Christmas white chocolate balls

These Christmas Rice Crispy Treats bring a festive twist to a classic favorite. Bite-sized and coated in creamy white chocolate with colorful sprinkles, they make for a fun and easy holiday snack that both kids and adults love.

I put this together one busy evening when I wanted something sweet and easy for a gathering and now these have become a holiday staple in our house.

Ingredients

• 3 cups puffed rice cereal: for a light crispy texture choose a fresh and crunchy brand for best results
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows: to melt smoothly and bind the cereal together look for fresh, fluffy marshmallows
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt evenly use high-quality butter for creaminess
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances sweetness and adds warm flavor opt for pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups white chocolate chips: for coating the treats look for creamy white chocolate with minimal waxy fillers
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional): helps thin the melted chocolate for easier dipping use refined coconut oil for a neutral taste
• 1/2 cup red green and white nonpareils: bring festive colors and a crunchy texture pick fresh sprinkles that are bright and evenly sized

Instructions

Make The Rice Krispie Mixture:

Melt the butter over low heat in a large saucepan. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously for smooth melted consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Fold in the puffed rice cereal carefully until completely coated. Let the mixture cool for 2 to 3 minutes until it is warm enough to handle but not too hot.

Shape The Balls:

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Roll the mixture gently into bite-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If the mixture feels crumbly press it gently to hold together. Arrange the balls on a parchment paper-lined sheet and let them cool completely.

Melt The White Chocolate:

Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt at 20 to 30 second intervals stirring well after each to avoid burning. If the chocolate is too thick add the coconut oil and stir until smooth. Let the chocolate rest for a few minutes for slightly thicker coating texture.

Coat The Balls And Add Sprinkles:

Dip each rice krispie ball thoroughly in the melted white chocolate using a fork to lift them out. Tap off excess chocolate gently to avoid drips. Set them back on the parchment-lined tray right away and sprinkle generously with red green and white nonpareils before the chocolate sets.

Set And Serve:

Leave the coated balls at room temperature until firm or speed up setting by refrigerating for 15 to 20 minutes. Once chocolate is fully hardened transfer the treats to a serving dish or airtight container stacking neatly.

My favorite part is rolling the balls and coating them in white chocolate. It reminds me of baking with my family every year where we play Christmas music and laugh about who can keep the sprinkles on best. It turns the kitchen into a festive playground.

Storage Tips

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the crisp texture and prevent the chocolate from sweating. If you need to store longer refrigerate them but bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste. Avoid stacking too tightly or place parchment between layers.

Ingredient Swaps

Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate for coating if you prefer less sweetness or a richer flavor. Replace nonpareils with crushed peppermint candy or festive colored edible glitter for a different look. Try using gluten-free or other puffed cereals if rice cereal is not available.

Serving Ideas

Arrange these festive balls on a holiday platter for parties or place in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for easy gifting. Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a perfect holiday treat break.

These treats bring joy and simplicity to holiday baking with minimal prep and maximum fun.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of rice cereal works best for these treats?

Puffed rice cereal with a light and crispy texture is ideal, ensuring the balls hold together while maintaining crunch.

→ How can I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands when shaping?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before shaping to make handling easier and reduce stickiness.

→ Why add coconut oil when melting white chocolate?

Coconut oil helps loosen thick melted chocolate, making it smoother and easier to coat the balls evenly.

→ Can I store these balls overnight without losing texture?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture and chocolate coating.

→ What’s the purpose of nonpareils in this treat?

The colorful nonpareils add a festive look and a slight crunchy texture, enhancing each bite’s visual appeal and contrast.