Rice Krispie Snowballs Recipe

Magical Rice Krispie Snowballs Recipe for Winter Wonder Treats

Whipping up delightful rice krispie snowballs brings pure winter magic right into your kitchen.

Soft marshmallow clouds blend perfectly with crispy cereal clusters.

Sweet coconut coating gives these treats a festive charm.

Childhood memories spark to life with each delicate sphere.

Kids and adults alike will adore these simple yet stunning desserts.

Seasonal celebrations deserve something special that sparkles with joy.

You can craft these dreamy bites in just minutes, making memories sweeter with every bite.

How To Shape Rice Krispie Snowballs

Step 1: Prepare Marshmallow Base

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat until completely liquefied. Add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy with no lumps remaining.

Step 2: Incorporate Rice Krispies

Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat and quickly fold in rice krispies cereal. Ensure every single piece gets evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture, creating a uniform texture.

Step 3: Shape Rice Krispie Balls

Allow the mixture to cool for 5-7 minutes until it’s comfortable to handle. Using lightly greased hands, gently shape the mixture into compact, round balls, pressing firmly to maintain their shape.

Step 4: Create White Chocolate Coating

Melt white chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir at 30-second intervals until the mixture becomes silky and fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 5: Prepare Coconut Topping

Mix together:
  • Shredded coconut
  • Powdered sugar

Step 6: Coat and Decorate Snowballs

Dip each rice krispie ball into the white chocolate coating, ensuring complete and even coverage. Immediately roll the chocolate-coated balls in the coconut-sugar mixture. Sprinkle white sprinkles over the balls for a festive, snow-like appearance.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Place the completed snowballs on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the coating. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful winter-themed treat that will impress friends and family.

Tips For Better Rice Krispie Snowballs

  • Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or butter before shaping rice krispie balls to avoid messy, clinging mixture.
  • Control Coating Consistency: Maintain white chocolate at a warm, smooth temperature by stirring frequently and avoiding overheating to ensure perfect, glossy coverage.
  • Coconut Crunch Variation: Experiment with toasted coconut for added depth and nuttiness, bringing extra texture and rich flavor to your snowball treats.
  • Temperature Matters: Let rice krispie mixture cool slightly before handling to make shaping easier and prevent burning your hands during preparation.
  • Store Smart: Keep snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate coating.

Fun Twists On Rice Krispie Snowballs

  • Chocolate Lovers' Variation: Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate for a rich, intense flavor. Swap coconut coating with crushed chocolate cookies for extra crunch.
  • Nutty Sensation: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the rice krispie mixture for added texture. Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a complementary nutty taste.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rice cereal and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace traditional marshmallows with vegan marshmallow alternatives for a dietary-friendly version.
  • Fruity Snowball Remix: Mix dried cranberries or orange zest into the rice krispie base. Drizzle melted milk chocolate over the coconut coating for a colorful, festive touch.

What Goes Well With Rice Krispie Snowballs

  • Pair with Festive Hot Beverages: Warm up these sweet snowballs with creamy hot cocoa or spiced chai latte, creating a comforting winter dessert experience that complements the treats' delicate white chocolate and coconut flavors.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wines: Select a chilled Moscato or Riesling with light, sweet notes that harmonize beautifully with the dessert's sugary coconut and vanilla undertones, enhancing the overall taste sensation.
  • Match with Creamy Dessert Cocktails: Elevate the indulgence by serving alongside a vanilla martini or white chocolate liqueur, which echoes the snowballs' rich, smooth textures and sweet profile.

How To Store Rice Krispie Snowballs The Easy Way

  • Store snowballs in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual snowballs in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 weeks; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Keep snowballs in a sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Gently warm refrigerated snowballs at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their soft, creamy texture and optimal flavor.

FAQs For Rice Krispie Snowballs

  • Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they melt evenly and smoothly.

  • How do I prevent the rice krispie mixture from sticking to my hands?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before shaping the balls to prevent sticking and make the process easier.

  • What if I don't have white chocolate chips for coating?

You can substitute with melted white candy melts or white chocolate bark for a similar smooth coating effect.

  • Is it necessary to use coconut in the coating?

No, you can skip the coconut if you don’t like it or have allergies. Simply roll the balls in powdered sugar or sprinkles for a similar decorative effect.

Why Rice Krispie Snowballs Are A Winter Favorite

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal cooking expertise and basic kitchen tools.
  • Quick Winter Delight: Minimal preparation steps and short cooking time make these snowballs a speedy dessert option for spontaneous gatherings.
  • Kid-Friendly Creation: Engaging recipe that allows children to participate in mixing, shaping, and decorating, turning baking into a fun family activity.
  • Festive Crowd-Pleaser: Visually stunning dessert that captures winter magic with white chocolate, coconut, and sprinkle decorations, ideal for holiday parties and seasonal celebrations.

Rice Krispie Snowballs Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base:
  • Butter: A rich, smooth foundation that helps bind the marshmallow mixture.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Soft, sweet morsels that create a sticky, glossy coating for the cereal.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy rice puffs that provide a light, crunchy texture to the treat.
For the Coating:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Creamy, sweet chips that melt into a smooth, luxurious coating.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky, even white chocolate mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet undertone.
For the Decoration and Finish:
  • Shredded Coconut, Powdered Sugar: A sweet, snowy mixture that adds texture and festive appearance.
  • White Sprinkles: Provides a decorative, winter-like finish to the snowball treats.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy release and clean presentation of the finished dessert.
Print
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Rice Krispie Snowballs Recipe

Rice Krispie Snowballs Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet rice krispie snowballs bring winter magic to holiday dessert tables with delightful marshmallow charm. Rolled in powdered sugar and sprinkled with festive spirit, these treats promise creamy delight you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Cereal and Base Ingredients:

  • 4 cups rice krispies cereal
  • 1/4 cup butter (57 g)
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Decorative Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat, creating a smooth base for the marshmallow mixture.
  2. Add mini marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring continuously until completely smooth and glossy.
  3. Remove from heat and quickly fold in rice krispies cereal, ensuring every piece gets evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it’s comfortable to handle, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Gently shape the mixture into compact, round balls using lightly greased hands to prevent sticking.
  6. Prepare the white chocolate coating by melting white chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave, stirring at 30-second intervals until silky and fully incorporated.
  7. Stir vanilla extract into the white chocolate mixture for an enhanced flavor profile.
  8. Dip each rice krispie ball into the white chocolate coating, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  9. Immediately roll the chocolate-coated balls in a mixture of shredded coconut and powdered sugar.
  10. Sprinkle white sprinkles over the coated balls for a festive, snow-like appearance.
  11. Place the completed snowballs on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the coating.
  12. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful winter-themed treat.

Notes

  • Chill hands before shaping to prevent sticky mixture from clinging and ensure smoother, more uniform snowballs.
  • Use gluten-free rice krispies cereal to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Work quickly when coating balls in white chocolate to prevent premature hardening and maintain a smooth, even finish.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the marshmallow mixture to balance sweetness and enhance overall flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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