Christmas Peanut Butter Rice Cereal Squares

Looking for a festive and easy treat to make this holiday season? These Christmas Peanut Butter Rice Cereal Squares are the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and peanut buttery goodness!

Picture crispy rice cereal coated in a creamy peanut butter mixture, all set in a fun, holiday shape and drizzled with chocolate. These no-bake squares are quick to make and packed with flavor, making them the perfect holiday snack.

These squares are the ultimate holiday treat – they’re easy to prepare, wonderfully satisfying, and the perfect mix of sweet and salty. You’ll find yourself reaching for another (and another) after the first bite!

Ready to spread some holiday cheer with this delicious treat? Let’s whip up these Christmas Peanut Butter Rice Cereal Squares and enjoy a festive snack in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Favorite: A go-to for cookie exchanges, school parties, and snack tables that need a no-fuss treat.
• Simple and Quick: No oven, no complicated steps—just melt, mix, and set.
• Kid-Approved: Sweet, chewy, and topped with colorful sprinkles—kids love to help make (and eat) them.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh for days and can be made in advance for stress-free holiday prep.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes about 20 small squares. Perfect for a cookie platter or dessert box.

Difficulty:
Very easy. Great for beginners, holiday bakers, or anyone short on time.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or foil (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Offset spatula (optional, for smoothing)

Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Rice Cereal Squares

Here’s what I use to make these holiday bars super flavorful and festive:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The crunchy base.
• 1 cup light corn syrup – Keeps everything chewy and sweet.
• 1/2 cup sugar – Adds sweetness and helps bind the bars.
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter – For that rich, nutty flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – A subtle touch of warmth and aroma.
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips – Melted for the topping.
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (for the topping) – Helps the chocolate layer stay soft and smooth.
• 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles – Red, green, gold, or whatever you like.
• 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts (optional) – For extra crunch and a salty contrast.

Variations for Christmas Peanut Butter Rice Cereal Squares

• Switch Up the Topping: Use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a snowy holiday vibe.
• Add Crunch: Fold in crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts into the base for texture.
• Festive Mix-ins: Stir in mini marshmallows, mini M&Ms, or crushed peppermint candy for a playful twist.
• Make It Vegan: Use vegan chocolate chips and a maple-based syrup instead of corn syrup.
• Shape Creatively: Press the mixture into cookie cutters for holiday-themed shapes instead of square bars.

How to Make Christmas Peanut Butter Rice Cereal Squares – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease it or spray with cooking spray.

2. Melt the Base

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the corn syrup and sugar. Keep stirring gently until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture just starts to bubble—don’t let it boil hard.

3. Stir in Peanut Butter and Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

4. Mix with Cereal

Pour the hot mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl. Quickly stir everything together with a spatula until all the cereal is coated.

5. Press into the Pan

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to press it down evenly. Pack it gently but firmly so the squares hold together once set.

6. Make the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup peanut butter. Heat in 20- to 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.

7. Spread and Decorate

Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal layer and smooth it out with a spatula. While the topping is still wet, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles and chopped peanuts if using.

8. Let It Set

Refrigerate the pan for about 1 hour, or until the topping is firm. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Serving and Decoration

These bars are made for sharing.

• Holiday Platters: Arrange them with cookies, fudge, and peppermint bark.
• Gift Boxes: Wrap individual squares in wax paper or pop them into festive treat bags.
• Dessert Tables: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve in mini cupcake liners for parties.
• Themed Toppings: Use red-and-green sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes to match your holiday decor.

How to Store Christmas Peanut Butter Rice Cereal Squares

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4–5 days.
• In the Fridge: If your house runs warm or you prefer a firmer bite, keep them in the fridge. Let sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating for the best texture.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Syrup: Heat it just until the sugar dissolves and starts bubbling. Overcooking can make the bars too hard.
• Work Quickly: Once the syrup is mixed with the cereal, you need to press it into the pan fast before it sets.
• Use Damp Hands or a Greased Spatula: This helps you press down the mixture without sticking.
• Smooth Chocolate Finish: Tap the pan gently on the counter after spreading the topping to even it out.
• Cut While Cold: For cleaner squares, chill the bars first and use a sharp knife to slice.

Nutrition Information (Per Square – approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Total Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Sugar	18 g
Protein	4 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	90 mg

(Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredients.)

Christmas Peanut Butter Squares FAQs

Can I make these with crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, though the texture will be a bit more rustic. It adds some extra crunch if that’s what you’re after.

Do I have to use corn syrup?
You can substitute with brown rice syrup or honey, though results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

How do I keep the chocolate layer from cracking?
Let the bars come to room temp for a few minutes before cutting, and use a sharp knife for best results.

Conclusion

These Christmas Peanut Butter Rice Cereal Squares are one of my favorite easy treats to pull together when the holidays get busy. They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for little hands to help with. Whether you’re packing them in cookie tins or sneaking a late-night square from the fridge, they’re a chewy chocolate dream worth repeating year after year.