There’s something about the crunch of Rice Krispies paired with creamy chocolate and a refreshing hint of peppermint that makes this Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe an absolute holiday favorite. Sweet, minty, and oh-so addictive, it’s the kind of treat you’ll want to make over and over.

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’ve been making these treats every December for years now, and they never fail to wow everyone at the party. What’s so great is how simple it is to make yet it looks and tastes like something from a fancy bakery.

Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and quick steps get these treats ready in under 30 minutes.
Delicious Layers: The combo of peppermint marshmallow, dark and white chocolate makes every bite multi-dimensional.
Perfect for Holidays: The peppermint flavor and candy cane crunch bring just the right festive touch.
Kid-Friendly: These treats are a hit with all ages—easy enough for kids to help with, too.

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

This Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe works beautifully because every ingredient plays a special role, from the gooey marshmallows binding everything to the candy cane bits adding that festive crunch. Here’s why each one shines:

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: Gives richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly without burning.
Miniature Marshmallows: Provide the classic chewy texture and sweetness that hold the treats together.
Peppermint Extract: This is the star that gives a fresh holiday twist—just a little goes a long way.
Rice Krispies: The crunchy cereal base that creates that satisfying snap in every bite.
Crushed Candy Canes: Adds color, texture, and bursts of minty flavor for that peppermint bark feel.
Dark Chocolate: Bitter notes balance the sweetness and add depth to the flavor profile.
White Chocolate: Offers creamy sweetness and a gorgeous contrast when swirled on top.

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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

I love mixing this Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe up depending on the occasion. Sometimes I swap out dark chocolate for milk chocolate when I’m baking for kids with a sweet tooth, or I add a handful of chopped nuts for a bit of extra crunch.

Minty Twist: Using peppermint extract infused marshmallows is a fun shortcut if you want to double down on peppermint flavor.
Vegan Variation: Try coconut oil instead of butter and use vegan marshmallows — it’s just as delicious!
Extra Crunch: Toss in some crushed pretzels or mini candy cane bits inside the mix for unexpected texture.
Chocolate Swap: Substitute the dark or white chocolate with festive colored candy melts for a colorful presentation.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Candy Canes

First things first: line your baking dish with parchment paper so cleanup is a breeze. While you’re at it, unwrap your candy canes and crush them into small pieces. I like to pop them in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin—just a few gentle taps, and you’ve got festive crunchy bits ready for mixing and topping.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter slowly so it doesn’t burn. Once melted, lower the heat and add most of your marshmallows—reserve a cup for later—and stir gently. Patience here pays off; keep the heat low and don’t rush, or you risk scorching the marshmallows. Stir until silky smooth and fully melted.

Step 3: Mix in Peppermint & Cereal

Remove your pot from heat and stir in that wonderful peppermint extract, the Rice Krispies cereal, crushed candy canes, and the reserved marshmallows. The extra marshmallows inside create soft pockets that keep the treats irresistibly chewy—trust me, it makes all the difference.

Step 4: Press and Chill

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and gently press it down. I like to use the empty butter wrapper or a buttered spatula—it helps press evenly without squishing the treats too tight, preserving that perfect light crunch.

Step 5: Melt and Drizzle Chocolates

Melt the dark and white chocolates separately in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring after each burst to achieve smooth melt without seizing. Drizzle both chocolates artfully over the treats, then sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes right away for a sparkling finish. Let them set to firm up before slicing.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned that small tweaks make a huge difference when making Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. Here are four tips I swear by:

Low and Slow Melting: Always melt butter and marshmallows on low heat to avoid a burnt flavor.
Use Buttered Tools: Butter your spatula or empty butter wrapper before pressing the treats—it prevents sticking and keeps texture light.
Add Reserved Marshmallows: Mixing in extra marshmallows before setting creates extra gooey pockets that melt delightfully in your mouth.
Crush Candy Canes Just Right: Don’t overdo the crushing—you want a mix of fine dust and larger chunks for both flavor and crunch contrast.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve these, I sprinkle just a tad more crushed candy canes right on top before the chocolate sets—it looks pretty and adds a bit more peppermint punch. Sometimes I’ll add mini edible silver stars for that extra holiday sparkle.

Side Dishes

These treats pair wonderfully with a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or a cozy mug of spiced coffee. They’re also a fun dessert alongside simple sugar cookies if you’re going for a festive cookie platter.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve gifted these in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white twine, making a sweet edible present. For parties, cutting the treats into mini bite-sized squares and serving on a tiered stand makes for a charming display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature—this keeps them chewy and fresh for up to five days. I usually separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Freezing works great! I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you want a sweet snack, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you want that warm, melty feel, pop thawed treats in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or the chocolates might lose their glossy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones?

Yes! You can use regular marshmallows, but they might take a bit longer to melt and could make the treats slightly denser. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly and help create a lighter texture.

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

Place the candy canes inside a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or mallet. This contains the pieces and dust so it doesn’t scatter everywhere. Avoid crushing too hard, so you get a mix of small bits and larger chunks.

Can I make these treats gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use gluten-free rice cereal. Most Rice Krispies are technically not gluten-free due to malt flavoring, but there are alternative gluten-free crispy rice cereals available that work great.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?

Melting chocolate in short intervals (about 20 seconds) and stirring in between helps prevent overheating, which causes seizing. Also, make sure no water gets into the chocolate—any moisture can cause it to seize. Using a double boiler is another gentle option if you’re nervous.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is one of those magical recipes that brings back cozy holiday memories every time I make it. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy afternoon, but feels extra special with its festive flavors and pretty presentation. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting friends, or just treating yourself, these bites of peppermint delight are sure to bring smiles. Give them a try—you’ll love having this peppermint twist on a classic treat in your baking rotation!