Looking for a fun Christmas treat that’s good enough for the Grinch to want to steal but not something that’ll have you stuck in the kitchen for hours? These Grinch Rice Krispie Treats are exactly what you need. They look like a total showstopper but only take a few extra steps beyond the classic recipe. Quick, easy, and festive enough to make your heart grow three sizes.
If you’re already in the Grinch spirit making these Rice Krispie Treats, don’t stop there. Whip up a batch of Grinch Popcorn to keep the theme going, or grab a piece of Hot Chocolate Fudge when the sugar cravings hit. If you’re into crunch, the Dubai Chocolate Puppy Chow and Cornflake Cookies will totally steal the snack table. And when you need something to sip while the chaos unfolds, a Champagne Margarita is the perfect festive drink to top it all off.
Equipment
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Ingredients
- Mini marshmallows
- Salted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Food coloring
- Rice Krispies cereal
- Melting chocolate
- Coconut oil
- Heart sprinkles
Directions
Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter and set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine marshmallows and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until the marshmallows are fully melted. Stir in vanilla extract and food coloring until the mixture turns green. Add Rice Krispies and mix until the cereal is evenly coated.



Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, lightly spray your hands with nonstick spray, and press the mixture evenly into the pan.
Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate melts. Transfer the melted chocolate to a gallon Ziploc bag and cut off the tip. Drizzle the chocolate over the Rice Krispies, then quickly sprinkle the hearts on top.



Chill the pan in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up the chocolate. Then, cut into squares and enjoy.
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
You can make these ahead of time, but they’re best enjoyed the day you make them. If you want to freeze them, place the pan in the freezer for about an hour until they firm up. Then, remove the treats, wrap them in two layers of plastic wrap, and finish with a layer of foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
It helps thin the chocolate for smoother spreading and gives it a shiny, soft finish instead of a hard, brittle one.
I was able to find the sprinkles over on Amazon. Here are the links for the large heart sprinkles. You can check out other craft stores like Michael’s or even big box stores like Walmart, sometimes they carry them.
What are substitutions that I can make?
- Mini marshmallows- you can also use regular-size marshmallows. You will just have to stir them a little bit more to get them to melt evenly.
- Food coloring - use gel green food coloring; you'll only need a few drops until you reach the grinch green you desire.
- Heart sprinkles- if you can't find heart sprinkles, you can always melt some red melting chocolate in place small chocolate hearts in place of the sprinkles.
How should I store my leftovers?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 3 days before becoming a bit soft and losing their crunch. If your house is warm, you can refrigerate them, though they will be a bit firmer to bite.
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Grinch Rice Krispies Treats

Equipment
- 9x13 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife
Ingredients
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 10-14 drops green food coloring
- 8 drops yellow food coloring
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 12 oz green melting chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine marshmallows and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until the marshmallows are fully melted. Stir in vanilla extract and food coloring until the mixture turns green. Add Rice Krispies and mix until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, lightly spray your hands with nonstick spray, and press the mixture evenly into the pan.
- Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate melts. Transfer the melted chocolate to a gallon Ziploc bag and cut off the tip. Drizzle the chocolate over the Rice Krispies, then quickly sprinkle the hearts on top.
- Chill the pan in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up the chocolate. Then, cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Freezing Tips: Best enjoyed the day they’re made, but can be frozen. Chill in the pan for 1 hour, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temp before serving.
- Coconut Oil Tip: Adds shine and keeps the melted chocolate soft and smooth instead of hard or brittle.
- Heart Sprinkles: Found on Amazon.

My daughter is a big fan of GRINCH, definately making this to surprise her on this holiday season!
I hope she enjoys it! I know my kids were so excited. They already watched it while eating this.
These are darling and no one can pass up a Rice Krispie treat! Can’t wait to make these for Grinch night!
Thank you! I brought these to a party the other day and you were right. No one can help themselves from keep on munching on them.