Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings: Best 30-Min Festive Treat

Q: Can I Add Food Coloring to the Chocolate Mix?

Yes—but use oil-based food coloring if you're tinting melted chocolate. Water-based food colors can cause chocolate to seize. Looking for more colorful fun? Try our Grinch Christmas Truffles for another bright holiday hit.

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The holidays call for something festive, easy, and irresistibly cute—and these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings check every box. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, preparing classroom treats, or just craving a fun Christmas kitchen project, this no-bake recipe is the perfect solution. Made with gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, and those iconic crispy cereal bites, these mini puddings bring together flavor, texture, and holiday cheer in under 30 minutes.

Their adorable “pudding” look, topped with white chocolate and candy holly leaves, makes them the standout dessert on any festive table. Best of all? Kids love to help, cleanup is minimal, and there’s no oven involved. Don’t miss our Christmas Popcorn Candy Recipe if you’re looking for another fun treat to pair with these bite-sized delights.

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Why Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Are a Holiday Must-Have

A No-Bake Dessert Everyone Loves

No oven? No problem. These festive treats are made entirely on the stovetop (or even microwave), keeping your kitchen cool while you’re prepping for the big day. All you need is 30 minutes, a mixing bowl, and a little holiday spirit. They’re chewy, crispy, and chocolatey—everything you want in a Christmas treat without the baking stress.

Perfect for Kids, Parties, or Edible Gifts

Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are an ideal activity to do with kids. Scooping, rolling, and decorating allows them to join the fun without any sharp tools or hot pans. Hosting a holiday party? These mini treats double as festive finger food. They also make adorable edible gifts when wrapped in clear treat bags tied with ribbon.

Check out this Holiday Wreath Pizza if you’re searching for a savory party addition to complement your dessert spread.

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Joy

One of the best parts of this recipe is how short the ingredient list is. With just a few pantry staples—like marshmallows, butter, Rice Krispies, and chocolate—you can create a show-stopping dessert. The decorative white chocolate and holly candies take them to the next level without complicating the process.

Discover great ideas like our Festive Cinnamon Rolls to round out your Christmas breakfast or dessert table.

Ingredients & Substitutions for the Best Rice Krispie Puddings

Classic Ingredient List: What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making these adorable mini puddings:

Ingredient	Purpose
Milk Chocolate	For binding the base and adding flavor
Mini Marshmallows	Melt into the chocolate for that chewy texture
Rice Krispies	The crispy foundation of the puddings
Butter	Optional, but adds smoothness and richness
White Chocolate	Used for the decorative drizzle “snow”
Holly Leaf Decorations	Add the festive Christmas pudding effect

This basic combination is what gives the pudding its chewy bite and signature look.

Smart Substitutions: Dairy-Free, Vegan, or Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re working with dietary restrictions or limited pantry items, don’t worry. You can:

Swap butter for margarine or coconut oil (dairy-free)
Use vegan marshmallows if needed
Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor
Rice Pops or Rice Snaps instead of Rice Krispies
Decorate with sprinkles or candy dots if holly decorations aren’t available

Decoration Ideas to Make Them Stand Out

White chocolate drizzled on top gives that classic “pudding with cream” appearance, but you can get creative too:

Pipe white chocolate and top with red/green sprinkles
Use red M&Ms or Skittles for the holly berries
Create “Santa hats” from red-tinted white chocolate
Draw little faces or stars using a piping bag

Looking for inspiration? Try our Christmas Cookie Bars that use similar decorations in creative ways.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Melting Chocolate, Butter & Marshmallows Properly

Start by gently melting the chocolate and butter in a pan over low-medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely incorporated.

TIP: If microwaving, heat in 30-second bursts and stir each time to avoid seizing.

Forming the Perfect Pudding Balls

Add Rice Krispies to the warm chocolate-marshmallow mixture and stir until evenly coated. While still warm, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls using your hands or cling film. Place them on parchment-lined trays and chill for 15 minutes to set.

Don’t miss our Chocolate Orange Fudge for another rich, easy-to-roll holiday dessert idea.

Decorating with White Chocolate & Holly Toppers

Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the tops to mimic the “custard” look. Then, top each one with a holly decoration or your chosen alternative. Let the chocolate harden before serving or packaging.

