Festive no-bake treats for busy holiday moments
These 5-minute no-bake Christmas treats are perfect for busy holiday hosts. With just three easy recipes - chocolate rice krispie squares, peppermint marshmallow bites, and cinnamon-spiced almonds - you'll have festive snacks ready in minutes!
Whether you're preparing for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply want to enjoy some festive snacking with cocoa, these treats require no oven time and minimal effort.
Each recipe uses pantry staples and can be customized with different flavors. The best part? You can make all three simultaneously while enjoying the cozy ambiance of your kitchen.
From the satisfying crunch of the rice krispie squares to the refreshing peppermint bites and the warm cinnamon aroma of the almonds, these treats offer a delightful variety for any occasion.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these quick, no-fuss holiday snacks that bring instant joy to your celebrations!
Why These Recipes Work
⏰ Time-Saving
All three recipes can be made simultaneously in under 5 minutes with no baking required. Perfect for last-minute guests or busy holiday mornings.
💰 Cost-Effective
Uses common pantry ingredients like rice krispies, marshmallows, and almonds. No specialty items needed for these festive treats.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Offers a variety of textures and flavors - crunchy, chewy, and nutty - to satisfy different taste preferences at your holiday gatherings.
🌟 Instant Joy
The festive colors, aromas, and textures create an uplifting holiday experience while enjoying a warm mug of cocoa.
5-Minute No-Bake Christmas Treats
Festive trio for instant holiday joy
🛒 Ingredients
- - For Rice Krispie Squares: 4 cups rice krispies, 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups chocolate chips
- - For Peppermint Bites: 1 cup marshmallows, 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies, 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- - For Cinnamon Almonds: 1 cup almonds, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Rice Krispie Squares: Melt butter in a saucepan, add rice krispies, and press into a pan. Melt chocolate and pour over the mixture. Chill before cutting into squares.
💡 Use parchment paper for easy removal
Peppermint Bites: Melt marshmallows, mix with crushed peppermint and powdered sugar. Roll into balls and chill before serving.
💡 Add red food coloring for festive hue
Cinnamon Almonds: Toss almonds with honey, cinnamon, and salt. Spread on baking sheet and toast until golden.
💡 Add a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Rice Krispies
Provide the signature crunch in the squares. You can use other puffed cereals like cornflakes or rice cakes for variation.
Substitutions: Puffed rice cereal, cornflakes
Peppermint Candies
Add festive flavor and color. Use crushed candy canes or peppermint extract for a different texture.
Substitutions: Candy canes, peppermint extract
Honey
Creates a sweet glaze for the almonds. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well for vegan options.
Substitutions: Maple syrup, agave
Chocolate Chips
Melt easily for coating the rice krispie squares. Use dark or milk chocolate based on preference.
Substitutions: Dark chocolate, cocoa powder
Pro Tips for Perfect Treats
✨ Flavor Boosters
Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness in all recipes. For the rice krispie squares, try using white chocolate with crushed candy canes.
❄️ Chilling Tips
Chill the rice krispie squares for at least 2 hours for clean cuts. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking in the pan.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve the treats in festive mason jars or on a holiday platter with cocoa mugs for an instant cozy snack station.
♻️ Storage Tips
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add a slice of bread to maintain moisture in the marshmallow bites.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free rice cereal for the squares. All other recipes are naturally gluten-free.
Vegan Version
Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use dairy-free chocolate for the squares.
Nut-Free Alternative
Replace almonds with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in the third recipe.
Seasonal Twists
Add holiday spices like nutmeg or ginger to the chocolate coating for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Hot cocoa - The rich chocolate squares and peppermint bites pair perfectly with warm cocoa.
- Spiced chai tea - Complements the cinnamon-spiced almonds with its warm spices.
- Festive fruit platter - Balance the sweetness with fresh berries or apple slices.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Milk, spiced apple cider, or a non-alcoholic mulled wine would complete the holiday experience.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare all three recipes 1-2 days ahead. Store separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Refrigerator Storage
Keep treats in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cold temperature helps maintain the chocolate coating's firmness.
Freezer Storage
Freeze in single layers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to avoid condensation.
Reheating Instructions
No reheating needed. These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of nut?
A: Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts work well in the cinnamon-spiced recipe. Toast them briefly for extra flavor.
Q: How to prevent the rice krispie squares from crumbling?
A: Make sure the butter is fully melted and evenly distributed. Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Q: Can I make these treats ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare all three recipes 1-2 days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers.
Q: How to store the peppermint bites?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
These 5-minute no-bake Christmas treats are the perfect solution for busy holiday moments. With their quick preparation and festive flavors, they're sure to bring joy to your celebrations. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening with cocoa, these treats offer a delightful variety that everyone will love.
Don't forget to share these recipes with your loved ones and tag us in your creations! We'd love to see which flavor you tried first. Happy baking and happy holidays!
