Yesterday afternoon I gave a live demonstration at the AZ Science Center, teaching kids how to make a simple favorite: Rice Krispies treats. I also took the chance to show parents how easy it can be to prepare safe, tasty treats for people with food allergies. It was my first time doing a demo like this and I had an absolute blast. Instead of sticking with plain Rice Krispies treats, I wanted something seasonal and festive. Chocolate and peppermint are classic holiday flavors, so I introduced the group to my new favorite variation: Chocolate Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats.
To make these treats allergy friendly, I used gluten-free Rice Krispies and a dairy-free butter alternative. If you want to keep them vegan as well, swap in vegan marshmallows. Small changes like these make it possible to serve a dessert that many people can enjoy, whether they have gluten or dairy sensitivities or follow a plant-based diet.
If you don’t need to accommodate allergies, use your usual ingredients and these will still be a hit. But if you are bringing treats to a party or want to bake for a friend with allergies, making allergy-friendly Rice Krispies treats shows care and thoughtfulness—and they’ll absolutely be appreciated.
I have a soft spot for the chocolate-and-peppermint combination. It feels seasonal and indulgent without being fussy, and it’s a great way to give a familiar treat a festive twist. The cocoa adds depth and richness while the peppermint keeps the bites bright and refreshing.
Teaching the kids how to make these was one of the best parts of the day. They had so much fun mixing and pressing the treats into pans, and their enthusiasm was contagious. I ended up running out of ingredients before the session finished—either that means the class was very popular, or my planning was a little optimistic. Either way, it was clearly a hit. My husband and kids stopped by to support me and even jumped in to help when they could. Seeing my name on the event board felt a bit like being a mini-celebrity for the afternoon.
Six batches of Rice Krispies treats done and plenty of smiling faces!
Do you prefer a classic plain Rice Krispies treat or do you like to dress them up with extras like chocolate, nuts, or candy? I love experimenting—this chocolate peppermint version is one of my seasonal favorites, but one of the joys of Rice Krispies treats is how adaptable they are. Add mix-ins, drizzle with chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt, or top with crushed candy for a crunchy finish.
Chocolate Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats
Your favorite Rice Krispies treats get a holiday makeover with rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. This version can be made allergy friendly by using gluten-free cereal and dairy-free butter, and it can be made vegan with dairy-free and vegan marshmallow options.
Yield: 24 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp soy butter (or dairy-free butter substitute)
- 10 oz mini marshmallows (use vegan marshmallows to make vegan)
- 6 cups gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes, plus 2 tbsp for topping
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the soy butter over medium heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cocoa powder and peppermint extract until everything is evenly combined.
- Remove the pan from heat and quickly fold in the gluten-free Rice Krispies and 1/4 cup crushed candy canes until evenly coated.
- Grease your hands or a spatula and gently press the mixture into a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top and press lightly to adhere.
- Allow to cool and set before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container for several days.
Notes and Tips
To ensure the treats hold together well, press firmly but not so much that they become overly dense. If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder, but keep an eye on texture — you may need a touch more melted butter or marshmallow to keep the mixture sticky enough. For a more subtle peppermint taste, reduce the peppermint extract to 1/2 teaspoon.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 93 • Total Fat: 2g • Carbohydrates: 19g • Sugar: 9g • Protein: 1g
Join me as I keep exploring and sharing delicious Rice Krispies treat variations—there’s always another tasty twist to try. If you make this chocolate peppermint version, I’d love to hear how you adapted it and what your favorite tweak was.