Festive Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats Recipe for Holiday Joy

Creamy marshmallow meets spicy gingerbread in a delightful twist on classic rice krispie treats that will spark your holiday spirit.

Warm cinnamon and molasses dance through each chewy bite, creating a nostalgic yet innovative dessert.

Kids and adults alike will swoon over these festive squares bursting with seasonal charm.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these treats irresistibly tempting for winter gatherings.

Memories of cozy kitchens and sweet aromas will flood back with every mouthful.

Whip up this simple recipe and watch smiles spread faster than melted butter on warm toast.

You’ll want to make a double batch to share – or not.

What’s to Love About Krispie Treats

• Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats bring festive magic to your kitchen with an irresistible twist on the classic dessert.
• No complicated techniques required, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Warm gingerbread spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves transform ordinary Rice Krispie Treats into a cozy, seasonal sensation that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• These treats come together in minutes, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings, holiday parties, or spontaneous sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Gingerbread Krispie Treats Ingredients

• Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy base for the classic treat.
• Mini Marshmallows: Sticky binding agent for the recipe.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking.

• Molasses, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: Warm, festive flavor profile that transforms traditional Rice Krispie treats into a gingerbread version.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Parchment Paper, Butter: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking of the treats.

Instructions for Gingerbread Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Grab a large saucepan and melt the butter over low heat, letting it become smooth and silky.

Step 3: Create Marshmallow Magic

Toss in the mini marshmallows and stir like a pro, watching them transform into a creamy, dreamy mixture.

Keep stirring until they’re completely melted and looking irresistible.

Step 4: Spice Up the Marshmallow Mix

Time to add some holiday cheer!

• Molasses
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves
• Vanilla extract

Stir everything together until the spices and molasses dance perfectly with the marshmallow base.

Step 5: Fold in the Crispy Goodness

Remove the pan from heat and gently add the Rice Krispies cereal.

Use a spatula to fold the cereal into the spiced marshmallow mix, ensuring every crisp gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 6: Press and Shape

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan.

Use a spatula or grease up your hands to press the mixture down evenly, creating a smooth, inviting surface.

Step 7: Let It Set

Allow the treats to chill at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Patience is key as they firm up and become perfectly set.

Step 8: Cut and Celebrate

Once the treats are set, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and onto a cutting board.

Get creative!

Cut into 12 classic squares or break out the cookie cutters to make festive holiday shapes that’ll make everyone smile.

Handy Tips for Krispie Treats

• Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray when pressing the mixture into the pan for easy, smooth spreading.
• Adjust ground spices to taste, but keep proportions similar to maintain the classic gingerbread flavor profile.
• Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.
• Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to transform these treats into decorative gingerbread people or seasonal shapes for special occasions.
• Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to make these treats suitable for dairy-free diets without compromising taste.

How to Keep Krispie Treats Fresh

• Store treats in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent marshmallow from getting too sticky.
• Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 4 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Place treats in sealed container with tight lid. Keep at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Consume within 2 days for best texture and taste.
• Cover treats loosely with plastic wrap or place in container with slight air circulation. Eat within 48 hours to prevent marshmallow from becoming hard or stale.

Pairings for Krispie Treats

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai Latte: Enhance the gingerbread flavors with a creamy, spiced chai that mirrors the treats' warming cinnamon and ginger notes.
• Complement with Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Create a luxurious dunking experience by whipping cream cheese with powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla, matching the dessert's sweet profile.
• Match with Mulled Wine: Serve a rich, spiced red wine that echoes the treats' holiday warmth and complex spice blend, elevating the gingerbread experience.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Provide a cool, smooth contrast to the spicy-sweet Rice Krispie treats, balancing their intense flavor with creamy simplicity.

Creative Ideas for Krispie Treats

• Gluten-Free Ginger Treats: Replace Rice Krispies with gluten-free crispy rice cereal for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Spiced Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows to create a plant-based alternative that maintains the rich gingerbread flavor.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the mixture for extra texture and a subtle nutty undertone that complements the warm spices.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free marshmallows and reduce molasses, substituting with a sugar-free syrup to create a lighter, less sweet version of the classic treat.

FAQs

• Why add molasses to the recipe?

Molasses adds a deep, rich sweetness and helps create an authentic gingerbread flavor profile, giving the Rice Krispie treats a warm, traditional holiday taste.

• Can I use salted or unsalted butter?

Use unsalted butter for better control of the treat’s overall saltiness. Salted butter might make the treats too salty when combined with the spices.

• How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands when pressing?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan. This helps create an even surface without the mixture sticking to your fingers.

• Is it necessary to use all the listed spices?

While you can adjust spices to taste, using all the recommended spices (cinnamon, ginger, and cloves) creates the authentic gingerbread flavor that makes these treats special.

Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of childhood collide with festive cheer in these gingerbread rice krispie treats. Winter holiday magic meets classic comfort, inviting warm nostalgia with each delightful, spiced bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 ounces (283 grams) mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter

Spice Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Optional Ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining with parchment paper or greasing with butter to ensure easy removal of treats.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat, creating a smooth base for the marshmallow mixture.
3. Add marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring constantly until they transform into a glossy, uniform liquid.
4. Incorporate molasses and warm baking spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves) into the marshmallow mixture, stirring until fully integrated and releasing a rich, aromatic fragrance.
5. Remove the pan from heat and gently fold Rice Krispies cereal into the spiced marshmallow blend, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, using a spatula or lightly buttered hands to distribute evenly and create a smooth, compact layer.
7. Allow treats to set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, giving them time to firm up and develop a perfect chewy texture.
8. Once completely cooled, lift the treats from the pan using the parchment paper edges and place on a cutting surface.
9. Slice into festive squares or use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create whimsical shapes, perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to match personal taste preferences.
• Use dairy-free butter alternatives for a vegan-friendly version of these festive treats.
• Sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies on top for extra crunch and enhanced gingerbread flavor.
• Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg