This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
Holiday trays need one treat that’s cute, quick and impossible to resist. These reindeer Rice Krispie treats start with Cocoa Pebbles for a deep cocoa base, then add candy eyes, bright noses and tiny pretzel antlers for instant charm. The bars press easily in a pan and decorate while warm, so they’re quick to prepare. A little melted chocolate works as glue and adds shine. Make a dozen for a classroom party or stack a platter for your Christmas movie night.
Make reindeer Rice Krispie treats with Cocoa Pebbles, marshmallow mix, candy eyes, bright noses and pretzel antlers. They’re festive, quick and perfect for parties.
Complement these cute treats with graham cracker toffee bars, Grinch Crumbl Christmas cookies and white chocolate cranberry cupcakes.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy: If you’re looking for the perfect holiday treat which isn’t complicated to make, these Christmas cookies are ideal. You only need a few ingredients and there’s no cooking required either, just some melting and stirring.
Super cute: Just look how adorable these reindeer Rice Krispies cookies are. You could pay several dollars for one of these at the bakery or whip up a whole batch of your own for a fraction of the price per serving – and yours will be just as cute, or even more so!
Tasty: The blend of flavors and textures in reindeer Rice Krispies bars is perfect. Everyone will enjoy the combination of cereal, marshmallows, M&Ms, and pretzels. The crunchy, soft and chewy texture contrast is also special.
Rudolph Reindeer Chocolate Krispie Squares Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Cocoa Pebbles: Crisp cocoa cereal that gives the bars chocolate flavor and a light crunch.
Mini marshmallows: Melt into a stretchy binder that keeps slices soft.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the mixture set smooth.
Chocolate chips: Melt into edible glue for eyes, noses and antlers.
Chocolate candies: Peanut butter M&Ms or similar create cute noses.
Mini pretzels: Itty bitty twists that read as antlers and add salty snap.
Candy eyes: Adds fun personality to your reindeer treats.
How to Make Rice Krispie Reindeer
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Melt some of the ingredients: Melt the chocolate chips in a bowl in the microwave, and melt butter and marshmallows together in a pan on the stove over a medium low heat.
Add the cereal: Take the marshmallow mixture off the heat and add in the Rice Krispies or Cocoa Pebbles, stirring constantly.
Press the mixture into a prepared pan: Press it into a 13 x 9-inch cooking spray-greased baking pan.
Add the candy eyes and nose: Dip the back of the candy eyes into the melted chocolate chips and stick them on to the Christmas Rice Krispie treats, then do the same with the M&Ms and then the pretzels.
Cool and cut: Once your Christmas Rice Krispie treats are cool, cut them into squares and serve.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten free option: Use certified gluten free cocoa crisp cereal and gluten free mini pretzels with verified candies.
Vanilla base: Swap Cocoa Pebbles for plain crisp rice cereal and add a splash of vanilla.
White chocolate look: Use white chips for the “glue” or drizzle stripes for contrast.
Color play: Make Rudolph with red noses or mix candy colors across the pan.
Serving Suggestions
With a drink: These are a great treat for Christmas Eve, perhaps while sipping a festive mug of boozy hot chocolate, Grinch green hot chocolate or a Santa’s hat cocktail.
With festive treats: Pair them with other treats like Santa cupcakes or homemade nut brittle. Recipes like these are what Happy Holidays are all about!
How to Store Holiday Rice Krispie Treats
Store: These Christmas Rice Krispie treats should be stored in an airtight container or airtight Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to a week, although after about day 3 they will start to lose their crispy crunch.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 6 weeks if you want, although the texture won’t be as crisp when thawed.
Thaw: Defrost on the counter or in the fridge.
Top Tips
Work fast: Decorate while the surface is warm so pieces stick properly.
Grease tools: Lightly butter your hands or a spatula to press without sticking.
Score first: Lightly score the slab before adding faces to guide even spacing.
Tidy details: Use a toothpick to nudge eyes and noses into perfect position.
Rice Krispies Christmas Treats FAQs
As the peanut ones are a bit bigger, they are a popular choice for the reindeer noses, but if you don’t want to eat peanuts or someone is allergic, you can use any other kind or even another candy altogether.
Yes, you can if you prefer it. Of course, that will make the Rice Krispie treats lighter in color.
The simplest way to get these is from Amazon. I love these candy eyes (here) and use them for Halloween treats and Christmas holiday season ones!
Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Baking Dish 9 x 13-Inch
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Cocoa Pebbles
- ½ Bag mini marshmallows
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- chocolate candies, such as peanut butter M&Ms
- 1 Cup itty bitty mini pretzels
- 24 candy eyes
- ¼ Cup chocolate chips, for melting
Instructions
- Melt the ¼ cup of chocolate chips in the microwave for 30 second intervals.
- In a medium sized pan over low heat, melt the marshmallows and butter together, stirring frequently until there are no lumps.
- Remove from the heat, and add the Cocoa Pebbles.
- Fold in the cereal until all of it is coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and press it evenly. You can butter the pan slightly to make them easier to remove later.
- While the treats are still warm, dip the back half of the eyes, M&Ms and pretzels in the melted chocolate so they will stick to the cereal.
- Place the eyes, M&M’s and pretzels to arrange a face. Space all of the add-ins so that you will have 3 reindeer across and 4 down. There will be 12 total.
- Once the bars are cooled, slice them, making sure to leave space around the pretzels.
Notes
Grease tools: Lightly butter your hands or a spatula to press without sticking.
Score first: Lightly score the slab before adding faces to guide even spacing.
Tidy details: Use a toothpick to nudge eyes and noses into perfect position.
Nutrition
If you want a treat that makes people grin, reindeer Rice Krispie treats are your next move. The base mixes up in minutes, the decorations go on while warm and the faces are almost too cute! Cocoa Pebbles add chocolate depth while pretzels bring snap. Use red noses for Rudolph or mix colors if you want. They’re easy to transport, simple to serve and guaranteed to vanish before the credits roll on your favorite holiday movie. They’re ideal for a party platter and are most definitely Insta-worthy.
Other Recipes to Try
- Christmas Crack is a popular holiday treat.
- Or make these Holiday Reindeer Cookie Treats for a fun and festive dessert.
- Reindeer Cheese Ball: you simply can’t go wrong with this cute appetizer!
- Create some holiday magic with these sassy Reindeer Cupcakes.
- This Christmas Mug Cake is a great choice for the holiday season.
- Whip up a Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip that’s just perfect for holiday parties!
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
There was no leftovers. This has got to be my new favorite recipe from your site!!