If there’s one treat that perfectly captures the joyful, over-the-top spirit of Buddy the Elf, it’s gotta be the Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. I absolutely love how this snack combines the classic chewy marshmallow goodness with fun mix-ins like Pop-Tarts and M&M’s. When I first tried making this recipe, my family went crazy over the unexpected crunch and the sweet buttery layers. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through every step to make sure yours turns out just as magical!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and Festive: It’s like Buddy the Elf put all his favorite treats in one pan—super playful and colorful.
Simple but Showy: No fancy baking needed, but it looks and tastes impressive for holiday parties or any time.
Perfect Texture: The combo of chewy marshmallows, crispy chow mein noodles, and crunchy M&M’s is a total game changer.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak mix-ins to match personal tastes or dietary needs.

Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem like a quirky bunch, but trust me—they work beautifully together. The salted butter and maple syrup make the base rich and slightly complex, while the mini marshmallows provide that classic gooey texture you want. The crispy noodles and Pop-Tarts add unexpected crunch and surprise, which is such a big part of the fun. When shopping, pick mini marshmallows for easy melting and fresh crispy noodles—you’ll notice the difference!

Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats Recipe - Ingredients

Cooking spray: Essential for greasing your pan and hands to prevent sticking without adding extra fat.
Salted butter: Adds a rich, creamy base—using salted helps balance the sweetness just right.
Pure maple syrup: Gives a subtle depth and mild caramel flavor beyond just sugar.
Flaky sea salt or kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance flavors and cut the sweetness.
Mini marshmallows: Easy melting texture for the gooey binding agent in these treats.
Rice Krispies cereal: Classic crunch foundation, light and airy.
Crispy chow mein noodles: Adds an unexpected but brilliant crispiness to mix things up.
Yellow, brown, and green M&M’s: Adds color and a little chocolate crunch; half goes in, half goes on top for fun.
Chocolate Pop-Tarts: Their soft, sweet, slightly fruity inside chunks are a nostalgic surprise in every bite.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Melted to drizzle a glossy, chocolate ribbon for finishing flair.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to switch up this Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats Recipe depending on the occasion. Don’t hesitate to get creative—this treat welcomes personalization! Whether you want to make it gluten-free, vegan, or simply add your own favorite candies, there’s a way to make it your own.

Gluten-Free Variation: Swap out the crispy chow mein noodles for gluten-free crispy noodles or even crispy rice cereal; I tried this for a birthday party and nobody missed the original crunch.
Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and marshmallows to make a plant-based version; it won’t have the exact same texture but still delightfully chewy and sweet.
Extra Chocolate: Stir in some mini chocolate chips with the mix for deeper chocolate pockets—my kids loved this version during winter break!
Seasonal Twists: Swap Pop-Tarts for crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles around Christmas for a festive look.

How to Make Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Melt the Butter

Line a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper, then lightly spray it with cooking spray so your treats don’t stick when it’s time to cut and serve. Next, melt your salted butter over medium heat in a large pot. Once melted, add the maple syrup and stir constantly. You want to bring this mixture to a gentle bubble and cook until it thickens up slightly, about 2 minutes—this step really amps up the flavor and gives the treats a wonderful chewiness later.

Step 2: Add Marshmallows and Seasoning

Stir in the flaky sea salt and marshmallows (but hold back about 3/4 cup for topping!). Keep the pot on medium heat, stirring often for about 5 minutes until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture becomes glossy and smooth. This is the sticky, dreamy base that makes the treat so spectacular. Don’t rush this step or your marshmallows might not melt properly.

Step 3: Mix in the Cereal, Noodles, and Fun Extras

Take your pot off the heat and quickly add in the Rice Krispies cereal and crispy chow mein noodles, stirring until everything is well coated. Then fold in half of the M&M’s and half of the broken Pop-Tart chunks—you’ll want to get these mixed evenly but don’t over-stir or you’ll melt the candy too much.

Step 4: Press Into the Pan and Add the Finishing Touches

Spray your hands or use a flexible spatula coated with cooking spray to press the mixture firmly into the pan. I’ve learned that lightly greasing your hands saves you from a sticky mess and lets you pack the treats evenly without squishing out the fun extras. Next, drizzle the melted semisweet chocolate over the top, sprinkle on the reserved marshmallows, remaining M&M’s, and Pop-Tart pieces, gently pressing them into place. Let it cool completely before slicing into squares.

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Pro Tips for Making Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Don’t Overheat the Syrup: Keep a close eye when cooking the butter and syrup so you don’t burn it, which can make the treats taste bitter.
Use Fresh Marshmallows: Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly—freshness makes all the difference in texture.
Grease Your Hands Well: When pressing the mixture into the pan, this small step really stops sticky hands and helps you get an even layer.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Patience here prevents the treats from falling apart, especially with all those mix-ins on top.

How to Serve Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple because the treats are already packed with goodies. A few extra M&M’s and marshmallows on top add a playful pop of color and texture that makes these treats look irresistible on a holiday platter. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate drizzle to highlight the sweetness.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these Rice Krispies treats with hot cocoa or a nice warm cup of coffee when serving at parties. They also work great alongside other holiday sweets like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for a festive dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I cut these treats into fun holiday shapes using cookie cutters—stars, trees, and candy canes—then wrapped them individually in clear cellophane with colorful ribbons for party favors. It was a big hit and made the treats feel extra special. You can also arrange them on a tiered dessert stand to show off all the colors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly chewy and fresh for up to 4 days, though in my house they rarely last that long! Make sure to layer parchment paper between them if you’re stacking so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

These treats freeze really well. I wrap individual squares tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’ve frozen them, they maintain their texture nicely and thaw quickly on the counter—just make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you want the treats a little softer, microwave a square for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or the marshmallows might get too gooey or harden as they cool again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Pop-Tarts with something else?

Absolutely! If you don’t have Pop-Tarts or want to try a different flavor, other options like cereal bars, chopped cookies, or even dried fruit can work. Just choose something that adds a soft yet sweet texture to complement the crispy and chewy elements.
Why are crispy chow mein noodles used in this recipe?

The crispy chow mein noodles add a unique crunch that contrasts nicely with the chewy marshmallow mixture and soft Pop-Tarts. It’s a clever swap from the usual only-Rice-Krispies treat, giving a nod to Buddy the Elf’s quirky love for unusual ingredients.
How do I keep the treats from sticking to my hands while pressing?

My go-to trick is to lightly spray your hands or a flexible spatula with cooking spray before patting down the mixture. This stops sticky fingers and helps you get a smooth, even layer without losing those fun mix-ins.
Can I make these treats ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can make them up to two days in advance and keep them fresh at room temperature in an airtight container. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat that saves you some party prep stress.

Final Thoughts

This Buddy The Elf Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is one of those magical finds that turns ordinary ingredients into something whimsical and downright irresistible. I’ve made it for birthdays, holidays, and just casual weekends when I want to indulge my sweet tooth. It’s super fun, easy to make, and always gets compliments—just like Buddy, it’s full of big personality! Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a requested crowd-pleaser in your family too.