These White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls are the ultimate no-bake holiday treat—crunchy, sweet, and dipped in velvety white chocolate with festive sprinkles on top. Made with puffed rice, gooey marshmallows, and a hint of vanilla, they come together quickly and look as magical as they taste. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas party, edible gift box, or family fun day, these bite-sized delights are always a crowd-pleaser—easy to prep and impossible to resist.
White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe
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
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or white chocolate candy melts
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
- 1/2 cup red, green, and white nonpareils (tiny round sprinkles)
Steps
Make the Rice Krispie Mixture
- In a large saucepan, melt the 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 fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Allow the mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes, until it’s warm but safe to handle.
Shape the Balls
- Lightly grease your hands with a bit of 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 feels dry, gently press it together to compact it. Place the 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 in between until smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to thin it out.
- Allow the chocolate to cool slightly, so it thickens just a bit, making it easier to coat the krispie balls.
Coat the Balls and Add Sprinkles
- Dip each rice krispie ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a fork to lift each ball and let the excess chocolate drip off.
- Place the coated balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle each ball with the festive nonpareils.
Decorate with Sprinkles
- Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle each ball with the festive nonpareils, evenly covering the surface.
- Work quickly so the sprinkles adhere before the chocolate hardens.
Set and Serve
- Let the white chocolate coating set completely. You can speed this up by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
- Once set, transfer the rice krispie balls to a serving bowl, stacking them neatly to show off their vibrant holiday colors.
Health Benefits of White Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls
While they’re a sweet holiday indulgence, these treats come with a few light benefits:
- No-Bake Convenience: Saves time, energy, and reduces kitchen heat—perfect for quick holiday prep.
- Portion-Controlled Bites: Small, single-serve treats make it easy to enjoy in moderation.
- Kid-Friendly Ingredients: Made from simple, familiar ingredients that are fun to make and safe for little hands.
- Stress-Free Fun: An excellent recipe for involving kids or creating gifts—easy to make, easy to clean up.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: When using certified gluten-free puffed rice and marshmallows, these treats can fit gluten-sensitive diets.
Other Recipe You Might be Interested: No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe
