So tomorrow is Christmas. How did we get here? Really. It seems like last week it was August, 80, and sunny, yesterday it was Thanksgiving, and now it’s Christmas. Where did the time go? That’s not to say I’m not ready; I am. Presents are bought and wrapped, dinner and dessert are planned with hopefully all the ingredients purchased. And unfortunately there’s snow on the ground, so even Mother Nature is ready for Christmas. Though she should feel free to warm the temperatures and melt the white stuff as soon as December 26th arrives.
Christmas always feels like a special day to me, even if I can’t explain why. I spend every day with my parents, and Mom and I are always cooking and baking. Other than the childlike excitement that fills me when it comes to opening presents, there’s something very intangible that makes the simple day of staying home and having fun something to be truly treasured. In so many ways it is just another day. Watching the day progress as a casual observer, few differences would be seen, but in my heart and soul, I know it is a special day and I take as many moments as possible to treat it as such.
Of course, the holidays can also be a sad time of year. The music and many of the movies are sad. Seeing the decorations again and knowing they have to be put away before long stirs up all kinds of emotions. And days of celebrating with Mom’s parents or Dad’s mother and sister are gone as so are all of them. But instead of being sad, I try to watch happy movies (yay! Elf!), I treasure the decorations while their out and look forward to seeing them again the following year when they have to be put away, and I remember the good times I had with family members and try to think of them often during the holidays without being sad. I know they wouldn’t want me to be sad. Hopefully they enjoy the day somewhere watching all their loved ones have a good time.
In order to combat any sadness and make the holidays feel super special, I made Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats. First, they’re pink! And nothing makes me happier than something that’s pink! I have to be honest with you. I thought of this idea, and worked out a recipe but thought I’d be lukewarm about them. I am anything but lukewarm about these. In fact, I wanted to eat the whole pan and need to pick up more peppermint-y ingredients before they disappear from the holiday shelves so I can make these again.
They start with Rice Krispies, which I had an abundance of after this killer recipe, butter, and a bunch of marshmallows. But I used both regular mini marshmallows and peppermint mini marshmallows. Then I added some chocolate-free Andes Peppermint Crunch candies and Rold Gold Peppermint White Fudge Coated pretzels, before melting some Andes Peppermint Crunch chips to drizzle on top. And it all only took about twenty minutes to do. They set up perfectly and then I was ready for a taste. Pure peppermint goodness. The flavor never tastes artificial or gets cloying, but instead has a refreshing mint flavor, enhanced by sweet marshmallows and tons of crunch. Somehow they taste kind of like Thin Mints . . . just don’t ask me how. You could make these with all regular marshmallows or a different kind of Andes Mints and any pretzels you like. Be sure to add the pretzels, their texture and saltiness was my favorite part.
These Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats need to be a part of your holiday, whether as late night present wrapping fuel or a pre-present opening treat. You’ll fall in love with their holiday flair and the day will feel more special than ever. Merry Christmas everyone!
Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 18 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rold Gold peppermint white fudge pretzels
- 1 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch candies
- 4 cups peppermint mini marshmallows
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 4 cups Rice Krispies
- ½ cup Andes Peppermint Crunch chips, melted, for drizzling
Instructions
- Butter a 9 by 13 inch pan. Line it with parchment. Generously butter the parchment.
- Coarsely chop pretzels and candies. I cut the pretzels into quarters and the candies into thirds. Measure prior to chopping. Set aside. Measure out Rice Krispies and set aside.
- In a large microwave safe bowl, microwave both kinds of marshmallows and butter in 30 second increments, stirring in between to promote melting, until they are completely melted. Immediately pour in pretzels, candies, and Rice Krispies. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed and fully coated with marshmallow. Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing down with hands.
- In a small microwave safe bowl, melt the Andes chips in 30 second increments, stirring in between to promote melting, until fully melted. Immediately drizzle over the pan of treats.
- Allow treats to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. May be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though they are best the first day. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
You know you really have the most creative ideas 🙂 This was another really great treat. My son and I enjoyed it very much! Once again, I love anything with marshmallows in it. So, of course, rice crispy treats are a big fave! And then you threw in the holiday twist with peppermint….two thumbs up 😉
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Thank you so much, Kristy! It is always my goal to be creative and stand out from the other bloggers out there. I just knew both you and your son would love these 🙂
I wasn’t a big fan of rice krispie treats, but, peppermint is a favorite of mine and that made these, a treat I could get into. Thank you for all the great ideas,
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Linda 🙂 I totally agree that I could pass on plain Rice Krispies treats, but with the peppermint and pretzels, these were some of my favorites! Glad you liked them.
