot over medium heat to melt your butter first—watch carefully so it doesn’t brown. Then reduce heat to low, add most of the marshmallows (reserve 1 cup for later), and stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth. This is the point where you build the gooey base, so don’t rush it or you’ll end up with clumps.

Step 3: Add Peppermint and Cereal Mix

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Then quickly fold in the Rice Krispies, crushed candy canes (reserve some for topping), and the reserved marshmallows. These add extra chew and little pockets of fluffiness in each bite.

Step 4: Press and Chill

Transfer everything into your lined pan. Press gently with buttered hands or use the empty butter wrapper to spread it evenly—but don’t compact it too much or the treats get too dense. Let it cool just a bit before moving to the chocolate step.

Step 5: Chocolate Drizzle Magic

In separate bowls, melt the dark and white chocolates—20 seconds at a time in the microwave with stirring between bursts works best to avoid burning. Drizzle both over the treats, then sprinkle the remaining crushed candy cane on top. Give the pan a gentle shake to smooth it out before letting it set completely.

Top Tip

After making these Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats a few times, I learned the key to perfect texture and flavor is in controlling the heat when melting marshmallows and butter. Too hot, and the marshmallows get grainy; too cool, and they won’t combine evenly.

Low & Slow Melting: Keep your pot on low heat once butter is melted to prevent scorching the marshmallows.
Gentle Pressing: Use buttered hands or the butter wrapper to gently press into the pan without compacting too much for fluffier treats.
Chocolate Tempering Shortcut: Microwave chocolates in short bursts stirring often to avoid burning and maintain a glossy finish.
Crush Candy Canes Just Right: Aim for small chunks rather than powder to get that lovely peppermint crunch consistently.

How to Serve Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Peppermint Rice Krispies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle just a bit more crushed candy cane right before serving for extra sparkle and crunch, and sometimes add a tiny dusting of edible glitter for holiday parties—it’s a simple touch that wows. You can also lightly drizzle some additional melted white chocolate right on top for an elegant finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats are sweet enough on their own, so I usually pair them with a hot cup of cocoa or peppermint mocha for the full cozy vibe. They also go great alongside gingerbread cookies or spiced nuts if you’re hosting a holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve arranged these treats on a festive platter with holly sprigs and small candy canes lining the edges. Wrapping individual squares in cellophane tied with red or green ribbons also makes them perfect as homemade gifts, and trust me, they get gobbled up fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay chewy and fresh for up to five days, which is great if you want to make a batch early for a party or keep some handy for a quick sweet fix.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well here. I wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed container. When thawed at room temperature, they taste almost like freshly made—just remember to unwrap before reheating to avoid any sogginess.

Reheating

If you want that freshly-made gooeyness back, pop a thawed treat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Don’t overheat, or you risk melting the chocolate drizzle and losing the peppermint crunch. A gentle warm-up is all you need.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones in this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that they might take a little longer to melt. Miniature marshmallows tend to melt faster and more evenly, which helps with the gooey texture.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for this recipe?

The easiest way is to place candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or heavy pan. You want small chunks for texture, not fine powder, which can quickly melt into the treats.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe vegan or dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative and check that your marshmallows are vegan (some brands offer vegan versions). Also, make sure your Rice Krispies cereal doesn’t contain vitamin D3 derived from animal sources.

How do I prevent my Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats from getting too hard?

The key is not to overcook the marshmallow mixture and to press the cereal lightly rather than compacting it tightly in the pan. Storing them in an airtight container at room temperature also helps maintain a chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it combines the simple joy of a childhood favorite with that magical peppermint punch we all crave during the holidays. Making these treats always brings a little festive cheer into the kitchen, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy sharing them as much as I do. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to festive snack!