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Reindeer rice krispie treats arranged on parchment paper with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a red candy nose.
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Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Soft and chewy rice krispie treats with festive reindeer decorations. The perfect Christmas activity for young helpers!
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Decorating Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 15 treats
Calories 208kcal
Cost $10

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 15 ounces mini marshmallows (about 1 ½ bags)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 cups rice cereal such as Rice Krispies
  • 2 tablespoons semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 15 small red candies (m&m's, red hots, or skittles)
  • 30 candy eyes
  • 15+ mini pretzels

Instructions

  • Prepare a 9x13 baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray and adding parchment paper to the bottom for easy removal.
  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is almost completely melted, add the marshmallows.
  • Stir to coat the marshmallows fully in the butter. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring intermittently until the marshmallows melt completely. Don't overcook, as this will cause the mixture to burn and the marshmallows to harden.
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  • Pour in the cereal. Stir to fully combine, making sure to scrape any additional marshmallows from the bottom of the pot.
  • Dump out the cereal and marshmallow mixture into the 9x13 baking pan. Using a greased spoon, spread out evenly from edge to edge.
  • Allow the rice krispie treats to cool and slightly harden for about 15 minutes before slicing into 15 even-sized rectangles.
  • Remove them from the baking pan and use your hands to mold them into evenly shaped rectangles.
  • Add chocolate chips to a plastic zip-top bag. Melt in 30 second intervals in the microwave until smooth. Snip a small corner off the bag. Use the melted chocolate as the glue to hold on the other decorations.
  • Place a small dot of melted chocolate in the upper center of the rice krispie treats and quickly press the red candy into the chocolate until it sticks. (If using a candy like m&m's with a noticeable logo, flip them upside down so only the plain side is showing.)
  • Now, add 2 chocolate dots for the eyes right above the red candy. Press the candy eyes into the chocolate until they stick.
  • Cut or break the pretzels in half to create antlers. You may need more than 15 pretzels, in case any break while cutting.
  • Again, use the melted chocolate to add 2 small lines on top of each rice krispie treat. Stick the halved pretzels into each line.
  • Allow all the chocolate to harden before moving, stacking, or serving.

Storage

  • To store: For optimal results, store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Refrigeration is not recommended.
    To freeze: Freeze in an airtight container or zip-top bag up to 6 months. To defrost, remove from the freezer and allow to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. You can also speed up the process by microwaving for 15 to 30 seconds to soften.

Notes

  1. Candy eyes can be found in the baking or cake decorating aisle of your grocery store. You can also purchase them on amazon.
  2. Don't skimp on the butter or marshmallows - this recipe uses more than what the "box instructions" call for so that you have perfectly soft and chewy rice krispie treats that will last on your counter more than 1 day.
  3. Use the photos provided in the above post to help you with assembling the decorations.

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 193mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1137IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 5mg