Festive White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful holiday treat that’s both nostalgic and a little fancy, you’ve got to try this Festive White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites combine the chewy, marshmallowy goodness of classic Rice Krispies with a smooth white chocolate coating and festive sprinkle pop — perfect for sharing during the holidays or bringing to any party. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll keep coming back to them year after year.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients blend together perfectly to give you that crisp, chewy texture inside with a decadent white chocolate shell outside. Plus, those festive sprinkles add the perfect pop of holiday cheer. For the best results, try to get mini marshmallows—they melt more evenly and give you that soft binding texture.

• Puffed Rice Cereal: The classic crispy base that provides that signature crunch.
• Mini Marshmallows: Use mini for easier melting and better coating; I sometimes add marshmallow fluff for extra creaminess.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps everything melt smoothly without adding unwanted saltiness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and depth to the sweet mix.
• White Chocolate Chips or Candy Melts: Choose your favorite for the coating—candy melts are super easy but chips taste richer.
• Coconut Oil (Optional): If the white chocolate feels too thick, a little coconut oil helps loosen it for a silky dip.
• Red, Green, and White Nonpareils: These festive sprinkles take your Rice Krispie balls to the holiday next level.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Festive White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to swap out flavors or add extra textures, feel free to make it truly yours!

• Peanut Butter Twist: I once folded in a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter before shaping the balls—deliciously rich and a total crowd-pleaser.
• Dark Chocolate Coating: Swapping white chocolate for dark chocolate gives a less sweet, more intense flavor that adults might adore.
• Allergy Friendly: Use dairy-free butter and vegan marshmallows to make this treat safe for everyone.
• Holiday Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture for an extra seasonal kick.

How to Make Festive White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows to Create the Base

Start by gently melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Low and slow is key here—you want the butter melted but not browned. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows (and marshmallow fluff, if using). Stir continuously to blend everything into a smooth, gooey mixture. This step is where patience pays off; stirring consistently prevents burning and ensures a silky marshmallow base. When everything’s melted and smooth, remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract for that fragrant touch.

Step 2: Fold in the Puffed Rice Cereal

Quickly but gently fold the puffed rice cereal into the marshmallow mixture using a spatula. This part needs a gentle touch—you want every puffed rice coated with marshmallow, but avoid smashing the cereal into mush. Once combined, let the mixture cool for about 2 to 3 minutes—just until it’s warm and manageable, so you don’t burn your hands.

Step 3: Roll Into Bite-Sized Balls

Lightly grease your hands with butter or spray to keep the mixture from sticking. Then, roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. If the mixture feels crumbly, press gently to help it hold its shape. I usually make about 20 balls from this amount, perfect for sharing or gifting. Place the balls onto a parchment-lined tray and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate for Coating

Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt your white chocolate chips or candy melts in 20 to 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval. If the white chocolate looks too thick or grainy, stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil; it makes dipping smooth and easy. Let the melted chocolate rest for a couple of minutes after melting so it thickens slightly—this helps it stick nicely to the balls instead of dripping off.

Step 5: Dip, Decorate, and Set

Dip each Rice Krispie ball into the melted white chocolate, using a fork to lift it out and gently tapping off any excess. Quickly sprinkles the red, green, and white nonpareils over the top before the chocolate firms up. It helps to work quickly here because that chocolate sets fast! Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined tray and let them set at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes if you want to speed things up.

How to Serve Festive White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simplicity with these treats—a colorful sprinkle mix is all they really need. But if you want to jazz things up more, try finely crushed peppermint candies for an extra holiday zing or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the white chocolate coating. It adds a striking visual contrast and a layered flavor highlight.

Side Dishes

Serve these Festive White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or a chai tea latte—their sweetness balances perfectly with the spiced drinks. For holiday parties, I like arranging them together with assorted cookies and candy canes for a festive dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

I once rolled these in mini edible glitter for a sparkling snow effect that wowed my holiday guests! Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbon also makes a lovely homemade gift. Layering them in cookie tins between wax paper sheets makes transport easy and adds to the surprise when gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve set, I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, refrigeration works well too—just bring them back to room temperature before serving so the white chocolate isn’t too hard and cold.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these white chocolate-coated balls before with great success. Freeze them in a single layer on parchment, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. When you want a treat, thaw in the fridge overnight to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these are best served cold or at room temp, I recommend against microwaving. Instead, simply leave frozen balls out for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate until softened, and enjoy the perfect balance of chewy and creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe is a little slice of holiday magic that’s both simple and impressive. I remember the first time I made them—they disappeared in no time, and my kids begged for seconds! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want a fun project to do with family, these treats are a guaranteed hit. Give them a try and watch your loved ones light up with every delicious bite!

Print