Top Tips to Avoid Mistakes with Your Puddings

How to Keep the Mixture from Sticking

Rolling sticky, warm Rice Krispie mix into balls can get messy fast. If your hands are getting coated, try these tricks:

Lightly grease your palms with butter or neutral oil before shaping.
Use cling film: place a scoop in the center, wrap it, and shape the ball through the plastic.
Let the mixture cool for 2–3 minutes before rolling. This firms it up and makes it less gooey.

Why the Chocolate Burns & How to Prevent It

Burnt chocolate ruins the flavor and texture of these puddings. To avoid this:

Always melt chocolate on low to medium heat.
If using a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Avoid using regular chocolate chips which seize faster—opt for baking chocolate or bars.

If your mix seizes or gets grainy, it’s often due to moisture or overheating. Skip the butter next time or melt chocolate separately to regain control.

Check out this smartly structured Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe for more chocolate-melting success tips.

Freezing & Storing Tips for Holiday Prep

These treats are perfect for prepping ahead of busy holiday events:

Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Refrigeration: They’ll harden slightly in the fridge, so let them rest at room temp before serving.
Freezing: Freeze undecorated puddings for up to 3 months. Decorate just before serving to keep colors vibrant and textures crisp.

Don’t miss our No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake if you’re looking for another great freezer-friendly dessert.

Fun Variations to Try This Christmas

Festive Flavors: Peppermint, Orange, or Gingerbread

Looking to jazz up the basic chocolate profile? Add a drop of flavored extract:

Peppermint: Classic holiday vibe
Orange zest: Bright, citrusy contrast
Gingerbread spice mix: Warm and cozy twist

These additions elevate the flavor without extra effort.

Mini Rice Krispie Puddings on a Stick

Transform your classic balls into festive pops! Insert cake pop sticks into the base before chilling. These pudding pops are great for gifting or kids’ dessert tables and stay less messy to eat.

Pair them with a hot cocoa bar or Mulled Cider Holiday Drink for a cozy Christmas night in.

Add-Ons: Sprinkles, Candy Canes, or Red Noses

Why stop at holly decorations? Here are a few fun extras:

Red and green sprinkles on the white chocolate for sparkle
Mini candy canes broken into shards for a crunch
Red M&Ms or mini gummies for Rudolph noses
Gold dust or edible glitter to glam them up

Discover great ideas like our Christmas Candy Bark for more colorful candy creations that pop on dessert platters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. Make the base up to 3 days in advance and store at room temperature. Add decorations the day of serving for the best look.

How Long Do They Last?

Stored in a sealed container, they last 4–5 days. Avoid humidity, which can soften the texture.

What’s a Good Substitute for White Chocolate?

If you’re out of white chocolate, try vanilla candy melts or cream cheese frosting for topping. Even Greek yogurt mixed with a little sugar can work in a pinch.

Can I Make These Without Marshmallows?

Yes, though the texture changes. Swap in golden syrup or honey mixed with chocolate, or use a nut butter base. It won’t be quite the same chew, but still tasty!

Can I Add Food Coloring to the Chocolate Mix?

Yes—but use oil-based food coloring if you’re tinting melted chocolate. Water-based food colors can cause chocolate to seize.
Looking for more colorful fun? Try our Grinch Christmas Truffles for another bright holiday hit.

Conclusion: A Sweet Way to Celebrate Christmas

If you’re looking for a Christmas treat that’s equal parts adorable, delicious, and simple to make, Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are the answer. With no baking required, they come together in under 30 minutes using just a few pantry staples. They’re ideal for holiday dessert platters, edible gifts, or a kid-friendly kitchen activity that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you’re going traditional with holly decorations or trying new variations like peppermint or pudding pops, there’s no wrong way to get creative with this festive favorite. The best part? You can make them ahead, freeze them, and pull them out whenever you need a little holiday joy.

Don’t miss our Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins for another crowd-pleasing seasonal bake that pairs perfectly with these pudding treats.

Looking for food safety tips when working with kids in the kitchen? You can always check the FoodSafety.gov Holiday Food Safety Guide for expert-backed advice on prep, storage, and serving.