Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, adorable, and utterly delicious treat to wow your family or guests this holiday season, you’re in for a real treat. I absolutely love sharing this Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe because it’s not only crazy fun to make but also irresistibly tasty – and perfect for celebrating those cozy winter moments together. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep these reindeer hopping onto your holiday dessert table year after year.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the magic here. I love how the mix of marshmallows, crispy cereal, and that almond bark detail come together to create a treat that’s both nostalgic and festive. Plus, the chocolate-covered pretzels and M&Ms give the reindeer personality and charm!

• Margarine: I recommend using your favorite brand; I personally used Blue Bonnet and found it melts beautifully for smooth marshmallow binding.
• Full-size marshmallows: Makes melting easier and ensures chewy, fluffy treats; don’t skimp here or use mini marshmallows unless you measure carefully.
• Rice Krispies cereal: The classic choice—go for a brand you trust like Great Value for consistent crunch.
• White almond bark: Perfect for that snowy look and helps secure the pretzel ears and edible eyes.
• Chocolate-covered pretzels: These become the adorable antlers; if you can’t find them, plain pretzels dipped in almond bark work too.
• Red and brown M&Ms: Those cute little noses you’ll see bring these reindeer to life.
• Candy eyes: It’s amazing what a pair of eyes can do! Adds personality in no time.
• Colorful sprinkles: I use these for the “hair” between the antlers to add that festive pop of fun.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by swapping out candies or trying different shapes. Feel free to get creative—this is an easy recipe to personalize and make your own little holiday tradition.

• Chocolate Antlers: I once used chocolate almond bark instead of white for the “ears” and it added an extra rich look; highly recommend if you’re a chocolate fan.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mix was a game changer for me—adds a creamy nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
• Allergy-Friendly: You can swap out Margarine for coconut oil and use dairy-free marshmallows to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Seasonal Sprinkles: Using themed sprinkles or edible glitter amps up the festive vibe for different holidays.

How to Make Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan with Love

Start by rubbing 2 tablespoons of margarine all around a 10-inch springform pan—you want to create a non-stick surface so your treats pop right out without any fuss. If you’re feeling extra fancy or want an easier release, placing a parchment paper circle on the bottom is a smart move (though totally optional).

Step 2: Melt the Margarine and Marshmallows

Next, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of margarine over medium-high heat in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Once melted, toss in all your marshmallows and stir constantly until they vanish into a smooth, glossy marshmallow sauce. Here’s the trick I learned: if your marshmallows aren’t fully melted, your treats tend to get a weird chewy, soggy texture instead of the classic crunch you want.

Step 3: Stir in the Rice Krispies

Remove the pot from heat and immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal carefully but thoroughly, making sure every little puff is evenly coated. This is where that beloved crispy texture really comes to life.

Step 4: Transfer and Cool

Pour your marshmallow-Krispie mix into the prepared pan, then use a buttered spatula or your hands (dusted with a bit of margarine) to gently press it flat. You want a smooth, even surface so your little reindeer look perfect. Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes until it’s set but still soft enough to slice.

Step 5: Flip and Slice

This is the fun part: place a large cutting board on top of the pan, flip it over, and carefully remove the sides and bottom of the springform pan—voilà, your giant Krispie treat canvas! Use a sharp knife to cut the circle like a pie: cut in half, then cut those halves in half, then slice each wedge into smaller pieces.

Step 6: Decorate with White Almond Bark and Candy

Melt the white almond bark in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between until silky smooth. On each triangle treat, dab little dots of melted almond bark at the top corners to attach chocolate-covered pretzels as antlers. Then add two dots in the center for the candy eyes, a dab at the tip for the M&M nose, and a final dab between the antlers to stick colorful sprinkles as hair. Let them dry completely before you dive in.

How to Serve Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for those colorful sprinkles between the antlers—they add such a playful, festive touch that cracks up the kids. Plus, the candy eyes and M&M noses give each reindeer its own personality, which is just so charming to see lined up on a plate.

Side Dishes

Personally, I love pairing these with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. They’re also great alongside simple holiday cookies or mini fruit platters if you want to mix up textures and flavors for your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve placed these reindeer treats in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon and handwritten gift tags—instant crowd-pleasing holiday gifts! You can also line them up on a rustic wooden board with pine sprigs for a lovely wintery display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I store the treats at room temperature in an airtight container—they stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, which is usually just enough time before they mysteriously disappear!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these treats too! I wrap each piece individually in wax paper, then tightly in plastic wrap—this way, they’ll keep for up to 3 months without losing their charm. When I’m ready, I just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they taste almost freshly made.

Reheating

I generally don’t reheat Rice Krispie treats because they’re best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly cool. But if you want to warm them a bit, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave softens them up nicely—just watch closely so you don’t melt your decorations!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Recipe has a special place in my holiday baking lineup because it blends simplicity, cuteness, and classic flavor all in one. I remember the first time I made these with my kids—we laughed, made a mess, and ended up with these adorable reindeer smiles that truly brightened the season. If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly recipe that doubles as a charming treat or gift, this is your winner. Give it a try and get ready for those smiles and “oohs” around the kitchen!

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