If you’re searching for a festive, sweet treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles are exactly what you need. They combine the nostalgic crunch of puffed rice cereal with smooth, creamy white chocolate and a cheerful burst of red, green, and white sprinkles. This delightful recipe brings a splash of holiday magic to any gathering, making every bite a joyful celebration of flavor and texture. Once you try these, they might just become your go-to seasonal snack that friends and family will eagerly request year after year.

White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to whip up White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles requires just a handful of simple ingredients that come together perfectly to create a treat that’s crunchy, creamy, and colorful. Each element plays a key role in building the texture, sweetness, and festive charm.

3 cups puffed rice cereal: The classic crunchy base that gives these balls their signature crispy bite.
1.5 cups mini marshmallows: Provides the gooey, chewy glue that binds everything together effortlessly.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, sweet depth of flavor that elevates the whole mixture.
2 cups white chocolate chips or candy melts: Coats the balls in luscious sweetness and offers a beautiful canvas for decorating.
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional): Helps the white chocolate melt to a silky consistency, perfect for dipping.
1/2 cup red, green, and white nonpareils: These festive sprinkles add the perfect pop of holiday colors and a bit of extra crunch.

How to Make White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles

Step 1: Make the Rice Krispie Mixture

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once it’s fully melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir steadily until they melt completely into a smooth, glossy mixture. It’s important to keep the heat low to avoid burning. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for an inviting aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Combine with Cereal

Next, gently fold in the puffed rice cereal, taking care to coat every bit with the marshmallow mixture. This step is where the magic happens—you want all the cereal lightly enveloped so each bite delivers just the right balance of crunch and chew. Let the mixture cool down for a couple of minutes until it’s warm but safe to handle, making the next step much easier.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Grease your hands lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If the mixture feels crumbly, press it together gently with your fingers; the marshmallow ensures it will stick nicely. Set each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool completely before moving on.

Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate

Place your white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-30 second bursts, stirring between each until the chocolate is silky smooth. If your chocolate is too thick for dipping, stir in a tablespoon of coconut oil to thin it out. Let the chocolate cool just slightly so it’s thick enough to coat without dripping off too fast.

Step 5: Coat the Balls and Add Sprinkles

Dip each rice krispie ball into the white chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Use a fork to lift the ball out, letting any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle each ball generously with the festive nonpareils. Work quickly so the sprinkles stick well before the chocolate hardens. This is where your holiday colors really come alive, transforming simple treats into showstoppers.

Step 6: Set and Serve

Place the coated and sprinkled balls back on the parchment-lined sheet and let the white chocolate set completely. To speed up this process, pop the tray into the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Once set, your White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles will have a glossy coating and festive appearance that’s perfect for gifting or sharing around the holiday table.

How to Serve White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles

Garnishes

Enhance the festive vibe by pairing these treats with extra sprinkles on top or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Edible glitter or small candy cane pieces can also add a delightful sparkle and seasonal crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve your White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with hot cocoa or a creamy eggnog to complement the sweet, crunchy flavors. Mini fruit skewers with bright berries or candied citrus peel can add some fresh bursts that contrast wonderfully with the richness of the chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your krispie balls in a clear glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by pine sprigs and cinnamon sticks for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place your White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight or humidity to maintain their crisp texture and crisp white chocolate coating.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Since these treats are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended. If your white chocolate feels a bit soft after thawing, simply chill the balls again in the fridge to firm up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, you can! Just cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces to ensure they melt evenly and incorporate smoothly without clumping.

What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?

White chocolate candy melts work wonderfully as an alternative, or you can use melting wafers designed specifically for dipping and coating confections.

Is coconut oil necessary?

Coconut oil is optional but helps thin the white chocolate for easier dipping and a smoother finish. If you prefer not to use it, just melt the chocolate slowly and stir well.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Ensure your puffed rice cereal is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain barley malt or other gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Mini candy pieces, chopped nuts, or dried fruit make fun additions mixed right into the cereal before shaping, adding different textures and flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making these White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles is pure joy from start to finish. They’re quick to prepare, wonderfully festive, and utterly delicious, offering a nostalgic twist on a holiday classic. Whether you’re crafting them for a party, gifting to loved ones, or simply treating yourself, these little bites of happiness are sure to brighten your season. Give them a try—you’ll love watching everyone’s faces light up with each colorful, crunchy bite!

White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Matteo
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 rice krispie balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls with Holiday Sprinkles are festive, bite-sized treats perfect for holiday celebrations. They combine crispy puffed rice cereal with a smooth marshmallow base, coated in creamy white chocolate and decorated with colorful red, green, and white sprinkles for a fun and sweet snack that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups puffed rice cereal
1.5 cups mini marshmallows (or 1 cup mini marshmallows + 1/4 cup marshmallow fluff)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients

2 cups white chocolate chips or white chocolate candy melts
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)

Decoration

1/2 cup red, green, and white nonpareils (tiny round sprinkles)

Instructions

Make the Rice Krispie Mixture: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the puffed rice cereal, making sure the cereal is thoroughly coated. Allow the mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes until warm but safe to handle.
Shape the Balls: Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If the mixture seems dry, press it together gently to compact. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to thin it out. Let it cool slightly so the chocolate thickens and is easier to coat the balls.
Coat the Balls and Add Sprinkles: Dip each rice krispie ball fully into the melted white chocolate, using a fork to lift and let excess chocolate drip off. Place coated balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle each ball evenly with the festive nonpareils before the chocolate sets, working quickly to ensure sprinkles stick.
Set and Serve: Let the white chocolate coating set completely. For faster setting, refrigerate the baking sheet for 15-20 minutes. Once set, transfer the krispie balls to a serving bowl, arranging them to showcase the colorful holiday sprinkles.

Notes

If you don’t have mini marshmallows, use regular marshmallows chopped into small pieces.
Using coconut oil in the white chocolate helps achieve a smoother coating and easier dipping.
Keep your hands greased while forming the balls to prevent sticky messes.
Store the finished rice krispie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
For a dairy-free version, look for vegan marshmallows and dairy-free white chocolate alternatives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: No-bake, Mixing, Coating
Cuisine: American