Magical Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats in 20 Mins

You know, the holidays are just *bursting* with baking traditions, aren’t they? From gingerbread houses that look like they belong in a magazine to elaborate cookies that take hours. But sometimes, you just need something FUN, fast, and totally kid-approved. That’s where my absolute favorite Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats come in! I’ve been making these with my nieces and nephews for years, and honestly, they bring so much joy (and giggles!) to our holiday cookie platter. They’re the perfect little distraction from all the heavy whipping and frosting, and trust me, they disappear faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve!

Why You’ll Love These Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Seriously, these reindeer treats are just the best for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll want to whip up a batch:

• Super Speedy: This is my absolute favorite part! They come together in under 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those last-minute holiday gatherings or when you just need a festive fix FAST.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Oh my goodness, the little ones *adore* helping with these. Decorating the reindeer faces is half the fun, and they’re always so proud of their adorable little creations.
• Festive & Adorable: Just look at them! They’re little reindeer! They look *so* cute on any holiday dessert table, cookie platter, or even as a fun treat for Santa.
• Deliciously Simple: That classic crispy, chewy, marshmallowy goodness is just unbeatable, right? Sometimes the simplest treats are the most satisfying. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Gather Your Ingredients for Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Okay, so getting these little reindeer friends ready is a breeze because you probably already have most of this stuff chilling in your pantry! To make your very own batch of Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats, you’re going to need:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Gotta have those crispy flakes for that perfect crunch!
• 10 oz marshmallows: Use the mini ones, they melt faster. Trust me on this!
• 3 tbsp butter: This makes everything smooth and delicious. Salted or unsalted is fine, really.
• Approximately 1/4 cup pretzel sticks, broken into small pieces: These are our cute little antlers! Just snap ’em so they fit nicely on the reindeer heads.
• Approximately 1/4 cup red M&M’s or red candies: The perfect bright red nose!
• Approximately 1/4 cup brown M&M’s or brown candies: These will be our jolly reindeer eyes.
• Black edible marker: For drawing those sweet little smiles!

Essential Equipment for Making Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

You don’t need a whole bunch of fancy gadgets for this holiday treat! Just grab a big pot – like, a really big one – because you’ll need space for all those marshmallows and cereal. A good spatula for stirring is a must, and a baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper will be handy for letting them set. You can also find tons of other easy recipes over at howtocookfast.com! Oh, and don’t forget that little edible marker!

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Alright, let’s get crafting these adorable little reindeer! This part is so much fun, and honestly, it’s where the magic really happens. Just follow along, and you’ll have a whole herd of cute treats ready in no time. We’ll use the sweet base from my favorite dessert recipes collection and turn it into holiday artwork!

Melting the Base for Your Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

First things first, grab a big pot and set it over low heat. Toss in those 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt all gooey and golden. Now, dump in all 10 ounces of marshmallows. Stir, stir, stir! Keep stirring gently until they’re completely melted and smooth. You don’t want any puffy bits left. Remove the pot from the heat pretty quickly once it’s smooth, so it doesn’t get too cooked.

Combining Cereal and Marshmallow Mixture

Now for the crispy part! Pour those 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal right into the pot with the melted marshmallows. Grab your spatula and gently, but thoroughly, stir it all together. You want every single crispy flake to be coated in that yummy, gooey marshmallow goodness. Give it a good mix until it all looks like one big, delicious, sticky mass.

Shaping and Decorating Your Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Here’s where your Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats really come to life! Let the mixture cool just a *tiny* bit so it’s easier to handle – maybe 2-3 minutes. Lightly grease your hands with a little butter or cooking spray (this is a lifesaver for sticky jobs!) or grab some parchment paper. Scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into balls or little logs. They don’t have to be perfect; that’s part of their charm! Now, take two pretzel stick pieces and gently press them into the top sides of each treat to look like antlers. Pop a red M&M or candy right on the front for the nose, and then press two brown M&Ms lower down for the eyes. Finally, grab that black edible marker and draw a cute little smile below the eyes. Voila! Instant reindeer ready for some holiday cheer!

Tips for Perfect Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

I’ve made a *ton* of these Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats over the years, and let me tell you, a few little tricks make all the difference. First off, don’t use stale marshmallows – they just don’t melt right and can make your treats tough. I always try to use fresh ones! Also, that sticky situation? It’s real! A little bit of butter or cooking spray on your hands is seriously your best friend when shaping these; it makes it so much easier to get those cute little reindeer shapes without everything sticking to you. I learned all about making things easier in the kitchen from amazing resources, and you can check out some of my favorites over at howtocookfast.com! And for decorations, don’t stress about perfectly round eyes or straight antlers. The slightly wonky ones are often the cutest and add to their handmade charm. These little tips, learned from lots of trial and (delicious) error, are key to making your Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats a total success and bringing that extra bit of holiday magic!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Sometimes you gotta get a little creative, right? For the reindeer’s eyes, if you don’t have brown M&Ms, little mini chocolate chips work great, or even small dots of black icing if you’re feeling fancy. If you can only find giant marshmallows, just measure out about 10-15 cups of them, since they pack differently. For the pretzel antlers, if pretzels aren’t your thing or you have a gluten-free household, you can skip them entirely or even try using small pieces of gingerbread or candy sticks if you have some handy. You can find more great recipe ideas, like this yummy vegan vanilla cupcake recipe, over at howtocookfast.com!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they store like a dream for a few days! Just pop them into an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they’re snug so they don’t dry out. Honestly, I’ve never found a need to reheat them; they’re perfectly chewy and delicious just as they are. They truly hold up so well for little holiday treats!

Frequently Asked Questions about Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Got questions about making these festive little reindeer? I get it! Sometimes these fun treats can have a mind of their own. Here are a few things people often ask:

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best things about these Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats. You can totally make them the day before your party or holiday gathering. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be just as delicious and chewy the next day. They’re a fantastic make-ahead holiday recipe!

What if my mixture is too sticky to handle?

Oh, the sticky struggle! Don’t you worry, it happens! The trick is to lightly grease your hands with a little bit of butter or cooking spray before you start shaping. You can also use parchment paper to press and shape the mixture. If it’s *really* sticky after cooling a bit, just give your hands (or the parchment paper) another light coating. It makes a world of difference!

Are there nut-free options for these festive treats?

Yes! The standard recipe is nut-free as long as your candy brands are certified nut-free. The main potential place for nuts would be in the M&Ms. Always double-check the packaging if you have allergy concerns. If you’re worried about pretzels, you can always skip the antlers or look for certified gluten-free pretzels if needed. Making these a safe and happy holiday treat for everyone is the goal!

Can I use different candies for the reindeer faces?

Oh, for sure! That’s the fun part of these seasonal dishes – you can get creative! Instead of brown M&Ms for eyes, you could use mini chocolate chips, small white candies with a dot of black edible marker, or even tiny pieces of black licorice. For the nose, a red gummy candy or a red-and-white striped candy would also be super cute. Just have fun with it and see what you have on hand!

If you’ve got more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can always get in touch at my contact page.

Nutritional Information Estimate

Just a little heads-up: the nutrition info below is an estimate, because all marshmallows, butters, and candies can vary a bit! These numbers are per reindeer treat, and they give you a good idea of what you’re working with. You can always check out more details on how we estimate these for clarity. Enjoy these festive little guys!

• Serving Size: 1 treat
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

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