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    Emily Fabulous » Recipes » Recipes

    Santa Hat Rice Krispie Treats

    Published: Nov 22, 2020 · Modified: Sep 11, 2023 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Santa Hat Rice Krispie Treats are easy to make and fun to eat! Kids and adults will love these old-school treats with a fun holiday twist. Make these for your next Christmas party or holiday celebration!

    rice krispie santa hats with frosting and marshmallows
    Jump to:
    • Why I Love This Recipe
    • Key Ingredients For This Recipe
    • More Fun Christmas Recipes
    • How to Make Santa Hat Treats
    • How to Make Thick Buttercream Frosting
    • Expert Tips for This Recipe
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Santa Hat Rice Krispie Treats
    • Did you Make This Recipe?

    Why I Love This Recipe

    I love this Santa Hat Rice Krispie recipe because it combines the classic childhood treat with the festive and creative holiday spirit. The whimsical Santa hat design and the sweet, crispy texture create a delightful treat that brings smiles to both kids and adults alike.

    Key Ingredients For This Recipe

    Butter, Puffed Rice Cereal, and Marshmallows: These are the basic ingredients to make standard rice krispie treats. You can use salted or unsalted butter and large or mini marshmallows.

    Butter, Shortening, Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract, Salt, and Powdered Sugar: These are the ingredients to make a thick buttercream frosting for these treats. The shortening is optional but creates a thicker and more sturdy frosting.

    Red Gel Food Coloring: Red gel food coloring is used to tint the frosting. Gel food coloring is highly concentrated and will create the best red color.

    White Fondant: White fondant is used to create the white trim on the Santa hats.

    Clear Sparkly Sprinkles: Clear sparkly sprinkles are used for decoration to add a festive touch and a bit of shimmer to the Santa hats. These are optional.

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    How to Make Santa Hat Treats

    Make some classic rice cereal treats and press them into a 9x13 pan so they are nice and compact. Once cool, cut into triangles.

    rice krispie treats cut into triangles

    Make the red buttercream frosting and frost each triangle with a thick layer. Dip each mini marshmallow in water, shake off excess, and then roll around in a small bowl of sprinkles. Place the marshmallow at the top of the triangle.

    marshmallow covered in sprinkles

    Roll out the fondant to ⅛" thickness. Cut strips of the fondant to fit the bottom of the triangle, about ½" wide. Take the strip of fondant and swipe the top with water using your finger. Dip the wet side into the sprinkles and then place on top of the frosted triangle.

    decorations for rice krispie santa hat treats

    How to Make Thick Buttercream Frosting

    Place the butter and shortening in a stand mixer or mixing bowl and cream on medium speed. Add the vanilla and salt and continue mixing.

    Begin to add confectioners sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined then med-high speed for a minute or so each time. After each cup addition, add a tablespoon of water to get your desired consistency. Add the red gel food coloring and fully incorporate it.

    rice krispie santa hat

    Expert Tips for This Recipe

    • To get a nice pressed rice cereal treat, spray your hands with non-stick spray before pressing them into the pan.
    • If you don't have fondant, you can also use white frosting or line up some mini marshmallows for the hat trim.
    • The thick buttercream frosting is the easiest to work with when cold.
    • The crystal sprinkles stick well with just water! If you don't have the sprinkles these treats still look great without them.
    santa hat rice cereal treats
    Click on the image above to PIN for later!

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use a different cereal?

    Although Rice Krispies are the traditional choice, you can use other cereals like Chex Mix, Corn Flakes, or Lucky Charms. Keep in mind that different cereals may result in a slightly different flavor and texture.

    Can I use pre-made frosting?

    Yes, you can use pre-made frosting. You may be lucky and find red frosting or buy white frosting and color it yourself.

    How do I attach the mini marshmallow to the Santa hats?

    Ensure you quickly place the marshmallow right after frosting the treats so that the marshmallow sticks. If the frosting has already started to form a crust, dab a very small amount of fresh frosting on the back of the marshmallow before attaching it.

    What if I only have large marshmallows?

    If you used large marshmallows for your treats and don't have mini marshmallows, you can use a large marshmallow that has been cut to size, fondant, or white frosting for the hat pom pom.

    How do I store these rice cereal treats?

    Store any leftover treats in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

    Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

    Buttercream frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days before use.

    What do I do with the leftover frosting?

    If you have leftover frosting, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

    rice krispie santa hats with frosting and marshmallows

    Santa Hat Rice Krispie Treats

    These Santa Hat Treats are fun to make and fun to eat! They will make the perfect addition to your holiday celebration.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Chill Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 treats
    Calories: 306kcal
    Author: Emily
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • large pot
    • 9x13 pan
    • non-stick spray
    • small bowls
    • stand mixer or hand mixer
    • large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl

    Ingredients

    Rice Cereal Treats

    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 6 cups rice cereal
    • 4 cups marshmallows

    Thick Buttercream Frosting

    • ¼ cup unsalted butter room temp
    • ¾ cup shortening
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon almond extract
    • 1 pinch kosher salt
    • 4 cups confectioners powdered sugar
    • 3-4 tablespoons water room temp
    • red gel food coloring

    Decorations

    • 10 mini marshmallows
    • clear sparkly sprinkles
    • ¼ cup white fondant

    Instructions

    Rice Cereal Treats

    • Prepare a 9/13 pan with non-stick spray. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Add the marshmallows and stir until fully melted in the butter.
    • Remove from the heat and stir in the rice cereal. Add to the prepared dish and press into the pan as much as you can. Allow the treats to cool in the pan.

