Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Jolly Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe for All

Sweet memories of holiday cheer come alive with these delightful christmas chocolate rice krispie balls that melt in your mouth.

Cheerful gatherings spark joy when you roll out these festive treats.

Kids and adults alike will adore the combination of crispy cereal and rich chocolate coating.

Marshmallow magic binds each bite into a perfect sphere of deliciousness.

Compact and adorable, these little confections shine at every holiday party.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a winner for busy cooks.

You’ll want to whip up a batch and watch smiles spread across everyone’s faces.

Christmas Rice Krispie Ball FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile and appearance. Just ensure the chocolate melts smoothly for drizzling.

  • How do I prevent the rice krispie mixture from sticking to my hands while rolling?

Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or butter before rolling the balls. This helps create smoother, more uniform shapes without the mixture sticking to your fingers.

  • Are these rice krispie balls suitable for kids to help make?

Absolutely! Kids can help with mixing ingredients, rolling balls, and sprinkling decorations. Just supervise during the melting and handling of hot marshmallow mixture.

  • Can I make these rice krispie balls in advance for a holiday party?

Yes, you can prepare these balls a day or two before your event.

Why Rice Krispie Balls Make the Holidays Sweeter

  • Create Festive Holiday Treats: Delightful chocolatey rice krispie balls capture the magic of Christmas celebrations with minimal effort.
  • Roll and Coat with Ease: Simple technique requires no advanced baking skills, making these treats perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Kid-Friendly Decorating Adventure: Children can join in sprinkling colorful sugar crystals and festive decorations, turning preparation into a fun family activity.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Dessert: Compact bite-sized treats work wonderfully for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and seasonal gift-giving, ensuring everyone enjoys a sweet moment.

What You Need for Chocolate Krispie Balls

Base Ingredients:
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: A crispy foundation that provides delightful texture and crunch to the holiday treat.
  • Marshmallows: A sweet, sticky binding agent that creates a smooth and cohesive mixture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, meltable base for the marshmallow mixture.
Chocolate Components:
  • Chocolate Chips: Introduces delicious chocolate flavor and creates delightful melted pockets throughout the mixture.
  • White Chocolate Wafers: Provides a smooth, decorative coating that enhances the festive appearance.
Binding and Sweetening Agents:
  • Corn Syrup: Creates additional glossy binding and contributes to the smooth texture of the mixture.
Decorative Elements:
  • Christmas Sprinkles, Colored Sugar Crystals: Adds festive color and holiday-themed visual appeal to the rice krispie balls.

How to Shape Perfect Rice Krispie Balls with Chocolate

Step 1: Butter Melting Magic

Gently melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat until it transforms into a smooth, liquid pool of golden goodness.

Step 2: Marshmallow Transformation

Toss marshmallows into the melted butter, stirring continuously until they meld into a creamy, dreamy mixture that looks like fluffy clouds.

Step 3: Syrup Binding Technique

Pour corn syrup into the marshmallow blend, stirring vigorously to create a glossy, sticky binding liquid that will hold everything together.

Step 4: Cereal Coating Extravaganza

Remove the pan from heat and gently fold rice krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture, ensuring every crispy piece gets a luxurious coating.

Step 5: Chocolate Chip Surprise

Fold chocolate chips into the cereal blend, allowing them to slightly melt and create pockets of rich, chocolatey excitement throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Cooling Comfort

Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes until it’s comfortable to handle but still wonderfully malleable.

Step 7: Ball Formation

Roll the mixture into compact, uniform balls using gentle pressure, creating perfectly sized treats that are about 1-inch in diameter.

Step 8: Chilling Moment

Refrigerate the balls for 15 minutes to help them firm up and maintain their delightful shape.

Step 9: White Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short 15-second intervals and stirring between each cycle to achieve smooth perfection.

Step 10: Decorative Drizzling

Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the chilled rice krispie balls using a spoon or piping bag, creating a festive winter wonderland effect.

Step 11: Sprinkle Spectacular

Immediately shower the white chocolate-covered balls with:
  • Christmas sprinkles
  • Colored sugar crystals

before the chocolate sets, adding a burst of holiday cheer.

Step 12: Setting the Stage

Allow the decorated balls to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.

