New Year’s Eve calls for a dessert that’s both easy to make and full of sparkle. These New Year’s Eve Rice Krispies Treats elevate the classic snack with a drizzle of chocolate and festive sprinkles. Perfect for parties, they’re quick to prepare and bring a delightful touch of celebration to any dessert table.
Why Make These for New Year’s Eve?
When you’re hosting a party or a family gathering, time-saving recipes can make a huge difference. These treats come together quickly, making them perfect for a last-minute addition to your dessert spread. The buttery marshmallow flavor, combined with a hint of chocolate and topped with sprinkles, brings a touch of elegance and fun that all ages will enjoy. Plus, the addition of silver and gold sprinkles makes them extra festive for New Year’s.
Tips for the Perfect Texture and Taste
Creating the perfect Rice Krispies Treats is all about keeping the right consistency and flavor balance. Here’s how to achieve this:
- Melt Slowly: When heating the butter and marshmallows, use medium-low heat. This prevents the marshmallows from burning and keeps the mixture smooth and pliable.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh marshmallows ensure a gooey texture that binds well with the cereal. Using old marshmallows can lead to a dry result, so make sure your ingredients are fresh for the best consistency.
- Even Spreading: When pressing the mixture into the pan, use a spatula coated in cooking spray. This prevents sticking and allows you to create an even, uniform layer that sets beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present Your Rice Krispies Treats
The presentation can take your Rice Krispies Treats to the next level. Here are a few ideas to make them look as festive as they taste:
- Tiered Dessert Stand: Displaying them on a tiered stand adds height to your dessert table and draws the eye to their sparkling appearance.
- Wrapped for Gifting: Wrap each treat individually in cellophane with a ribbon, turning them into little New Year’s party favors for guests to take home.
- Platter with Other Treats: Arrange the treats on a dessert platter alongside other cookies, chocolates, or small bites for a visually appealing spread that guests can enjoy at their leisure.
Fun Variations to Try
If you’re looking to change up your Rice Krispies Treats, there are several ways to add a personal touch while keeping them festive and delicious. Here are a few ideas:
- Flavor Twist: Add a touch of flavored extract, like vanilla or almond, to the melted marshmallow mixture. Just a teaspoon will infuse the treats with a subtle but unique flavor.
- Colorful Drizzles: Instead of classic chocolate, consider drizzling colored white chocolate on top to match your party’s theme or New Year’s colors. Food coloring gels can be added to white chocolate to create a vibrant effect.
- Add Toppings: Top the treats with mini edible decorations like gold stars, edible glitter, or even crushed peppermint for a seasonal twist that adds flavor and flair.
- Serve with Striped Paper Straws: For an easy-to-hold, mess-free treat, place each square on a colorful striped paper straw before drizzling with chocolate. This adds a whimsical touch and makes the treats more convenient for guests to grab and enjoy during the festivities.
Adding one of these creative twists can make your Rice Krispies Treats even more festive and fun for your New Year’s gathering.
Storing and Preserving Freshness
To keep your Rice Krispies Treats tasting their best, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days this way, and avoiding refrigeration will help them maintain their soft, chewy texture. If you’d like to store them longer, these treats are freezer-friendly.
Simply wrap each square in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow the treats to thaw at room temperature, bringing back their ideal texture and flavor.
New Year’s Eve Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 10 ounce packages mini marshmallows
- 1 12 ounce package Rice Krispies
- ½ cup chocolate chips melted
- Silver and gold sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until they are fully melted and smooth.
- Remove the pot from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, then press the cereal mixture into the dish in an even layer. Let it cool for at least two hours.
- Once set, cut the treats into 30 squares.
- Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag and drizzle over each square, then immediately sprinkle with silver and gold sprinkles.
- Allow the chocolate to cool and harden before serving.