Description
These Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats are a festive and fun holiday dessert that combines the classic crunch of Rice Krispies with marshmallow sweetness, decorated to look like adorable reindeer. Perfect for Christmas parties and edible gifts, they are easy to make and sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons margarine (your favorite brand – I used Blue Bonnet)
- 10 ounce package of full-size marshmallows (40 marshmallows or 5½ cups mini marshmallows)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (I used Great Value brand)
Decorations
- 2 tablespoons margarine (for greasing pan)
- 2 ounces white almond bark
- 16 chocolate covered pretzels
- 1 red M&M (for Rudolph’s nose)
- 7 brown M&M’s
- 16 candy eyes
- Colorful sprinkles for “hair”
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Use your hands to spread 2 tablespoons of the margarine around a 10-inch springform pan. You can optionally place a parchment paper circle on the bottom for easier removal, but this is not necessary.
- Melt margarine: Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of margarine to a 5 to 6-quart heavy-bottomed stock pot and melt it over medium-high heat.
- Melt marshmallows: Once the margarine is completely melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted. This step is crucial to maintain the signature crunch of the Rice Krispie treats. Remove the pot from heat once smooth.
- Mix in cereal: Stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully incorporated with the melted marshmallow mixture.
- Press into pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press to create an even, level surface. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from pan: Once cooled, place a large cutting board on top of the pan. Flip the pan over and carefully remove the sides and bottom of the springform pan.
- Cut into shapes: Using a large sharp knife, cut the circular treats in half, then each half in half again, resulting in 4 triangles. Then slice each triangle as you would a piece of pie.
- Melt almond bark: Place the 2 ounces of white almond bark in a small heat-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until melted and smooth.
- Attach pretzel ears: Dab a small dot of the melted almond bark on the top two corners of each triangle and place a chocolate-covered pretzel on each dot to form antlers.
- Attach eyes: In the center of each triangle, place two dots of almond bark and press candy eyes onto them.
- Add nose: Dab a dot of almond bark on the pointed end of the triangle and place either a brown or red M&M to form the nose (use the red M&M for Rudolph).
- Add sprinkles: Dab a final dot of almond bark between the pretzel antlers and add colorful sprinkles for hair. Allow the reindeer to dry completely before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store the treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each treat individually in wax paper, then wrap in two layers of plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Substitutions: You can substitute chocolate almond bark for the dabs attaching the pretzel ears. If chocolate-covered pretzels are unavailable, dip plain twisted pretzels in melted chocolate almond bark.
- Tips: Ensure marshmallows are fully melted to preserve the crunchiness of the treats. These treats make charming edible Christmas gifts when packaged in clear bags with a festive ribbon and gift tag.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
