Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Intro

Every Christmas season, I find myself drifting back into the kitchen like it’s my second home—warm lights on, music humming, and a little extra holiday magic floating around. And one recipe that always, always makes an appearance is my Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe. These little chocolatey bites look festive, taste nostalgic, and basically vanish the second I put them on the table.

There’s something so comforting about mixing melted chocolate, butter, and marshmallows with crunchy cereal. It’s simple, messy in a fun way, and so satisfying. Kids love helping; adults love eating; and I love how they bring everyone together around the counter before dinner is even served.

This Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe isn’t only a dessert—it’s an activity, a tradition, and a sugary love letter to the holiday spirit. Let’s dive in, apron on, cocoa at the ready.

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What Are Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls?

Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are soft, chewy, chocolate-coated cereal treats shaped into adorable bite-sized balls—kind of like truffles but way more fun and much easier to make. They start with melted chocolate, marshmallows, butter, and Rice Krispies cereal stirred together until every crisp piece is coated in glossy chocolate.

Once shaped, they’re chilled until firm and then rolled in holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, shredded coconut, or powdered sugar—depending on what mood the Christmas season has you in.

Think of them as the cheery, festive cousin of classic Rice Krispie treats. They hold their shape, they’re easy to transport, and they’re perfect for cookie boxes, dessert platters, class parties, office trays, or late-night cocoa moments by the Christmas tree.

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The Story of My Discovery of This

I discovered this recipe years ago when I needed a last-minute dessert for a Christmas potluck. I had almost nothing fancy at home—just cereal, chocolate chips, butter, and marshmallows. I mixed them all together, rolled them into mini balls, added sprinkles, and hoped for the best.

They were gone in ten minutes. And every year since, someone asks, “Are you bringing those chocolate cereal balls again?” And trust me, I always do.

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Equipment List

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just simple kitchen basics.

• Large mixing bowl
  
• Medium saucepan
  
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  
• Sheet pan or large tray
  
• Parchment paper
  
• Small scoop or tablespoon (for even shaping)
  
• Fridge or freezer space
  

Optional but helpful: food-safe gloves (rolling chocolate can get… festive).

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Ingredients

For the balls:

• 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for sweeter flavor)
  
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• Pinch of salt
  

For decoration (choose 2–3):

• Christmas sprinkles
  
• Crushed candy canes
  
• Shredded coconut
  
• Cocoa powder
  
• Powdered sugar
  
• Melted white chocolate (for drizzle)
  

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Instructions

1. Prepare your tray.
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
   
2. Melt the chocolate mixture.
   In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, stirring slowly until everything is smooth, melted, glossy, and irresistible.
   
3. Add vanilla and salt.
   Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The salt brings out the chocolate flavor beautifully.
   
4. Mix in the Rice Krispies.
   Pour your cereal into a large bowl. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir until every piece is fully coated.
   
5. Shape the balls.
   Let the mixture cool slightly (so you don’t burn your fingers). Scoop about 1 tablespoon at a time and roll into tight little balls. Place each on your lined tray.
   
6. Decorate.
   Roll them in sprinkles, candy cane dust, coconut—whatever your Christmas heart desires. Or leave them plain and drizzle with melted white chocolate later.
   
7. Chill.
   Pop the tray into the fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 10–12 minutes until the balls set.
   
8. Serve.
   Arrange them on a festive plate and watch them disappear.
   

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Variations to Try

1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Krispie Balls

Add 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter to the melted chocolate mixture for a richer, nuttier taste.

2. Dark Chocolate Cranberry Version

Mix 1/3 cup dried cranberries into the cereal before adding the chocolate mixture.

3. Mint Chocolate Snowballs

Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla and roll the finished balls in crushed candy canes.

4. White Chocolate North Pole Balls

Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate and add Christmas-colored confetti sprinkles.

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Tips for Perfect Rice Krispie Balls

• Work quickly!
  The mixture firms up fast. If it gets too stiff to roll, warm your hands or microwave the bowl for 10 seconds.
  
• Use gloves or lightly greased hands.
  Chocolate sticks to warm hands, so a bit of butter or cooking spray helps.
  
• Let kids help.
  They love rolling the balls and choosing the coatings.
  
• Store properly.
  Keep them in an airtight container so they stay chewy, not dry.
  

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How to Store and Freeze

These little treats are surprisingly durable.

Store:

• Room temp: 3–4 days
  
• Fridge: up to 10 days
  

Freeze:

• Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  
• Thaw at room temp for 15 minutes before eating.
  

They still taste incredible after freezing—just as fudgy and crunchy.

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Serving Ideas for Parties

• Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a festive centerpiece.
  
• Add them to Christmas cookie boxes as the “no-bake surprise treat.”
  
• Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or peppermint lattes.
  
• Place one ball inside each small paper cup for mess-free party snacking.
  

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Why This Recipe Is a Christmas Winner

• No baking.
  
• Only a few ingredients.
  
• Takes less than 20 minutes to assemble.
  
• Super kid-friendly.
  
• Travels well.
  
• Looks adorable and festive.
  
• Straight-up delicious.
  

This recipe is the holiday trifecta: quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, sweet, and totally stress-free Christmas treat, this Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe will always deliver. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people smile when you bring it into the room.

They’re nostalgic, chocolaty, and cheerfully Christmas-themed—everything you want in a holiday bite. I make them every year, and honestly, I can’t imagine Christmas without them.

Let this recipe become part of your own traditions too.

More Delicious Recipes:

• Creamy Cheesecake Fudge Recipe
• Crock Pot Texas Trash Dip Recipe
• Best Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze