Name: Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter; 2 (10-ounce) bags miniature marshmallows; ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract; 8 cups Rice Krispies cereal; ¼ cup crushed candy canes (about 4 candy canes), divided; 5 ounces chopped dark chocolate (about ¾ cup); 5 ounces chopped white chocolate (about ¾ cup)

Imagine biting into a crispy, marshmallowy treat with a cool peppermint twist and swirls of rich chocolate melting on your tongue—this Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe brings that festive magic into every bite. It’s a wonderfully simple way to add a holiday sparkle to a classic dessert everyone loves.

The image shows several square pieces of a crispy rice treat stacked loosely on a white marbled surface. Each treat has two layers: the bottom layer is light golden in color with a puffy, airy texture from the crispy rice, while the top layer is made of dark brown chocolate with white chocolate drizzled unevenly over it. The chocolate is sprinkled with crushed red and white candy pieces, adding a textured, festive touch. Around the treats are whole round peppermint candies with red and white stripes, scattered randomly across the surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these—my kitchen smelled like a candy shop, and the peppermint flavor balanced perfectly with the chewy marshmallow and crunchy rice cereal. There’s something so satisfying about the layers of chocolate on top that makes these treats truly irresistible.

Festive & Flavor-Packed: The peppermint extract and crushed candy canes provide a refreshing twist on traditional Rice Krispies treats.
Textural Delight: Combining chewy marshmallows with crispy cereal plus a chocolate drizzle adds layers of texture and richness.
Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly—perfect when you want homemade holiday treats without hours in the kitchen.
Great for Gifting: Cut into perfect squares, they’re fantastic for sharing or wrapping up as sweet holiday gifts.

The image shows several square pieces of a crispy rice treat stacked on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three main layers: the bottom and middle layers are light golden and crispy, made of puffed rice cereal mixed with a sticky, smooth marshmallow layer, while the top layer is a thin coating of dark chocolate drizzled unevenly, sprinkled with crushed red and white peppermint candy bits. Two whole peppermint candies sit near the front right of the frame, with some blurred stacks of the treats in the background, creating depth. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is chosen to create that iconic blend of textures and flavors. Knowing why helps you pick the best versions and maybe even tweak the recipe to your liking!

Flat lay of a half cup of salted butter block, two small piles of miniature white marshmallows, a small white bowl with clear peppermint extract, a large mound of golden puffed Rice Krispies cereal, a small white bowl filled with crushed red and white candy cane pieces, a simple white bowl with chopped dark chocolate chunks, and another white bowl with chopped white chocolate chunks, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly; the salt balances the sweet.
Miniature marshmallows: Provide that chewy, gooey texture that binds the cereal together.
Peppermint extract: Gives the treats that unmistakable cool, minty spark—don’t skip it!
Rice Krispies cereal: The classic crispy base that gives the treat its signature crunch.
Crushed candy canes: Adds peppermint flavor and a refreshing crunch throughout.
Dark chocolate: Offers a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet marshmallow and white chocolate.
White chocolate: Creamy and sweet, it pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and peppermint.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is a fantastic base for your own holiday creativity. I love swapping in different types of chocolate or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes add a handful of mini chocolate chips into the marshmallow mixture for an extra chocolate surprise.
Diet-friendly tweak: For a gluten-free version, just make sure your Rice Krispies are certified gluten-free.
Seasonal twist: You can swap peppermint extract for orange or almond extract around other holidays for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Candy Canes

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this makes removing the treats a breeze later on. Then unwrap your candy canes and crush them up. I like to put them in a zip-top bag and gently bash with a rolling pin so you end up with a mix of small shards and powdery bits for texture.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter carefully until fully liquid. Reduce the heat to low and add most of the marshmallows, holding back about a cup for later. Stir constantly until everything is melted and combined—this is key to avoid scorching. The mixture should be smooth, glossy, and stretchy.

Step 3: Stir in Flavor and Cereal

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract, which instantly perks up the flavor. Then fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, two tablespoons of the crushed candy canes, and the reserved marshmallows. The extra marshmallows give some great little pockets of gooeyness.

Step 4: Press Into the Pan

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Press it down gently so it’s evenly spread but avoid packing it too tightly—you want those little air gaps to keep it crisp. I find that using the empty butter wrapper or a buttered spatula really helps achieve an even layer without sticking.

Step 5: Add the Peppermint Bark Toppings

Melt the dark and white chocolate separately in the microwave in short 20-second bursts, stirring well between to avoid burning. Once smooth, drizzle both chocolates over your treats in a random or striped pattern. Give the pan a gentle shake to smooth it out, then sprinkle the remaining crushed candy cane pieces on top for crunch and decoration.

Step 6: Let It Set Before Slicing

Allow your Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats to cool and firm up completely at room temperature. This usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Once set, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares for sharing.

Top Tip

Making Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe taught me some handy tricks that really make the process smoother and the results tastier. If you’re anything like me, these tips will help you nail it the first time.

Use Low Heat When Melting Marshmallows: I learned that medium-low heat keeps marshmallows from burning and turning grainy, making the mixture silky smooth.
Reserve Some Marshmallows: Adding a handful of unmelted marshmallows into the mix gives chunks of chewy softness throughout—such a nice surprise!
Press Lightly, Don’t Compact: Too much pressure can make the treats dense and harder to cut. Gentle pressing keeps them light and crunchy.
Crush Candy Canes Yourself: Freshly crushed candy canes provide vibrant peppermint flavor. Pre-crushed ones tend to lose their punch.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or crushed peppermint on top just before serving—makes them look extra festive and pretty, especially for holiday parties.

Side Dishes

These treats pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa or coffee. For a brunch spread, I often serve them alongside simple fruit salad or spiced nuts to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I wrap individual squares in wax paper tied with red and white twine—that rustic look really highlights the peppermint theme. You could also arrange them on a festive platter layered with evergreen sprigs for holiday guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay perfectly chewy for up to five days. Just make sure the container seals tightly to avoid drying out.

Freezing

Once wrapped individually in plastic wrap, I freeze the treats for up to two months. When ready to eat, I thaw them at room temp and they come back soft and just as delicious.

Reheating

To revive that gooey texture, I warm cooled or thawed treats in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—but watch closely so the chocolate topping doesn’t melt into a mess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of miniature?

Yes! If you only have regular-sized marshmallows, just chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and mix well with the cereal.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes without making a mess?

Placing candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently tapping with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon works well and keeps pieces contained.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. These treats store well for up to three days in a sealed container, making them great for holiday prep or parties.

How do I prevent the chocolate from melting when serving?

Keep the treats in a cool room or refrigerate briefly before serving. Also, try to handle the treats minimally with dry hands to avoid transferring heat.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to holiday sweets because it combines nostalgia with festive flair—and it’s just so darn easy to make. I hope you try it as much as I do, whether for cozy nights, parties, or gifting. You’ll impress everyone with the peppermint-chocolate goodness packed into every bite.