We had so much fun making these Santa Hat Rice Crispy Treats made with our simple base treat recipe, frosting, and a marshmallow. So are you thinking that these little cuties will make a nice addition to this year’s cookie tray?
While other recipes have you dip the treats in candy melts, we like to use frosting. Why? Because it tastes better (in my opinion). I mean, homemade frosting makes every dessert a little, well, sweeter.
By the way, are you looking for some other Christmas treats? You have to see our Christmas tree cake pops and Santa hat brownies.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe…
- These treats are cute and totally festive but not overly kiddie like reindeer treats or reindeer brownies. So you can serve them for kids’ parties, but adults will like them too.
- Easy to decorate with no special skills required. Anyone can make this. So these are kind of the perfect activity to do with kids.
- They’re a great no-bake option, which is perfect during the busy holiday season.
Ingredients
- Rice Cereal – we’ve used both the national and generic brands. The results are similar.
- Marshmallows – mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly. You’ll also need some marshmallows for the pom-pom decorations.
- Butter – unsalted butter.
- Vanilla Extract – gives the treats a professional bakery flavor. It makes a difference.
- Salt – a pinch of salt goes a long way, making the treats a bit sweeter.
- Red Frosting – for the body of the hat.
- White Frosting – for the brim.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Santa Hat Rice Crispy Treats
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter and dissolve the salt.
Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract. Then fold in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use lightly buttered or damp hands to gently press the treats into an even layer. Don’t compact them, or the bars will turn dense.
Let cool for 1 hour, then cut into 16 squares.
Spread red frosting diagonally across the top corner of each treat to form the Santa hat.
Transfer the white frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a row of stars along the bottom edge of the red frosting.
Press a mini marshmallow onto the top corner to create the pom-pom.
Top Tips
Add the marshmallow pom-pom while the frosting is still wet. This will help it stick to the treat as it sets.
Storage
Store leftover treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. See the FAQs below for more storage options.
Other No Bake Desserts You’ll Love
- No Bake Mixed Berry Cheesecake
- Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
- Lemon Mousse Recipe
- Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
- Easy Oreo Delight
FAQ
You can freeze them if you have leftovers. However, I wouldn’t recommend freezing them completely decorated in advance. Instead, freeze undecorated treats or decorate them with just the red frosting, then add white frosting and marshmallow pom-poms after thawing.
Certainly. Store-bought frosting can save you time, but I strongly prefer homemade frosting. It’s easier and tastes way better.
Add the marshmallow “pom-pom” while the frosting is still soft. This will allow it to stick securely as the frosting sets.
Santa Hat Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 16 Oz Mini Marshmallows
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- ¼ Tsp Kosher Salt
- 8 Cups Rice Krispie Cereal
- 1 Cup Red Frosting
- ¾ Cup White Frosting
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter and dissolve the salt.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Then fold in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use lightly buttered or damp hands to gently press the treats into an even layer. Don’t compact them, or the bars will turn dense.
- Let cool for 1 hour, then cut into 16 squares.
- Spread red frosting diagonally across the top corner of each treat to form the Santa hat.
- Transfer the white frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a row of stars along the bottom edge of the red frosting.
- Press a mini marshmallow onto the top corner to create the pom-pom.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Make sure you spray the utensils with cooking spray; this recipe is sticky.
- You can use homemade frosting and tint it with red gel food coloring, or use store-bought frosting instead.
Nutrition
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