Candy Cane Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats, for me, have always been a fall thing. I’m not sure why. My mom and I would make them for Halloween, coloring the treats with orange or green food coloring (obviously they tasted spookier that way). This year, after I mixed things up with some Pumpkin Spice Krispie Treats, I had gotten an idea.

I can feel my blood sugar rising just looking at those ooey gooey white chocolate pepperminty bars of goodness! I am a sucker for mint or peppermint anything. Mint green tea, peppermint bark, Andes Mints, peppermint mochas. I love that fresh tingle, especially paired with sweets! If you feel the same way friend, then these treats will not disappoint!

THE RECIPE

You will need just 5 ingredients:

6 c. Rice Krispie Cereal
3 Tablespoons Butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
4-6 full size candy canes {to taste}
Wilton White Chocolate Candy Melts {to taste}

First, we want to create our crushed candy cane pieces. You can buy candy cane pieces pre-crushed, or you can do what I did: accidentally drop a candy cane on your hardwood floor, watch it shatter into a million pieces all over the living room, and realize it would probably be pretty easy to make homemade crushed candy canes.

I do not recommend crushing your candy canes this way, however. There is a far less messy and more sanitary way to get the job done!

I broke them into about 4 pieces and placed them into a large glass bowl and used the bottom of a clean 8oz mason jar {or the blunt object of your choice} to crush them into fine pieces.

Next, in a double boiler (or the microwave, per Wilton’s directions on the packaging} melt your white chocolate. I used just about 1/4 cup of white chocolate candy melts–use more or less to taste {they’re pretty sweet and I am a diabetic, after all!).

In the meantime, in a tall stock pot melt your butter and toss in your marshmallows. Stir, and while your marshmallows are melting, add in about half {to taste–you might need to test how pepperminty you want your treats} of your candy cane crumbles. Since the candy canes have been crushed so finely, and since your marshmallows are hot, your candy cane pieces will melt, turning your marshmallow mix a bit pink.

At this point, you can toss in your melted white chocolate and stir before stirring in your Rice Krispie Cereal. {Alternatively, you set your melted white chocolate aside and later place it in a pastry bag and drizzle it over the top of your treats when they are finished!}

To give the treats more than just a pink glow, toss in the remainder {or to taste} of your crushed candy cane as you stir your cereal into the melted marshmallow mix. Place your treat mix in a cake pan or casserole dish {9×13 works, although I used a Pyrex 2 qt. casserole dish–whatever fits!} cover your warm treats with parchment paper {I find that works better than wax paper}, and gently press your treats down into the pan.

And then, all that’s left to do is enjoy them! I had a bit of leftover candy cane crumbs, so I sprinkled those on top. If I could do these again {and you bet I will} I would use closer to 4–rather than 6–candy canes, because I prefer just a mild splash of peppermint. What do you think?

These were so YUM you will have to try them!