If you’re looking for a no-bake treat that practically jingles with holiday cheer, Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are your new must-make! These adorable bites capture all the magic of a classic Christmas pudding—only with the crispy, gooey goodness of marshmallow cereal treats, playful cocoa notes, and a snowy drizzle of white chocolate. Topped with festive red and green candies, each “pudding” is a merry little dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you need a whimsical edible gift or want to bring extra sparkle to your holiday party dessert table, this recipe is pure holiday happiness.

Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings lies in their simplicity: each ingredient works wonders for flavor, texture, or festive flair. Let’s take a closer look at these essential players before you dig into the fun!

Unsalted Butter: Gives the base a rich, buttery flavor and helps everything melt together smoothly.
Mini Marshmallows: The magical glue for those iconic, chewy cereal clusters—make sure they’re fresh for the dreamiest texture.
Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds irresistible crispy crunch and forms the foundation of these classic treats.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Infuses each bite with cozy chocolate warmth, perfect for that Christmas pudding look and flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness and brings a lovely aroma to the mix.
White Chocolate (Melted): Creates the signature “pudding sauce” drip and a velvety contrast to the cocoa base.
Red and Green Candy Decorations: The finishing touch—these mimic the classic holly berries and leaves, turning each treat into a little work of art.
Optional Spices (Cinnamon or Nutmeg): Sprinkle in holiday spirit! Just a pinch gives your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings extra cozy, festive character.

How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Start by setting a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt slowly, filling your kitchen with that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma. Once it’s melted, stir in all those pillowy marshmallows. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, glossy, sweet cloud—no lumps allowed! Be patient and use low heat to avoid scorching or hardening the mix.

Step 2: Add Cocoa, Vanilla, and Spices

Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, fragrant vanilla extract, and that optional sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. This step is where the holiday warmth happens! You’ll see the mix darken into gorgeous cocoa and catch a whiff of cozy spice. Stir thoroughly so every bite of your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings will be perfectly flavored.

Step 3: Fold in the Rice Krispies Cereal

Take the pan off the heat and gently fold in your Rice Krispies cereal. You want to stir just enough to coat every piece, but not too much, as over-mixing can crush the cereal. The mixture might start to stick, so a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon will be your best friend here. This is where that irresistible signature crunch is built!

Step 4: Shape the Puddings

Let the mixture cool just a bit to avoid burnt fingers, then grease your hands (a must for non-sticky shaping!) and scoop out golf ball-sized portions. Roll these into perfect spheres and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet: they’re the plump, pudding-shaped stars of the show. Give them a few minutes to set and firm up before the fun decorating begins.

Step 5: Decorate with White Chocolate and Candy

Now comes the truly magical part of creating Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings! Drizzle each pudding ball with melted white chocolate so it looks like rich sauce pouring down a traditional Christmas pudding. Quickly place red and green candies or festive sprinkles on top—think holly berries and leaves, cheerful and bright. Let everything set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for a quick chill, then get ready for oohs and aahs!

How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Garnishes

Festive garnishes really make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings shine! If you want extra sparkle, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or add a tiny mint leaf to each for a fresh, leafy look. A scattering of extra red and green candies on the serving platter adds instant party flair—guaranteed to make everyone smile.

Side Dishes

Looking to build a merry dessert spread? Pair your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings with creamy eggnog, hot chocolate, or a frothy peppermint latte. These little treats love some company—try them alongside shortbread cookies or spiced nuts to add crunchy variety and keep the festive energy flowing all night long.

Creative Ways to Present

For a whimsical touch, arrange the puddings in mini cupcake liners and tie up a few in clear treat bags for edible holiday gifts. If you’re hosting, pile them high on a cake stand, or nestle them in a wreath of fresh evergreen sprigs for a centerpiece that’s both beautiful and edible. Any way you display them, Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings bring unexpected joy to the holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings keep beautifully for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure to keep them away from heat and humidity so they don’t get sticky or lose their delightful crunch. Line the container with wax paper to help prevent sticking—especially if you’ve gone big on the white chocolate drizzle!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on holiday prep, you can absolutely freeze Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment. Freeze for up to one month. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

These treats are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, but if you find they’re a bit too firm straight from the fridge or freezer, just let them sit out for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the chocolate run and the cereal soggy. A little patience gives perfect texture every time!

FAQs

Can I make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free crispy rice cereal and double-check your candies and chocolate for hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so your whole crowd can enjoy these festive bites worry-free.

How far in advance can I prepare these?

You can confidently prepare Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings up to three days ahead. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be just as delicious and enticing on party day as they were fresh from your kitchen.

Is it possible to make them vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and marshmallows (many health food stores carry vegan marshmallows) as well as vegan-friendly chocolate. Just make sure your decorations are gelatin-free and you’re set for a delightful vegan version.

Can kids help make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings?

Without a doubt! Kids love rolling the pudding balls and adding their own flair with the drizzled chocolate and candies. Make sure an adult handles the hot marshmallow mixture, but decorating is perfect for little hands.

What’s the best way to melt white chocolate?

Gently melt your white chocolate in 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring after each, or use a double boiler for more control. White chocolate is delicate, so keep the heat low to avoid burning or seizing.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to add charm and joy to your holidays than with a batch of Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings. They’re easy, festive, and irresistibly fun to make and share. I can’t wait for you to try them—let these sweet little treats become a new tradition in your home!

Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 mini puddings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are a festive and fun treat that kids and adults will love. Made with cocoa-flavored Rice Krispies and topped with white chocolate and colorful candy decorations, these mini puddings are perfect for holiday parties or as edible gifts.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rice Krispie Puddings:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 ounces mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

For Decoration:

1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
Red and green candy decorations (e.g., mini M&Ms or sprinkles)

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Instructions

Melt the Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.
Mix Ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and optional spices. Remove from heat.
Add Cereal: Fold in Rice Krispies until coated.
Shape Puddings: Allow mixture to cool slightly, then shape into golf ball-sized spheres.
Decorate: Place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and decorate with candies.
Serve: Let set before serving.