Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats
These festive Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats combine classic crispy rice cereal with cozy gingerbread spices and molasses for a quick, crowd-pleasing holiday dessert. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for gifting, parties, or a sweet seasonal snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed gingerbread cookies (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy lifting. Measure out all ingredients before starting.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in molasses and let bubble for 30 seconds. Add mini marshmallows. Lower heat to medium-low and stir until marshmallows are melted and mixture is glossy and smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove pan from heat. Immediately add Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold together with a buttered spatula until evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to press evenly into corners. Let cool for at least 30 minutes, then lift out and cut into squares.
- Optional: Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl (heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time). Drizzle over cooled treats and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles. Let set for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For gluten-free treats, use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. Vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter work for dairy-free/vegan versions. Blooming spices in butter is key for flavor. Work quickly when mixing and pressing, as the mixture sets fast. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 2x2
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 1
Keywords: gingerbread, rice krispie treats, holiday dessert, Christmas, easy, marshmallow, molasses, festive, kid-friendly, no bake