Festive Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Jolly Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats Recipe for Festive Snacking

Sweet holiday magic meets childhood nostalgia in these delightful eggnog rice krispie treats that promise to spark festive cheer.

Creamy, rich eggnog infuses classic marshmallow squares with warm seasonal flavors.

Soft, gooey, and deliciously spiced, these treats blend childhood comfort with grown-up taste.

The subtle hint of nutmeg and vanilla dances through each sticky bite.

Festive sprinkles add a playful touch of whimsy to these irresistible dessert squares.

You’ll love how quickly these come together for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.

These rice krispie treats deliver pure seasonal happiness in every delectable square.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats

For Binding Base:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and prevents sticking, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best taste.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Creates gooey texture and sweetness, look for fresh, soft marshmallows.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Provides crispy crunch and structure, select fresh, crisp cereal for optimal texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Rum Extract: Delivers classic eggnog flavor, choose pure extract for authentic taste.
  • Nutmeg: Introduces warm, festive holiday essence, freshly grated nutmeg offers superior aroma.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Optional Decoration:
  • Sprinkles: Adds festive visual appeal and fun texture, select holiday-themed colors for seasonal charm.

Tools & Essentials for Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats

  • Large Saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and marshmallows smoothly.
  • 13-by-9-inch Baking Pan: Essential for creating the classic rectangular treats.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and spreading mixture evenly.
  • Measuring Cups: Needed for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Butter Knife or Bench Scraper: Useful for cutting treats into neat squares.

Preparing Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats Step-by-Step

  • Pan Preparation

Softly coat a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with butter. Cover the bottom and long sides with aluminum foil, then lightly butter the foil surface.

  • Marshmallow Mixture

In a large saucepan, gently melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until silky smooth. Remove from heat and blend in salt, rum extract, and warm nutmeg.

  • Rice Krispie Incorporation

Carefully fold rice krispies into the marshmallow mixture, ensuring gentle coating. Gently mix in additional marshmallows for extra texture and sweetness.

  • Pan Filling

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press the blend evenly using buttered hands or a spatula. Sprinkle decorative toppings while the treats remain slightly warm and tacky.

  • Cooling and Serving

Allow treats to cool completely before slicing into delightful squares. These festive treats are most delicious on the day of creation but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

Pro Tips & Flavor Twists for Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats

  • Swap half the marshmallows with flavored marshmallows like caramel or vanilla for extra depth and richness.
  • Replace rum extract with actual dark rum or bourbon for a more intense, sophisticated holiday treat that's perfect for grown-up gatherings.
  • Experiment with different warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger to complement the traditional eggnog flavor and add personal flair.
  • Drizzle melted white chocolate on top, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, or add festive holiday sprinkles to make these treats look as delightful as they taste.
  • Prepare the mixture a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, then cut into bars just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

How to Serve Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats

  • Holiday Party Platter: Arrange eggnog rice krispie treats on a festive wooden board with small holiday decorations, creating a cheerful dessert centerpiece that invites guests to enjoy the seasonal treat.
  • Gifting Delights: Package individual treats in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or cookie exchange events that spread sweet cheer.
  • Dessert Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate or classic eggnog, complementing the treats' rich nutmeg and rum extract flavors for a cozy winter indulgence.
  • Kid-Friendly Decoration Station: Set out colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for children to personalize their own rice krispie treats, turning dessert preparation into a fun family activity.

Planning & Storing Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats

  • Festive Freezer Strategy: Wrap individual eggnog rice krispie treats in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delightful bars stay fresh for up to 4 weeks, making them perfect for advance holiday preparation.
  • Counter Storage Wisdom: Keep treats in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Room temperature storage works best for maintaining their soft, chewy texture within 2-3 days of creation.
  • Moisture Management Trick: Place a small piece of bread in the storage container to help maintain softness. The bread absorbs excess humidity, keeping your treats deliciously tender and preventing them from becoming hard or stale.
  • Quick Refreshment Technique: If treats become slightly firm after a day, microwave individual pieces for 5-7 seconds. This quick warm-up restores their original gooey, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, making them taste freshly made.
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Festive Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Festive Eggnog Rice Krispie Treats


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Winter holiday magic shines through classic eggnog rice krispie treats, blending nostalgic marshmallow comfort with festive seasonal spices. Cold nights become warmer when sweet squares crackle with nutmeg and cinnamon, inviting everyone to savor holiday cheer.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (16 oz/454 g) mini marshmallows
  • 7 cups rice krispies cereal
  • 5 tablespoons (75 ml/2.5 fl oz) unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon rum extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Generously butter a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and line with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil is also buttered to prevent sticking.
  2. Create Marshmallow Base: In a large saucepan, brown butter over medium-high heat until golden and aromatic, then fold in initial marshmallow batch, stirring continuously until melted into a velvety smooth consistency.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and blend in salt, rum extract, and nutmeg, ensuring even distribution of warm, festive spices throughout the marshmallow mixture.
  4. Incorporate Cereal: Gently fold rice krispies into the marshmallow blend, carefully coating each piece while maintaining the cereal’s structural integrity, then fold in remaining marshmallows to create delightful gooey pockets.
  5. Pan Setting: Transfer mixture to prepared pan, using buttered hands or a spatula to spread evenly and create a uniform surface, pressing gently to compact the treats.
  6. Finishing Touches: While still warm, optionally sprinkle decorative elements across the surface, then allow to cool completely at room temperature to set and firm up.
  7. Serving: Once cooled, slice into individual bars using a sharp knife and store in an airtight container, consuming within three days to preserve optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Optimize Butter Browning: Carefully brown butter to develop a rich, nutty flavor without burning, watching for golden color and aromatic notes.
  • Marshmallow Melting Technique: Stir continuously while melting to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, silky consistency that ensures perfect binding.
  • Gentle Mixing Matters: Fold rice krispies gently to preserve their crispy texture, avoiding crushing or compacting the delicate cereal pieces.
  • Strategic Cooling Strategy: Let treats cool completely at room temperature to set properly, ensuring a clean cut and ideal texture that’s neither too soft nor too hard.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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