Festive Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls You’ll Love

As a baker, the holiday season brings out my most nostalgic and joyful recipes, and nothing captures the spirit of Christmas quite like my Festive Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls. These bite-sized treats are a holiday favorite in my kitchen, and I’ve made them year after year for my family, friends, and customers. I still remember the first time I made them—I was looking for something fun, delicious, and easy to make for a school bake sale. They were a hit, and ever since then, they’ve become a cherished tradition every December.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and the burst of festive flavors in every bite. Each ball is crunchy, chocolatey, and just the right balance between sweet and satisfying. I always say that these are the perfect treats to make with kids, too—they love getting their hands in the mix and rolling the little balls together. It’s a beautiful way to create memories while baking.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust it to suit any flavor preference or occasion. Swap the chocolate coating for white chocolate or add festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even dried fruit to the mixture. It’s a canvas for creativity, and you can adapt it every year for a slightly different twist.

It’s also wonderfully affordable. With just a few pantry staples—Rice Krispies, chocolate chips, butter, and marshmallows—you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank. These ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store, especially during the holidays.

The best part is how well these treats store. You can make them ahead of time, freeze them, or pack them into festive boxes for gifts, potlucks, or parties. They travel well and hold their shape beautifully, which makes them ideal for cookie exchanges or as a homemade addition to a dessert table.

Ingredients for the recipe:

• 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional, for decoration)

• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making these Festive Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls is one of the easiest and most rewarding holiday treats you’ll ever prepare. I always say this recipe is proof that you don’t need a complicated method to create something impressive and loved by all. Whether you’re baking for your own family, a festive gathering, or just looking to stock your treat jar with something sweet, this recipe checks every box.

Step-by-step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Prepare your workspace

Before you begin, line a large baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside. It’s also helpful to have two small bowls ready—one for melting chocolate and another for sprinkles or decorations. I like to clear some space on the counter so the rolling process stays neat and organized.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate and butter

In a large heatproof bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Place the bowl over a saucepan with a few inches of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir gently and continuously until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. You can also microwave the mixture in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted.

Step 3: Add the marshmallows

Once the chocolate and butter are melted, add the mini marshmallows directly into the bowl. Stir until the marshmallows melt into the mixture and it becomes thick and glossy. If needed, return to gentle heat to help the marshmallows blend. This mixture becomes the sticky base that holds everything together.

Step 4: Mix in vanilla and Rice Krispies

Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Then immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, using a spatula to coat every piece thoroughly. Work quickly here—the mixture will start to set as it cools. If you’d like to add crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles to the mixture itself, now is the time.

Step 5: Shape into balls

While the mixture is still warm, grease your hands lightly with a bit of butter or neutral oil. Scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball onto the prepared tray. You should get about 18 to 20 balls from this batch.

Step 6: Add decorations

While the balls are still slightly warm and tacky, roll them in sprinkles or press a few crushed candy cane pieces onto each one. If you want to drizzle them with melted white chocolate, melt the white chocolate chips and use a spoon to create a zigzag pattern over the top. This adds a lovely contrast and enhances the festive look.

Step 7: Chill to set

Place the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the balls are firm and hold their shape. Once set, you can transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Quick and Easy

The beauty of this recipe lies in how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, you can have a full batch prepared and chilled in under an hour. No baking, no fancy equipment, and no stress—it’s a go-to when you need something festive and fast.

Customizable

These chocolate Rice Krispie balls are easy to adjust to suit different tastes or dietary needs. You can switch the semi-sweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate, add in finely chopped nuts for extra texture, or use colorful mini marshmallows for a playful twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a touch of peppermint extract for a cool, refreshing finish.

Popular with Many People

Every time I make these, they disappear quickly. They’re loved by kids and adults alike, which makes them perfect for sharing. Whether I serve them at a family brunch, wrap them as gifts, or add them to a cookie tray, people always ask for the recipe. The crunchy, gooey, chocolatey combination never fails to impress.

Because they’re made with simple ingredients, they’re also great for those who may have nut allergies (just make sure your chocolate is nut-free). And since they don’t require eggs or flour, they work well for people with common baking sensitivities.

Print

FAQs

Can I make these Rice Krispie balls in advance?
Yes, absolutely. These treats are perfect for making ahead of time. Once they’re rolled and decorated, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re preparing them for a party or gift boxes, you can even freeze them for up to one month—just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
While Rice Krispies give the ideal light and crunchy texture, you can substitute with other puffed cereals such as puffed quinoa, corn flakes (lightly crushed), or even cocoa rice cereal for extra chocolate flavor. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly.

How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands?
The key is to work while the mixture is still warm and lightly grease your hands with butter or neutral oil before rolling. This will prevent the mixture from sticking and make shaping much easier.

Can I skip the decorations?
Yes, the decorations are optional. The balls are just as delicious without them, but festive sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate really add visual appeal for Christmas celebrations.