Irresistible Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls (No-Bake Holiday Treats)

Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls — the name alone makes my kitchen heart happy! These little bites of chocolatey cheer are the perfect no-bake holiday treat: crunchy, gooey, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a festive party, cookie exchange, or family movie night, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Thanks so much for stopping by my kitchen today — if you love recipes like this, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a cozy, seasonal recipe from me!

Overview of Recipe Content

These Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are a nostalgic spin on the classic Rice Krispie treats — but with a rich, chocolatey twist and shaped into adorable little bites perfect for gifting or snacking.

They’re easy enough for kids to help make, require zero baking, and store beautifully for make-ahead holiday fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No oven required — just melt, mix, and roll!
• Sweet, chewy, and crunchy all at once.
• Perfect for holiday cookie platters or edible gifts.
• Ready in under 30 minutes!

What It Tastes Like

Imagine biting into a crisp, chocolate-marshmallow cloud — soft in the center, delightfully crunchy on the outside, and bursting with cocoa sweetness. It’s like hot cocoa in dessert form!

Health & Seasonal Benefits

While these aren’t exactly “diet” food, they’re portion-controlled, gluten-free if you use GF cereal, and can be made with dark chocolate or vegan butter for a lighter touch.

Ingredients

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• 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Wax paper or parchment
• Cookie scoop (optional)

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a twist.
• Add crushed candy canes for a peppermint pop.
• Stir in chopped nuts, mini M&Ms, or dried cranberries for extra texture and color.

How to Make Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

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1. Melt the Butter & Marshmallows
   In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until smooth and fully melted. Your kitchen will already start smelling like pure holiday magic!
2. Add the Chocolate Chips
   Remove from heat and immediately stir in the chocolate chips until melted and glossy. Then mix in the vanilla extract for that warm, comforting flavor.
3. Mix in the Rice Krispies
   Working quickly, pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until every piece is evenly coated in the chocolate-marshmallow mixture.
4. Shape the Balls
   Let the mixture cool slightly (enough to handle) and then use your hands or a cookie scoop to shape it into 1-inch balls. Place them on wax paper to set.
5. Chill and Serve
   Let the balls cool completely or refrigerate them for 20 minutes for firmer texture. Then, it’s time to devour — or gift — your festive treats!

What to Serve with Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

These sweet bites pair perfectly with:

• A mug of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha
• A platter of Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies
• Or even alongside No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls for a holiday dessert board!

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overheat the marshmallows — slow and low heat keeps them soft and chewy.
• Butter your hands or use a bit of nonstick spray before shaping the balls.
• Store on parchment paper layers to prevent sticking.
• Add festive sprinkles before the balls set for a Christmas sparkle!

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps well up to 1 week.
• Freeze: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

General Information

This recipe first appeared on my kitchen counter one snowy December afternoon when I needed a quick treat for unexpected guests. It’s a timeless favorite — the kind of recipe that makes everyone feel like a kid again.

Looking for more festive desserts? Try:

• Peppermint Bark Fudge
• White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

And don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These hold up beautifully for a few days — just store them airtight.

Q2: Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
You can! Just chop them up or melt them a bit longer for even consistency.

Q3: Can I add peanut butter?
Absolutely. Stir in ¼ cup peanut butter with the butter for a richer flavor.

Q4: How do I make them vegan?
Use vegan marshmallows, dairy-free butter, and dark chocolate chips.

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Conclusion

These Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are everything a holiday treat should be: simple, nostalgic, and joy-filled. Perfect for kids, parties, and those cozy nights when you just need a little sweetness.

If you loved this recipe, try my No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls or Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites next!

Until next time, happy stirring and sweet snacking, my friends.

Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your festive creations!
📸 Tag @poulefrecipe on Pinterest or leave a comment below sharing how yours turned out!

Nutritional Information

Serving	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein
1 ball (approx)	110	4g	18g	12g	1g

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