Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats for Supper

These holiday Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats are so straightforward and taste just like peppermint bark. Each bar has crushed peppermint mixed in and a drizzle of both chocolates on top.

Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats

When a sweet reader emailed me to share a peppermint version of her favorite Rice Krispies Treats, I immediately added it to the top of my list! Of course there is a need for a holiday Krispies treat!

And these do not disappoint! They’re not only topped with two kinds of chocolate, they’ve even got chocolate candies mixed into the cereal mixture, which get melted and integrated throughout the bars. Of course, they’ve also got crushed peppermint mixed into the bars and peppermint extract to make them extra minty and satisfying.

If you love Rice Krispies treats and you like peppermint bark, you are in for a new holiday favorite! Note: Rice Krispies is a trademarked product of The Kellogg Company. When making this recipe, feel free to use any brand of crispy rice cereal.

Let’s talk about the peppermint in these bars

There is crushed candy canes, peppermint chocolate kisses, and peppermint extract in these bars. Below, I’ll break down each component:

• Candy canes or hard peppermint candies: I’ve found the easiest way to evenly crush the candy is with a mini food processor. I like this one in particular. A small powerful blender also works. (See quick tip below if you don’t have either.) We want these candies to be very finely crushed, so they’ll integrate better and not create unpleasant bites of hard candy.
• Peppermint chocolate kisses: Also known as candy cane kisses! These chocolate kisses are a favorite holiday candy of mine; they’ve got a smooth white creme with tiny bits of crunchy peppermint candy — they’re so good! They melt down a bit in these Krispies treats, adding a satisfying richness and creaminess to the bars.
• Peppermint extract: Make sure to grab peppermint, not mint extract; the mint flavor will make these Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats taste like toothpaste! I have nothing against toothpaste, but I don’t want that flavor in my treats! The actual strength of the peppermint extract will also depend on the brand (some are more potent than others), so be sure to check the seasoning and adjust to personal preference, adding more for a stronger peppermint flavor.

Quick Tip

No food processor or blender? No problem! Add the unwrapped peppermint candies to a large plastic bag (or two; the peppermint has a tendency to rip through plastic bags as it is crushed), seal the bag without air in it, and then crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet until fine crumbs are formed.

Peppermint Rice Krispies Treat tips

• Prepare all the ingredients (but not the drizzling chocolates) before starting. Once these treats get going, they move quickly. It is worth lining the pan, crushing the peppermint, unwrapping the kisses, and measuring out the cereal before getting started.
• Use extremely FRESH marshmallows. The fresher the marshmallows, the softer and more enjoyable these treats turn out. When purchasing marshmallows, feel the bags to find the softest marshmallows.
• Keep the heat low. When marshmallows are exposed to a hot burner, they harden and that will make your bars hard. Keep the heat as low as possible, let them gently melt, and remove the marshmallows as soon as they’re melted. Remember to stir constantly as the marshmallows melt down.
• Avoid compressing. Don’t push the mixture into the pan. Instead, place it in the pan and gently press it down. The less compacted the bars are, the better they taste and easier they are to eat.

Quick Tip

Be sure to save these satisfying variations for when peppermint bark is no longer in season: Scotcheroos, Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats, or Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies Treats.

How do you keep Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats from sticking to your hands?

The secret here is cooking spray! Pour the mixture into the pan and then give both your hands a quick spritz with cooking spray (we like coconut oil-based cooking spray best, but any will work). Then, gently press the bars in and watch the magic happen — nothing will stick to your hands! Another option: slip your hands into plastic baggies and apply cooking spray for less cleanup.

Storage

• These Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats are best within the first couple of days, especially on day one. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Freezing affects the texture and makes the chocolate grainy, so I don’t recommend freezing them.

More Holiday Treats:

Quick And straightforward

Christmas Snack Mix

Christmas

Peppermint Bark Pretzels

Quick And straightforward

5-Ingredient Christmas Treats

Desserts

Peppermint Brownies

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 (16-ounce) bag miniature marshmallows (divided)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (not mint)
• 6 cups rice krispies cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
• 4 peppermint sticks (unwrapped and crushed, 1/4 cup, plus 1 to top bars with)
• 20 candy cane kisses (unwrapped)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (or use milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (divided)
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (skippable)

Method

1. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper (or foil) with an overhang; lightly spray with cooking spray and keep nearby. Measure out cereal and keep nearby. Unwrap candy canes and add them to a small blender or food processor. Pulse or chop until candy is very finely crushed into a powder. keep nearby. Unwrap kisses and keep nearby.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium-a low burner, stirring occasionally. As soon as butter is melted, reduce heat to low. Add 8 cups (339g) of the mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until marshmallows are just melted.
3. Immediately remove from heat and mix in salt, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Add cereal and crushed peppermint. Stir to coat in the marshmallow mixture. Once well coated, pour in the rest of the marshmallows (2-1/2 cups). Stir. Add in unwrapped peppermint kisses and stir to mix them in; they will get melty (this is intended).
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly spritz your hands with cooking spray and press the mixture gently into the prepared pan. Don’t press too hard or you’ll get a dense/harder treat. keep nearby to cool about 10 minutes.
5. While that cooks, add white chocolate and 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring between each burst for 10 seconds until chocolate is melted and smooth. move melted chocolate to a plastic bag, cut off the tip, and drizzle evenly over the bars. Repeat with the milk chocolate and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil (melt and drizzle over bars). If desired, add the last crushed peppermint stick (see note 1) and mini chocolate chips and allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature, about 30 minutes to an hour.
6. Use the parchment overhang to pull the bars out from the pan. Use a sharp knife to make cuts. (Run a knife under hot water, then dry with a towel for easier cutting.) These bars are best enjoyed the same day.