Name: Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-489046H15M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp molasses; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves or nutmeg (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional toppings: white chocolate (melted), festive sprinkles, mini gingerbread cookies

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These Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats are a festive twist on the classic marshmallow treat I’ve always loved. Spiced with warm gingerbread flavors and drizzled with white chocolate (if I’m feeling fancy), they bring the cozy vibes of the holidays in every bite. They’re chewy, crispy, and full of nostalgic flavor—perfect for sharing or keeping all to myself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe captures the essence of gingerbread without the need to roll out dough or preheat the oven. It’s quick, easy, and gives me that holiday magic in just a few steps. The blend of cinnamon, ginger, molasses, and marshmallows makes every bite rich, spiced, and perfectly chewy. Plus, I don’t need to wait for these to cool completely like traditional cookies—just cut and serve.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rice Krispies cereal
Mini marshmallows
Unsalted butter
Molasses
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves or nutmeg (optional, for extra spice)
Vanilla extract
Optional: white chocolate for drizzling or festive sprinkles

Directions

I melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat, then stir in the molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until fragrant.
I add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they’re completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
I remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
I quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, mixing until everything is well coated.
I press the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined pan using a spatula or lightly greased hands.
If I’m in the mood, I melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top, adding sprinkles before it sets.
Once the treats are cool, I slice them into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 16 squares, depending on how large I cut them. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare, plus 15–20 minutes of cooling time before I slice and serve.

Variations

Sometimes I swap in maple syrup or dark corn syrup if I’m out of molasses, though I do love that deep flavor molasses gives. I’ve also mixed in crushed gingersnaps for more texture or topped the treats with mini gingerbread men for a fun presentation. For a chocolatey version, I’ve stirred mini chocolate chips into the mixture just before pressing it into the pan.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to store them longer, I wrap them individually and freeze them for up to a month. I let them thaw at room temperature—no need to reheat, they’re best enjoyed as-is.

FAQs

Can I make these treats without molasses?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. I’ve substituted with maple syrup or dark brown sugar in a pinch, and they still turn out delicious.

How do I keep Rice Krispie Treats from getting hard?

I always melt the marshmallows over low heat and avoid overpacking the mixture into the pan. It keeps them soft and chewy instead of dense.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, I’ve used large marshmallows before. I just make sure to cut them up or melt them slowly to avoid lumps.

Are these treats gluten-free?

I make sure to buy a gluten-free version if I’m serving someone with gluten intolerance.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely. I usually make them a day in advance and store them in a sealed container. They hold up great and are easy to stack or transport.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats are one of my favorite holiday shortcuts—no baking, no fuss, just the perfect combo of cozy spices and marshmallowy goodness. They bring a fun twist to a childhood classic and make every bite taste like the holidays. Whether I’m gifting them, adding them to a dessert tray, or enjoying them with coffee, they never disappoint.

Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats