If you’re on the hunt for an uplifting, festive treat that brings all the holiday cheer in every bite, you have to try the Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Stars Dipped in Chocolate with Sprinkles Recipe. These adorable star-shaped delights combine the classic crisp, gooey magic of Rice Krispies with a luscious chocolate dip and a flurry of colorful sprinkles, creating the perfect sweet snack for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. With their eye-catching red and green cereal and a crunch that never fails to delight, these treats turn a nostalgic favorite into something truly special and festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting these Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Stars is wonderfully simple thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that each play their part in delivering perfect flavor, texture, and festive color. From the creamy butter that binds everything together to the holiday-themed cereal that adds that burst of seasonal joy, everything is easy to find and easy to love.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Helps melt and bind the marshmallows and cereal for that classic gooey texture.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, cozy flavor that deepens the sweetness.
- 1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall taste.
- 15 ounces large marshmallows: The key ingredient that creates that perfect sticky and chewy base.
- 8 cups holiday red and green Rice Krispies cereal: Brings the festive colors and satisfyingly crisp crunch.
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chunks or chips: For dipping, adds rich, smooth indulgence that contrasts beautifully with the treats.
- 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening: Helps melt chocolate smoothly without seizing.
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes: Provides colorful and crunchy decoration to make each star sparkle with seasonal cheer.
How to Make Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Stars Dipped in Chocolate with Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Melt Butter
First things first, butter up a 9×13-inch baking pan inside and out — this prevents sticky mishaps later. Then, melt your half-cup of unsalted butter over medium heat in a large pot that’s roomy enough to eventually hold the cereal. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; this simple mixture already smells like holiday magic.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows
Now pour in all those fluffy marshmallows and start stirring right away. The goal is to coat each marshmallow in butter and gently melt them until your mixture is luxuriously smooth. Don’t worry if lumps linger—grab a whisk and break them down for that perfectly silky texture.
Step 3: Combine with the Cereal
Remove the pot from heat and quickly fold in the festive red and green Rice Krispies until every piece is swimming in marshmallow goodness. The colors here will brighten your kitchen and make you more excited for what’s coming next.
Step 4: Press Into the Pan and Cool
Immediately transfer the sticky mixture into your buttered pan. To get that nice even layer, use buttered hands or wax paper to press down evenly and smooth out the top. Let this rest uncovered until the surface feels cool—about half an hour. Then, flip the entire slab onto greased parchment paper and let it set another 30 minutes for easier cutting later on.
Step 5: Cut Out the Stars
Grab a 2¼-inch star cookie cutter and start pressing into the crispy, marshmallowy rectangle to create your star shapes. Carefully pull away the scraps around each star so they hold their bold points. Place your festive stars on a lined baking sheet, and don’t worry if some need a little squish to get perfect points—they still taste amazing.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate gently over simmering water using a double boiler to keep things silky.
Step 7: Dip and Decorate the Stars
One star at a time, dip the top or half the star into the melted chocolate, gently tapping off any excess before laying them back on the parchment paper. While the chocolate is still soft and inviting, sprinkle on your colorful holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes to add those irresistible festive touches.
Step 8: Let Them Set
Allow all those beautifully dressed stars to cool at room temperature for about an hour until the chocolate hardens. This step is pure anticipation heaven. Once chilled, your Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Stars Dipped in Chocolate with Sprinkles Recipe is ready to bring joy to your celebrations!
How to Serve Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Stars Dipped in Chocolate with Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
These treats are already gorgeous with sprinkles and candy canes, but you can add fresh holiday herbs like mint leaves nearby for a pop of green and a refreshing scent. A light dusting of powdered sugar can mimic fresh snow, adding a whimsical touch to your festive platter.
Side Dishes
Pairing these sweet stars with simple sides like warm cider or hot chocolate creates a cozy holiday vibe. Their crunch and chocolate coating balance wonderfully against creamy dips or soft, rich desserts like whipped cream-topped cupcakes or cheesecake slices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the stars in a festive pyramid, wrapping them in clear cellophane with a bright ribbon for gift-giving, or arranging them alongside holiday cookies and ornaments to create a stunning edible centerpiece. Their bold colors and shapes make them naturally eye-catching at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Stars in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. This helps maintain their signature soft, chewy texture and keeps the chocolate crisp and shiny for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these treats well in advance, freezing is a great option. Place the stars in a single layer separated by parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag or container. When properly sealed, they freeze well for up to a month and thaw quickly within a couple of hours at room temperature.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, it’s best to simply let frozen stars thaw naturally. Avoid microwaving, as marshmallows and chocolate can become tough or grainy. Instead, unwrap and let them rest out of the fridge until soft and ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! Puff cereal or other crispy rice cereals can work, although they might change the texture slightly. The key is to use something light and crunchy so the treats stay airy but cohesive.
What if I don’t have vegetable shortening to melt the chocolate?
You can skip the shortening, but it helps keep the chocolate smooth and easier to dip. Using a small amount of coconut oil can be a good substitute if you have that on hand.
Can I store these treats in the refrigerator?
It’s best not to refrigerate the treats because cold temperatures may harden the marshmallows too much and make the chocolate dull or prone to discoloration. Room temperature storage keeps them soft and shiny.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Heat the chocolate slowly in short intervals, stirring often. Adding a little vegetable shortening or oil helps keep the chocolate fluid, but avoid any water contact as even a drop can cause it to seize.
How long do these treats last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these festive treats stay delicious for about five to seven days. They’re usually so good, they don’t last that long!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about sharing the Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Stars Dipped in Chocolate with Sprinkles Recipe with friends and family. With simple ingredients, a fun process, and a spectacular result, these treats embody the joy of the season in every star-shaped bite. I hope you dive into making these as much as you enjoy eating them — happy holidays and happy baking!
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Holiday Rice Krispie Treats Stars Dipped in Chocolate with Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 15-18 star-shaped treats
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for the holiday season, featuring classic marshmallow and cereal base shaped into stars and dipped in rich semisweet chocolate, then decorated with holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes. A fun and easy treat to make with family, these colorful and delicious bites add a joyful touch to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (plus extra to grease the pan)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 15 ounces large marshmallows
- 8 cups holiday red and green Rice Krispies cereal (or regular Rice Krispies)
Chocolate Coating and Decoration
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray and set aside to ensure easy removal of the treats later.
- Melt Butter and Add Flavorings: In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter. Once melted, stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Incorporate Marshmallows: Add the marshmallows to the melted butter mixture. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are well coated and completely melted, creating a smooth, creamy mixture. Use a whisk if needed to break down any stubborn lumps.
- Add Cereal: Remove from heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure all pieces are evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan. Using buttered hands or a buttered wax paper, firmly press the mixture into an even layer, smoothing the top as much as possible.
- Cool the Treats: Allow the mixture to cool uncovered for about 30 minutes until the top is cool to the touch.
- Invert and Firm Up: Grease parchment or wax paper, then flip the cereal block out of the pan onto the paper so the bottom is now on top. Let it rest another 30 minutes to firm up and lose its stickiness for easier cutting.
- Cut Stars: Using a 2¼-inch star cookie cutter, cut out star shapes in five rows of three. Gently separate the stars and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Press any wonky stars to reshape and reuse leftover pieces for additional stars until mixture becomes too sticky.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chunks and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler carefully to avoid seizing.
- Dip Stars: Dip each star halfway or fully into the melted chocolate. Tap off any excess chocolate and place on the lined baking sheet.
- Add Sprinkles: While chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or crushed candy cane pieces for festive decoration.
- Set and Store: Let the dipped stars cool at room temperature for about an hour until the chocolate is firm. Store the treats tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 to 7 days to keep them fresh and gooey.
Notes
- Try different types of chocolate such as white, milk, or dark chocolate to vary the flavor.
- Store the treats in an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent drying out and becoming hard.
- Avoid refrigerating the treats as cold temperatures make them hard to eat and can cause chocolate discoloration.
- Keep treats away from heat and sunlight to maintain their texture and appearance.