Step 13: Storage Solution

Store these festive treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to keep them pristine.

Smart Tips for Chocolate Krispie Ball Success

  • Perfect Marshmallow Melting: Stir constantly over low heat to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without scorching.
  • Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray or butter when rolling balls to prevent mixture from sticking and create cleaner, more uniform shapes.
  • Chocolate Chip Distribution: Fold chocolate chips gently to create delightful chocolate pockets, ensuring they partially melt for rich, swirled flavor throughout the mixture.
  • Sprinkle Strategy: Apply decorative sprinkles immediately after drizzling white chocolate to ensure they adhere perfectly before the coating sets.
  • Temperature Control: Chill balls briefly to help them maintain shape and make coating with white chocolate easier and more precise.

Holiday Variations for Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls

  • Nutty Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the cereal mixture for extra crunch and rich, toasted flavor.
  • Peppermint Crunch Variation: Mix crushed candy canes into the chocolate chips and sprinkle additional peppermint pieces on top for a festive mint chocolate experience.
  • Caramel Swirl Edition: Drizzle melted caramel sauce over the white chocolate coating and sprinkle sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.
  • Coconut Chocolate Bliss: Roll the balls in toasted coconut flakes after coating with white chocolate for a tropical-inspired texture and taste.

Treats to Serve with Your Rice Krispie Balls

  • Pair with Festive Winter Cocktails: Mix a creamy white chocolate martini or peppermint schnapps to complement the sweet rice krispie balls, enhancing the holiday dessert experience with complementary rich and minty flavors.
  • Create Hot Beverage Companions: Serve alongside steaming mugs of classic hot cocoa or spiced chai latte, which perfectly balance the crispy texture and sweet chocolate notes of the rice krispie treats.
  • Match with Seasonal Coffee Blends: Select gourmet holiday-themed coffees like caramel pecan or cinnamon vanilla roasts that echo the dessert's warm, indulgent characteristics and provide a delightful taste harmony.

Storing Rice Krispie Balls for Maximum Crunch

  • Place Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shape.
  • Wrap individual balls tightly in plastic wrap, then store inside a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and texture retention.
  • Keep the treats in a cool, dry place inside a sealed container for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources that could compromise their structure.
  • Always use a container with a tight-fitting lid to protect the rice krispie balls from absorbing ambient humidity, which could make them soggy or lose their crisp texture.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive Christmas chocolate rice krispie balls bring holiday cheer with their irresistible blend of marshmallow, chocolate, and crispy rice. Sweet treats that sparkle with seasonal joy will delight guests and make celebrations memorable.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups rice krispies cereal
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup marshmallows
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Decorative Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup christmas sprinkles
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate melting wafers
  • 2 tbsp festive colored sugar crystals

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat until completely liquefied and smooth.
  2. Add marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring continuously until they transform into a creamy, uniform mixture.
  3. Pour in corn syrup and stir vigorously to create a glossy, cohesive binding liquid.
  4. Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in rice krispies cereal, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  5. Mix chocolate chips into the cereal blend, allowing them to slightly melt and create pockets of chocolatey goodness.
  6. Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes until it’s comfortable to handle but still malleable.
  7. Roll the mixture into compact, uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter, using gentle pressure to maintain their shape.
  8. Refrigerate the balls for 15 minutes to help them firm up and hold their structure.
  9. Melt white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring between each cycle.
  10. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the chilled rice krispie balls using a spoon or piping bag.
  11. Immediately sprinkle christmas sprinkles and colored sugar crystals over the white chocolate coating before it sets.
  12. Allow the decorated balls to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.
  13. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even melting and better integration with marshmallows.
  • Work quickly when mixing ingredients to prevent rice krispies from becoming soggy and maintaining their crispy texture.
  • Lightly grease hands with cooking spray when rolling balls to prevent sticky mixture from clinging to fingers.
  • Choose gluten-free rice krispies for a celiac-friendly version of this festive treat.
  • Opt for dairy-free white chocolate and vegan marshmallows to create a plant-based alternative that’s equally delicious.
  • Experiment with different chocolate drizzles like milk chocolate or dark chocolate for varied flavor profiles.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt to the marshmallow mixture to enhance the overall sweetness and complexity of the dessert.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 176
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 33 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star