    Thick Buttercream Frosting

    • Place the butter and shortening in a stand mixer or mixing bowl and cream together on medium speed. Add the vanilla and salt and continue mixing.
    • Begin to add confectioners sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined then med-high speed for a minute or so each time. After each cup addition, add a tablespoon of water to get your desired consistency. Add the red gel food coloring and fully incorporate it.

    Santa Hat Assembly

    • Turn the pan with the pressed rice cereal treats over onto a cutting board. Cut off the edges with a sharp knife and then cut into equal triangles.
    • Frost each triangle with a thick layer of red buttercream frosting. Place the frosted triangles in the fridge for 10 minutes to the set frosting.
    • Dip each mini marshmallow in water, shake off excess and then roll around in a small bowl of sprinkles. Place the marshmallow at the top of the triangle.
    • Roll out the fondant to ⅛" thickness. Cut strips of the fondant to fit the bottom of the triangle, about ½" wide.
    • Take the strip of fondant and swipe the top with water using your finger. Dip the wet side into the sprinkles and then place on top of the frosted triangle.

    Notes

    • To get a nice pressed rice cereal treat, spray your hands with non-stick spray before pressing them into the pan.
    • If you don't have fondant, you can also use white frosting or line up some mini marshmallows for the hat trim.
    • The thick buttercream frosting is the easiest to work with when cold.
    • The crystal sprinkles stick well with just water! If you don't have the sprinkles these treats still look great without them.
    • Buttercream frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days before using.
    • If you have leftover frosting, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 52.4g | Protein: 0.6g | Fat: 10.9g | Saturated Fat: 3.5g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 40.2g | Calcium: 1mg

    Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @EmilyFabulous_Blog or tag #emilyfabulous!

    Did you Make This Recipe?

    If you make these Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me your creation! I can't wait to see what you make. You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my email list so you never miss a recipe!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Casey says

      December 06, 2020 at 3:44 am

      5 stars
      Love this festive twist on rice crispies!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        December 06, 2020 at 6:32 am

        Thanks, Casey, and they are SO easy!!

        Reply
    2. Christina's Bread Bakes says

      December 05, 2020 at 10:50 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and so cute! I also made some Christmas trees out of the triangles, hats & trees, perfect for the holiday!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        December 05, 2020 at 11:39 pm

        So smart, love that idea!!

        Reply
    3. Ana Ankeny says

      December 05, 2020 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, my goodness how cute are these?! My boys would love these for Christmas...thank you for sharing this easy and fun recipe!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        December 05, 2020 at 6:50 pm

        You are welcome, your boys are going to love them for sure!

        Reply
    4. Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says

      December 03, 2020 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      These are so cute and fun! My kids would enjoy these so much! Such a great idea 🙂

      Reply
      • Emily says

        December 03, 2020 at 4:23 pm

        Yes, my son had a lot of fun with these. Thanks, Cindy!

        Reply
    5. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says

      December 03, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      Every year I make gingerbread. Not this time! Another great idea I'm adding to my baking list for Christmas! Thanks!:))

      Reply
      • Emily says

        December 03, 2020 at 4:24 pm

        I would recommend both...LOL. Have fun!

        Reply
    6. Alyssa Hixenbaugh says

      December 03, 2020 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      Rice crispies are such a classic treat but I love the idea of making them festive! These Santa hats are so cute and fun!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        December 03, 2020 at 4:24 pm

        They really are a classic, might as well make what you like!

        Reply
    7. Leah says

      December 03, 2020 at 4:38 am

      This is so fun! I’ve never actually made my own Rice Krispie treats before, idk why because they taste so good and are easy to make!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        December 03, 2020 at 5:41 am

        Oh my, you HAVE to make them!! Although once you start you may never stop...lol!

        Reply
        • Leah says

          December 06, 2020 at 4:11 am

          That’s a risk I’m willing to take! 😂

          Reply
    8. Sue says

      December 02, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      Super cute Santa hat krispie treats! The sparkly sprinkles really give them something extra!!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        December 02, 2020 at 8:37 pm

        Thanks, Sue. I love anything that sparkles!

        Reply
    9. Ann says

      November 28, 2020 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      Such a fun treat! Will try it out for sure👌👌

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Emily! I'm excited to share my passions, experiments, and fun with you. I love to cook, bake, create recipes, mix cocktails and try new things!

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