White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
These White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats are thick, chewy, and loaded with marshmallows, pretzels, and candy cane. No-bake holiday dessert!
Similar recipes include Mud Hen Bars, Pie Plate Chocolate Chip Toffee Cookies, or Blackberry Coconut Crisp.
Why These White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats Work So Well
These White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats are my favorite holiday dessert. Salty pretzels balance the sweet white chocolate and peppermint. They come together in minutes and always get rave reviews.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Rice Krispie Treats
- The combination of salty pretzels and sweet white chocolate creates a perfect flavor contrast.
- They are incredibly easy to make with no baking required.
- The extra marshmallows stirred in at the end give them a gooey, chewy texture.
Key Ingredients for These Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
- Mini marshmallows: They melt faster and more evenly than large marshmallows. Use a full 16 oz bag for the base, plus an extra 2 cups stirred in at the end for gooey pockets.
- Peppermint extract: A little goes a long way. Use pure peppermint extract, not peppermint oil, for the right flavor.
- Pretzels: Use thin, salted pretzel twists or sticks. Chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly.
Kitchen Tools for Making Candy Cane Rice Krispie Treats
- 9×9 or 9×13 baking pan (depending on desired thickness)
- Large pot (at least 5 quarts) for melting marshmallows
- Spatula for pressing
- Microwave-safe bowl for melting white chocolate
Tips for Making the Best Thick and Chewy Rice Krispie Treats
When pressing the mixture into the pan, use a greased spatula or lightly greased hands. Press gently to avoid compacting the treats too much, which keeps them light and chewy. If you want super thick bars, use a 9×9-inch pan; for standard thickness, go with 9×13. Let the treats sit until the white chocolate topping hardens, about an hour, before cutting into squares.
Expert Tips for Perfect White Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
To get the white chocolate drizzle smooth, heat it in 30-second intervals and stir well. If it seizes, add a tiny bit more oil. For even distribution of mix-ins, fold the cereal and pretzels gently until just coated, then add the extra marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and candy cane pieces.
Thick vs. Regular: Choosing the Right Pan Size for Thick and Chewy Rice Krispie Treats
This recipe gives you two options. For super thick bars, use a 9×9-inch pan. For standard thickness, use a 9×13-inch pan. The ingredient amounts stay the same, so the only difference is how deep the treats are. Both versions are chewy and delicious.
Variations for Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
Swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate for a less sweet version. Use gluten-free pretzels and certified gluten-free cereal for a gluten-free treat. Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch. Skip the peppermint extract and use vanilla for a non-mint version.
Serving Suggestions for Holiday Rice Krispie Treats
Serve these treats as a dessert at holiday parties. They pair well with hot cocoa or peppermint mocha. For a festive platter, arrange them alongside sugar cookies and gingerbread.
How to Store Leftover White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer the treats to an airtight container. Store them on the counter for up to 3 days. Do not refrigerate, as that can make them hard.
How to Freeze White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
These treats freeze well. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
How to Reheat These Easy Rice Krispie Treats
To soften the treats, microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds. This will make them gooey again. Do not overheat or the white chocolate may melt.
FAQs About White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
Can I use a 9×13 pan instead of 9×9?
Yes. Use a 9×13 pan for regular thickness treats. The 9×9 pan gives super thick bars. Both work with the same ingredient amounts.
Why do you add extra marshmallows at the end?
Stirring in 2 cups of mini marshmallows after the cereal is coated creates pockets of gooey, unmelted marshmallow. This gives the treats a softer, chewier texture.
Can I substitute the pretzels with something else?
Yes. Try salted peanuts, chopped pecans, or even crushed potato chips for a similar salty crunch. Keep the total amount the same.
How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?
Place the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This contains the pieces and prevents sticky residue.
Recipe
White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
Thick and chewy Rice Krispie treats loaded with marshmallows, pretzels, white chocolate, and candy cane pieces. These easy Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect treat for the holidays!
Ingredients
rice krispie treats
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 16 oz mini marshmallows
- 0.25 tsp peppermint extract
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
- 8 cup crispy rice cereal
- 2 cup chopped pretzels
- 0.75 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 candy canes, smashed
topping
- 0.5 cup white chocolate chips
- 0.25 tsp oil
- 0.25 cup chopped pretzels
- 1 candy cane, crushed
- flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- 1
For super thick Rice Krispie Treats, grease an 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. For regular Rice Krispie Treats, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier for them to come out of the pan. Set pan aside.
- 2
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the 16 oz bag of marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are completely melted.
- 3
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract and the sea salt. Add the cereal and pretzels; gently stir until well coated with the marshmallows.
- 4
Stir in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and crushed candy cane pieces.
- 5
Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Lightly press the mixture into the pan, using a greased spatula. You can also lightly grease your hands and press the mixture into the pan.
- 6
For the topping, place white chocolate chips and oil in a small bowl. Heat in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- 7
Drizzle the white chocolate over the Rice Krispie Treats. Top with chopped pretzels, crushed candy cane, and flaky sea salt.
- 8
Let the Rice Krispie Treats sit until chocolate is hard, about 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve.
- 9
Cover pan with plastic wrap or put the treats in an airtight container and store on the counter for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calorie breakdown
How this was calculated — 13 of 13 ingredients matched
Nutrition information is automatically calculated from USDA FoodData Central, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used.
Open in analyzerKeyword: Christmas, dessert, holiday, kid-friendly, nutFree, sweet and salty
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