Nothing quite beats that nostalgic crunch combined with a burst of cool peppermint—it's like a holiday hug in every bite! This Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe takes the classic gooey snack to a festive new level with layers of chocolate and crushed candy canes that make it utterly irresistible.

The image shows several square pieces of a crispy rice treat stacked loosely on a white marbled surface. Each treat has two layers: the bottom layer is light golden in color with a puffy, airy texture from the crispy rice, while the top layer is made of dark brown chocolate with white chocolate drizzled unevenly over it. The chocolate is sprinkled with crushed red and white candy pieces, adding a textured, festive touch. Around the treats are whole round peppermint candies with red and white stripes, scattered randomly across the surface. The photo is 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 countless Rice Krispies treats over the years, but adding peppermint and that beautiful peppermint bark layer instantly turned this into a crowd-pleaser — perfect for holiday parties or any cozy gathering. Trust me, once you make these, you'll want to keep them on hand all season long.

Festive Flavor: The cool peppermint extract paired with crushed candy canes adds a refreshing twist that brightens up every bite.
Double Chocolate Delight: Using both dark and white chocolate creates a gorgeous marbled effect and a rich contrast in taste.
Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in about 20 minutes, no fuss, which is perfect when you need a last-minute holiday treat.
Perfect Texture: Keeping some miniature marshmallows whole inside adds little pockets of gooeyness that make these extra special.

The image shows several square pieces of a crispy rice treat stacked on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three main layers: the bottom and middle layers are light golden and crispy, made of puffed rice cereal mixed with a sticky, smooth marshmallow layer, while the top layer is a thin coating of dark chocolate drizzled unevenly, sprinkled with crushed red and white peppermint candy bits. Two whole peppermint candies sit near the front right of the frame, with some blurred stacks of the treats in the background, creating depth. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe plays a key role – the butter and marshmallows create that classic sticky, chewy base, while peppermint extract and candy canes give it that festive zing. And don’t underestimate the magic of layered chocolates on top – it takes these treats to another level.

Flat lay of a half cup of salted butter block, two small piles of miniature white marshmallows, a small white bowl with clear peppermint extract, a large mound of golden puffed Rice Krispies cereal, a small white bowl filled with crushed red and white candy cane pieces, a simple white bowl with chopped dark chocolate chunks, and another white bowl with chopped white chocolate chunks, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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 melt the marshmallows evenly without burning.
Miniature Marshmallows: The star binder—using some reserved marshmallows for texture adds those delightful gooey pockets.
Peppermint Extract: Just the right amount for a fresh, minty punch without overpowering the sweetness.
Rice Krispies: Classic crispy cereal that gives these treats their signature crunch.
Crushed Candy Canes: Brings festive colors and a crunchy, peppermint-infused texture.
Dark Chocolate: Provides rich bitterness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
White Chocolate: Adds creamy sweetness and looks stunning swirled atop.

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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 thing I love about this Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is how easy it is to personalize—whether you want to dial up the peppermint, make it a little more chocolatey, or swap out candy for nuts, it’s really flexible.

Extra Peppermint Kick: I sometimes add a few drops of peppermint oil instead of extract for a stronger mint flavor—just go light to avoid bitterness.
Nutty Twist: Mixing chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the base adds a lovely crunch and warm nutty flavor.
White Chocolate Only: For a sweeter, creamier finish, try topping with just white chocolate—my kids gobble these up faster this way!
Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and marshmallows to make a peppermint twist everyone can enjoy.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Candy Canes

First things first, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and makes it easier to lift the treats out later. Don’t forget to unwrap and crush your candy canes into small pieces; I like using a resealable bag and a rolling pin to get them finely crushed without too many big shards.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows Just Right

Over medium heat, melt the butter gently—this step matters because melted butter ensures everything else melts evenly without burning. Then lower the heat and add most of your marshmallows, saving about a cup to stir in later. Stir constantly until the mix is silky smooth with no lumps. This is where patience pays off; moving too fast or heating too high can cause sticky clumps!

Step 3: Add Peppermint, Cereal & Extra Marshmallows

Right after taking the pot off the heat, stir in that lovely peppermint extract along with your Rice Krispies and two tablespoons of crushed candy canes. Mix in the reserved marshmallows last—they add little bursts of gooeyness you’ll love. Gently fold everything together without smashing, so the treats stay light and crispy.

Step 4: Press Into Pan Without Over-Compacting

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press it out evenly—but here’s a trick: don’t press too hard! I like using the back of a butter wrapper or lightly buttered hands to gently pat the mixture so it holds together yet stays airy. Too much squeezing makes the treats dense, and we want that perfect chewy-crisp texture.

Step 5: Melt and Swirl Your Chocolates

In separate bowls, melt the dark and white chocolates by microwaving in short 20-second bursts, stirring well in between to avoid burning. Drizzle both over the pressed treats in pretty swirls, then give the pan a gentle shake to help smooth the top. Quickly sprinkle with remaining crushed candy cane pieces for a festive crunch.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Cutting

This part tests your patience (I’m guilty of sneaking samples!). Let the treats set at room temperature until the chocolate is firm and the structure is fully set—this usually takes a couple of hours. Then use a sharp knife to slice into squares or rectangles, cleaning the blade between cuts keeps edges clean.

Top Tip

I’ve made Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats dozens of times, and these simple tips really helped me get them consistently perfect and festive:

Gentle Heat: Melt butter and marshmallows on medium-to-low heat to avoid scorch; patience here gives you a glossy, smooth base.
Reserve Marshmallows: Adding some mini marshmallows whole into the mix adds a lovely chewy surprise in every bite.
Use Parchment Paper: It saves time and keeps your pan clean, plus it makes removing treats easier without breaking.
Crush Candy Canes Evenly: Avoid large shards that can hurt when bitten by crushing candy canes finely but not to dust.

How to Serve Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Peppermint Rice Krispies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra crushed candy cane or mini chocolate chips on top for that added sparkle, especially when serving at holiday parties. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate for extra flair. The contrast of red and white candy sprinkles always makes them pop.

Side Dishes

These treats pair beautifully with a warm mug of cocoa or a cool glass of milk. I’ve also served them alongside peppermint hot chocolate bars for a full festive spread that guests adore.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try arranging peppermint Rice Krispies treats on a festive platter with holly leaves or placing each square in mini cupcake liners. Wrapping individual squares in cellophane tied with ribbon also makes a charming homemade gift that looks just as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. I recommend placing parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, which helps maintain their chewy texture without drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. From my experience, freezing these treats preserves freshness well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm and extra gooey, heat thawed treats in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the chocolate layers can soften too much and become messy. A quick warm-up is perfect for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones?

Yes! Although miniature marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, regular marshmallows will work fine. Just chop them into smaller pieces for better melting and a smoother texture.

How do I avoid the treats getting too hard or dry?

The key is not to over-press the mixture in the pan and to store treats in an airtight container at room temperature. Also, don’t overcook your marshmallow mixture; melt gently to maintain softness and chewiness.

Can I make these treats gluten-free?

Absolutely! Rice Krispies cereal sometimes contains malt flavoring derived from barley, so be sure to use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes without a mess?

Place unwrapped candy canes in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and crush them gently using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This method keeps pieces contained and your counter clean.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats Recipe has quickly become a personal favorite for all my holiday baking—there’s just something about the blend of mint, chocolate, and that chewy cereal crunch that takes me right back to cozy family gatherings. I’m confident you’ll find it just as heartwarming and easy to make, so go ahead, whip up a batch and see for yourself how special this delightful treat can be!