Krispies Treats Recipe
Delightfully festive peppermint Krispie Treats, combining the classic crunchy Rice Krispies cereal with melted marshmallows, a refreshing hint of peppermint extract, and vibrant green coloring. Mini chocolate chips add a sweet contrast, making these treats perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a fun and chewy snack.
- Author: lea
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 4 2/3 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (reserve 3 tablespoons for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (about 10 drops of liquid coloring)
- Prepare the bowl: Grease a large mixing bowl with butter or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking while mixing the cereal treat ingredients.
- Add the cereal: Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the prepared bowl and set aside to combine later with the melted marshmallow mixture.
- Melt the butter: In a medium-large saucepan over low heat, begin melting the four tablespoons of salted butter, ensuring it does not brown or burn.
- Add and stir marshmallows: Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir to coat them thoroughly for even melting.
- Continue heating and melting: Keep heating the marshmallows, stirring occasionally until about three-quarters of them have melted into the butter.
- Finish melting off heat: Remove the saucepan from heat and continue stirring vigorously, smashing remaining marshmallows until they are fully melted and smooth.
- Add peppermint and coloring: Stir in the peppermint extract and approximately 10 drops of green food coloring to give the mixture a festive flavor and vibrant color.
- Combine with cereal: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal in the bowl, tossing gently to evenly coat each piece.
- Cool slightly: Allow the mixture to cool for 5-8 minutes until it feels cool enough to handle without melting the chocolate chips.
- Add chocolate chips: Reserve about 3 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips for topping. Stir the remaining chocolate chips into the cooled cereal and marshmallow mixture until fully combined.
- Press into pan: Spread the sticky mixture evenly into a well-buttered 8-inch pan, pressing gently to compact it without crushing the cereal.
- Top with chocolate chips: Sprinkle the reserved mini chocolate chips evenly over the top and press them lightly into the surface using the back of a rubber spatula or spoon.
- Cool completely: Let the assembled treats set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to firm up before cutting.
- Cut and serve: Remove the cooled Krispie Treat slab from the pan and cut into 16 equal squares for serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh marshmallows for a smooth, chewy texture.
- You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste, but be cautious as it is strong.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the treats hold together when cut.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To make it a gluten-free recipe, ensure the Rice Krispies cereal is certified gluten-free.
Keywords: Krispie treats, peppermint rice krispies, holiday treats, marshmallow cereal bars, chocolate chip krispie treats, festive snacks