I like peppermint in almost anything, but what I liked about these was all of the textures it had.
It is totally the texture of the pretzels that makes these awesome, as well as the mint. Always happy when you like my treats 🙂
These look amazing! Not sure if i’ve ever seen those peppermint marshmallows up here but I will keep my eye out 🙂
Thanks, Natalie! They are amazing 🙂 For sure take a look for the peppermint marshmallows, but feel free to use regular ones and the Andes mints will give a lot of mint flavor.
I was a little nervous about these. Salty and sweet mixtures I am familiar with, but minty and sweet? I was not familiar with this combo. It was a very interesting combination that we really enjoyed! Thank you for once again introducing us to something new 🙂
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It’s always fun trying new things! I’m glad you enjoyed them 🙂
As I stated in earlier posts, marshmallows and I don’t always see eye to eye, but I gave them a whirl based on your ever growing stellar reputation and I was not disappointed. As for my daughter… the picture said it all.
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I was so happy to see your daughter enjoying them! I think these bring out the kid in all of us 🙂
These were wonderful!! I’m a big fan of mint and rice krispie treats so these didn’t last long!! 🙂
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It’s great to hear you loved them, Jackie 🙂 I was glad to give some away because I think I would have eaten the whole pan!
these were excellent,great job.
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Always happy to have a thumbs up from you, Sal 🙂 I really liked these too!
I really like rice krispie treats, I usaully get them from the vending machine at work, that way I can tell my doctor that I eat cereal everyday…lol Seriously though, your peppermint rice krispies are way better and I loved them!
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You’ll never want those vending machine treats again, will you, Hank? It’s the best way to get cereal in your diet 😉 I’m glad you liked these!
The peppermint rice krispies had the correct amount of Peppermint. I like Rice Crispy Treats and peppermint is ok, but this combination was really good.
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I’m glad you found it to have the right amount of peppermint, Jeff! I wanted to make sure it wasn’t too strong. The combination really brought out the best qualities of all the ingredients.
I have been eating a lot of peppermint…you can’t go wrong! I think I have some crispies and mallows. I may need to whip up a batch this weekend. Delish!
I love peppermint too! I am thinking about making these again soon. My dad was kind enough to get more peppermint marshmallows for me on Christmas Eve, so I’ all stocked up 🙂 Let me know if you make them.
These were great. Rice Krispy treats have always been a favorite of mine, but you always know how to spice up the old favorites. Good combintation. Thanks!!
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Thanks, Lendon! I like mixing things up a little to stand out from the crowd. I’m glad you liked them 🙂
I grew up with rice krispy treats and made them for every class party my kids had at school. What a difference a few ingredients make! They looked so pretty in pink and tasted so delicious with the added peppermint. You never stop amazing us with your unique ideas!
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Thanks, Carol 🙂 Rice Krispies treats are a lot of fun because they can be mixed up in all kinds of ways. I really love the peppermint with them and am glad you did too!
Thank you so much for the tasty treats. We shared them with our grandson at Christmas and boy was he happy! Mom says she’ll be making some again real soon. Best wishes and much success in your cooking endeavors in 2013!
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It’s wonderful to hear your grandson enjoyed these. I hope his mom does make them. Thank you for all of your continued support 🙂
Wow, these look amazing!! You get all the best stuff over there…
– peppermint white fudge pretzels – nope,
– Andes Peppermint Crunch candies – nope,
– peppermint mini marshmallows – nope,
– Andes Peppermint Crunch chips – nope.
Le sigh. 🙁 Darn UK. Can I get a US visa please? 😐
But in good news – Thanks for linking up on Sugar & Slice Sunday link party. You’ve been featured! Hope to see you sharing at the new party. 🙂
I’m so sorry that you can’t get these yummy ingredients in the UK, Lisa. That is such a bummer 🙁 I’m sure there are things over there that are wonderful that we can’t get here, though. Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to be featured. I love sharing at your parties!