Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Category: Treats That Make Everything Better

Create delightful holiday sweets in just 25 minutes with crispy marshmallow squares and whimsical candy decorations. Each triangle becomes a charming reindeer, complete with chocolate pretzel antlers, bright candy eyes, and a colorful nose for Rudolph. The process uses classic Rice Krispies, margarine, and marshmallows, finished with melted almond bark to stick on the features and sprinkles for added fun. This project is ideal for creating with kids and adds playful character to any Christmas dessert spread. Enjoy these crunchy, gooey bites at parties or festive gatherings!

Clare Recipes
Updated on Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:48:53 GMT
A plate of rice krispie treats shaped like reindeer. Save
A plate of rice krispie treats shaped like reindeer. | recipesclare.com

These reindeer rice krispie treats bring cute holiday cheer to dessert tables and make a fantastic hands-on project for kids of all ages. Whether you are looking for a fun party snack or a memorable kitchen moment with little ones, this festive recipe transforms classic rice krispie treats into charming edible reindeer that everyone loves to decorate and eat.

I first made these reindeer treats for my daughter’s winter classroom party and was blown away by how excited the kids were to decorate their own. Now it has become a tradition to craft these together every holiday season.

Ingredients

  • Margarine: It helps the treats stay soft and adds buttery flavor Use a fresh stick for the best taste and texture
  • Full size marshmallows or mini marshmallows: The glue that holds everything together Always use fresh marshmallows for the best gooey melt
  • Rice Krispies cereal: Provides the crisp and light crunch Go for cereal with a crisp snap for classic texture
  • White almond bark: Acts as edible glue for attaching decorations Choose a good quality almond bark for easy melting
  • Chocolate covered pretzels: These become the iconic reindeer antlers Pick ones that are fully coated for less breakage
  • Red and brown M and Ms: For noses Use bright red for Rudolph and brown for classic reindeer faces
  • Candy eyes: Fun and cute highlight for every reindeer A small candy decoration aisle find
  • Colorful sprinkles: Personalize your reindeer’s look with these Choose festive holiday colors for extra charm

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
Spread a thin layer of margarine evenly over the inside of a springform pan using your hands This prevents sticking and makes unmolding easy
Melt the Butter and Marshmallows:
Add remaining margarine to a heavy bottomed stock pot Heat gently and melt fully then add all marshmallows Stir constantly over medium heat until every marshmallow is melted to a smooth shiny consistency If you leave chunks your treats will not have that signature crunch
Mix in the Cereal:
Remove the pot from the heat Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal Keep mixing until every piece is well coated in melted marshmallow and no dry cereal remains
Shape and Cool:
Immediately scrape the gooey mixture into your prepared pan Use a spatula or greased hands to even out the top Press down softly for a flat finish Let the mixture cool for about twenty minutes to set
Slice into Triangles:
Once cool invert the pan onto a large cutting board Remove the pan sides and base Slice the big round into eight even wedges like cutting a pie
Decorate as Reindeer:
Melt the white almond bark in short bursts in the microwave Stir until smooth Dab a little bark onto each triangle’s top corners and press on two chocolate pretzels for antlers Dot more bark in the center for two candy eyes Add a final dab at the point for an M and M nose Use more bark to add sprinkles at the top Allow to set so everything holds
A plate of rice krispie treats shaped like reindeer. Save
A plate of rice krispie treats shaped like reindeer. | recipesclare.com

Adding colorful sprinkles for hair is my favorite bit because every reindeer ends up with its own personality My youngest always picks the reindeer with the wildest sprinkles for herself and gives the others special names

Storage Tips

Store the decorated reindeer in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days To keep pretzels crisp add a piece of parchment between layers Avoid storing in the fridge as it makes the treats hard and sticky

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use real butter instead of margarine for richer flavor If you cannot find almond bark try white chocolate chips melted gently Rice chex or puffed corn cereal works for allergy friendly swaps Candy noses can be made with any small round candy in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the reindeer on a platter with candy canes or mini ornaments for a playful presentation These make perfect hand out treats at school parties or cozy movie nights If serving to a crowd offer small bags for grab and go gifting

A plate of rice krispie treats shaped like reindeer. Save
A plate of rice krispie treats shaped like reindeer. | recipesclare.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use butter instead of margarine?

Yes, either butter or margarine will work for this treat. Use your preferred brand for the base and greasing.

→ How do I keep the treats from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan with margarine or use parchment paper to ensure easy removal after cooling.

→ Are mini or regular marshmallows better?

Both work equally well, but mini marshmallows melt more quickly for a smoother mixture.

→ What other decorations can I use for reindeer features?

Try using different colored candies, small chocolate chips, or licorice for noses and eyes as alternatives.

→ How should I store the finished treats?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Sweet Krispie squares shaped as reindeer, topped with candy eyes and pretzel antlers for a festive treat.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min

Category: Sweet Stuff

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 8 Serves (8 reindeer shaped treats)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 6 tablespoons margarine, divided into 4 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons, any preferred brand
02 10 ounce package full-size marshmallows (approximately 40 marshmallows or 5½ cups mini marshmallows)
03 6 cups puffed rice cereal (e.g., Rice Krispies)

→ Decorations

04 2 ounces white almond bark
05 16 chocolate-covered pretzels
06 1 red M&M (for Rudolph’s nose)
07 7 brown M&M's
08 16 candy eyes
09 Colorful sprinkles for decorative reindeer hair

Steps

Step 01

Spread 2 tablespoons of margarine evenly around the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Optionally, place a parchment paper circle on the buttered bottom of the pan for easier release.

Step 02

In a 5 to 6-quart heavy-bottomed stock pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of margarine over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Add the marshmallows to the melted margarine and stir continuously until completely melted. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.

Step 04

Stir the puffed rice cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated.

Step 05

Transfer the marshmallow-cereal mixture into the prepared pan, pressing gently to ensure an even surface. Cool for 15-20 minutes.

Step 06

Once cooled, flip the pan onto a large cutting board and gently release the sides and bottom of the springform pan. Slice the treats into 8 pie-shaped triangles.

Step 07

Microwave the white almond bark in 30-second intervals in a heat-safe bowl, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth.

Step 08

For each triangle, use almond bark as edible glue. Dab dots on the top corners for pretzel antlers, in the center for candy eyes, at the triangle's point for a nose (red or brown M&M), and between the antlers for sprinkles. Allow decorations to set.

Helpful Notes

  1. Ensure marshmallows are fully melted to maintain the crispiness of the treats.
  2. Parchment paper lining is optional but aids in removing the treats cleanly from the pan.

Required Tools

  • 10-inch springform pan
  • 5 to 6-quart heavy-bottomed stock pot
  • Large cutting board
  • Large sharp knife
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (margarine)
  • May contain gluten (cereals and pretzels depending on brand)
  • Contains soy (almond bark, M&Ms)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These are general insights and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 329
  • Fat: 8.7 g
  • Carbs: 56.4 g
  • Protein: 2.2 g