Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Festive Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe for Joy

Whipping up delightful christmas chocolate rice krispie balls can turn an ordinary afternoon into a festive celebration.

Sweet memories flood back with every chocolatey bite of this classic treat.

Marshmallows and crispy rice create a magical combination that sparks joy.

Kids and adults alike will adore the simple yet irresistible texture of these no-bake delights.

Rich chocolate coating adds a luxurious touch to the nostalgic snack.

Sprinkles and decorative drizzles make these treats look as spectacular as they taste.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through holiday cheer that you won’t want to miss.

Krispie Balls Holiday Style Options

  • Gluten-Free Edition: Replace regular Rice Krispies with gluten-free rice cereal to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Transformation: Swap marshmallows with vegan marshmallow brands and use dairy-free chocolate chips for plant-based chocolate balls.
  • Nut-Free Option: Skip nut-based decorations and use festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for added crunch and holiday flair.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Utilize sugar-free chocolate chips and sugar-free marshmallows to create a diabetic-friendly version of these festive treats.

FAQs

  • Can I make these Rice Krispie Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these balls up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • Are these suitable for people with nut allergies?

The basic recipe doesn’t include nuts, but always check your specific ingredients to ensure they are nut-free.

  • How can I prevent the chocolate from cracking when coating the balls?

Let the Rice Krispie balls sit at room temperature for a few minutes before dipping, and ensure the chocolate is at the right melting temperature.

  • Can I decorate these with different toppings?

Absolutely! You can sprinkle crushed candy canes, colored sprinkles, or holiday-themed decorations on the chocolate coating while it’s still wet.

A Crowd Favorite: Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

  • Savor Quick Holiday Delight: These festive treats whip up in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy holiday bakers seeking a speedy dessert solution.
  • Create Kid-Friendly Fun: Children can help roll the balls and sprinkle decorations, turning dessert-making into a delightful family bonding activity that sparks joy and creativity.
  • Customize Chocolate Varieties: Switch between milk and dark chocolate coatings to match different taste preferences, allowing personal flavor exploration with minimal extra effort.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these rice krispie balls in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for two months, ensuring stress-free holiday entertaining and convenient dessert planning.

Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Components

Base Ingredients:
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy base that provides crunch and texture for the holiday treat.
  • Marshmallows: Binding agent that helps hold the balls together with sweet softness.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps melt marshmallows smoothly.
Chocolate Coating:
  • Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Melting Wafers: Smooth coating that creates a delicious outer shell. Dark or milk chocolate work great for different flavor profiles.
  • Coconut Oil or Vegetable Shortening: Helps thin chocolate for easier dipping and creates a glossy finish.
Decorative Touches:
  • Sprinkles, Holiday Colored Sanding Sugar: Festive toppings that add color and Christmas spirit. Choose red, green, or white for traditional holiday look.
  • Holiday Themed Sprinkles: Optional decorative element for extra festive flair and visual appeal.

Rice Krispie Ball Instructions with Holiday Flair

Rice Krispie Ball Instructions with Holiday Flair

Step 1: Prepare Tasty Ingredients

Grab your Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, butter, vanilla extract, white chocolate, and festive sprinkles.

Make sure everything is fresh and ready to go.

  • Rice Krispies cereal
  • Marshmallows
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • White chocolate
  • Holiday sprinkles

Step 2: Melt Marshmallow Magic

In a large pot, melt butter over low heat.

Add marshmallows and stir continuously until they transform into a smooth, gooey mixture.

Remove from heat and quickly mix in vanilla extract for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Create Sticky Rice Krispie Base

Pour the marshmallow mixture over Rice Krispies cereal.

Use a spatula to gently fold and combine until every crispy piece is coated with marshmallow goodness.

Let the mixture cool slightly so it’s comfortable to handle.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Balls

With slightly damp hands, roll the mixture into small, even-sized balls.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Chocolate Coating Extravaganza

Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning.

Carefully dip each Rice Krispie ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Decorate With Holiday Cheer

Immediately sprinkle holiday-themed decorations over the chocolate-coated balls before the chocolate sets.

This adds a festive touch and makes them look super cute.

Step 7: Chill and Enjoy

Place the decorated balls in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to help the chocolate harden.

Once set, they’re ready to be devoured and shared with friends and family.

Festive Ideas for Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

  • Gently heat chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to achieve a silky smooth consistency without burning.
  • Experiment with milk, dark, or white chocolate for varied taste profiles that suit different preferences and holiday moods.
  • Refrigerate rice krispie balls for 15-20 minutes before coating in chocolate to help them maintain shape and make dipping smoother.
  • Sprinkle crushed candy canes, colored sprinkles, or drizzle contrasting chocolate colors to add a fun, festive touch to your treats.
  • Keep these delightful balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for extended enjoyment during holiday gatherings.

Store Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

  • Store Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them chilled for maximum freshness up to 7 days.
  • Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Frozen treats will maintain quality for 2 months.
  • Remove frozen Rice Krispie Balls from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their soft texture.
  • These chocolate treats taste best when slightly cool, so enjoy them straight from the refrigerator for the most delightful crunch and flavor.

What to Plate with Christmas Rice Krispie Balls

  • Elevate Sweet Chocolate Coating: Pair these festive rice krispie balls with a rich, smooth port wine that complements the chocolate's depth and sweetness.
  • Match Holiday Flavor Profile: Serve alongside warm spiced chai tea, which brings out the chocolate's warmth and adds a cozy Christmas feel to the dessert.
  • Enhance Texture Contrast: Pour a cold glass of creamy eggnog to balance the crispy texture of the rice krispie balls and add a luxurious holiday touch.
  • Create Indulgent Experience: Pour a small shot of Irish cream liqueur for adults, which intensifies the chocolate notes and provides a delightful after-dinner treat.
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Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive Christmas chocolate rice krispie balls bring holiday magic to sweet treats. Crispy, chocolatey spheres melt in your mouth, delivering Christmas cheer with each delightful bite you savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup Rice Krispies
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup shredded coconut

Binding Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 package chocolate chips (453 grams / 16 ounces)
  • 1 square sweet chocolate (such as Bakers chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring at 30-second intervals to prevent burning and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine crispy rice cereal with marshmallow mixture, gently folding to ensure even distribution without crushing the delicate cereal.
  3. Use clean, slightly dampened hands to shape the mixture into uniform round balls, working quickly before the mixture cools and becomes challenging to mold.
  4. Allow shaped balls to firm up at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes before initiating the chocolate coating process.
  5. Carefully dip each chilled rice krispie ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to elegantly rotate and fully enrobe the treat, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
  6. Place chocolate-covered balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, immediately garnishing with festive sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations before the chocolate sets.
  7. For optimal texture and flavor preservation, refrigerate the completed chocolate rice krispie balls in an airtight container, where they will maintain their delightful crunch and sweetness.
  8. When preparing for longer storage, layer the balls between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their decorative appearance.

Notes

  • Melt chocolate slowly and gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent burning and achieve a silky smooth coating.
  • Experiment with different chocolate varieties like white, milk, or dark chocolate to create unique flavor profiles and match personal preferences.
  • Refrigerate or freeze these festive treats in an airtight container to extend their shelf life and maintain their delightful texture.
  • For dietary variations, try using gluten-free Rice Krispies or dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate different nutritional needs and allergies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Melting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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