Rice Krispie Snowballs Recipe

Magical Rice Krispie Snowballs Recipe: Winter’s Sweet Delight

Whipping up delightful rice krispie snowballs can transport you to a winter wonderland of sweet nostalgia.

Childhood memories dance through every sugary bite of these magical treats.

Marshmallow and crispy rice blend into perfect spheres that sparkle like freshly fallen snow.

Playful desserts often carry unexpected joy, capturing imagination with simple ingredients.

Cold days call for warm kitchen moments filled with laughter and creativity.

Each snowball promises a delectable escape from ordinary snacks.

Crafting these treats becomes an adventure you’ll savor with every delicious, powdery bite.

Why Rice Krispie Snowballs Are A Sweet Winter Treat

  • Craft Quick Treats: Simple preparation makes these rice krispie snowballs perfect for spontaneous dessert moments.
  • Delightful Coating Magic: Rolling balls in powdered sugar and coconut transforms basic ingredients into a stunning winter-themed treat that looks professionally made.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking: Children can help mix, roll, and coat the balls, making this a fun family baking activity that encourages creativity and teamwork.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: These snowballs work beautifully for holiday gatherings, potlucks, school events, or casual weekend dessert celebrations with minimal kitchen effort.

What You’ll Need For Rice Krispie Snowballs

For the Base:
  • Butter: A rich, smooth foundation that helps bind the marshmallows and adds delicious flavor to the snowballs.
  • Marshmallows: Soft, sweet ingredients that create a sticky, stretchy base for holding the rice krispies together.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy rice pieces that provide a light, crunchy texture to the snowball treats.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: A sweet, aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the overall taste of the snowballs.
  • Salt: A subtle seasoning that balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the recipe.
For the Coating:
  • Powdered Sugar, Shredded Coconut: A delightful mixture that creates a sweet, snowy exterior and adds extra texture to the rice krispie balls.

How To Make Rice Krispie Snowballs Step By Step

Step 1: Melt Butter Gently

Grab a spacious saucepan and let butter transform into a silky liquid pool over low heat. Watch carefully to prevent any browning, keeping the butter pure and smooth.

Step 2: Create Marshmallow Magic

Drop marshmallows into the melted butter, stirring constantly until they dissolve completely. The mixture should become a glossy, creamy wonderland that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Enhance With Flavor Boosters

Pull the pan off the heat and quickly introduce:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Stir these flavor enhancers into the marshmallow mixture, ensuring perfect distribution.

Step 4: Fold In Crispy Cereal

Pour rice krispies into the marshmallow base. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the cereal, coating every single piece without crushing the delicate crunch.

Step 5: Cool Down Mixture

Let the mixture rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to become manageable and cool enough to handle safely.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Balls

With lightly greased hands, roll the mixture into perfect round balls. Aim for bite-sized wonders about an inch in diameter.

Step 7: Create Coconut Sugar Coating

Mix together in a shallow bowl:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Shredded coconut

Step 8: Roll And Coat Snowballs

Gently tumble each rice krispie ball in the sugar-coconut mixture. Ensure complete and even coverage for a stunning finish.

Step 9: Let Snowballs Set

Place coated treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to firm up at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

Step 10: Serve And Store

Arrange snowballs on a beautiful serving platter. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, enjoying within 3 days for maximum deliciousness.

Helpful Tips For Rice Krispie Snowballs

  • Grease Hands Smartly: Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray or butter before shaping the rice krispie balls to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, round formations.
  • Control Marshmallow Melting: Stir continuously over low heat to achieve a smooth, glossy mixture without burning, which helps maintain the perfect texture and flavor.
  • Fold Gently: Use a silicone spatula to incorporate cereal into the marshmallow base, being careful not to crush the rice krispies and preserve their crispy texture.
  • Experiment with Coatings: Try different rolling mixtures like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or colored sugar to create unique variations and add extra flavor and visual appeal.
  • Serve at Room Temperature: Allow snowballs to set completely before serving, which helps them hold their shape and provides the best taste and texture experience.

Tasty Twists On Rice Krispie Snowballs

  • Gluten-Free Snowballs: Replace regular rice krispies with gluten-free rice cereal for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delightful texture and flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Snowballs: Swap marshmallows with sugar-free marshmallow alternatives and use stevia-based powdered sugar for a diabetic-friendly version that cuts down on overall sweetness.
  • Chocolate Coconut Snowballs: Mix in cocoa powder with the coating and add dark chocolate chips to the marshmallow mixture for a rich, decadent chocolate-lovers variation that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Nutty Protein Snowballs: Incorporate crushed almonds or protein powder into the mixture and roll in chopped nuts for an extra protein boost and crunchy texture that provides more nutritional value.

Perfect Pairings For Rice Krispie Snowballs

  • Pair Creamy Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a rich, velvety hot chocolate that complements the sweet and marshmallowy texture of the snowballs, creating a comforting winter treat.
  • Serve Festive Peppermint Tea: Brew a warm, minty tea that cuts through the sweetness and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich rice krispie snowballs.
  • Match Vanilla Latte: Enjoy a smooth, creamy vanilla latte that enhances the dessert's vanilla notes and provides a delightful coffee undertone.
  • Select Sparkling White Wine: Choose a light, crisp sparkling wine like Prosecco to add an elegant touch and balance the snowballs' sweetness with its bubbly brightness.

How To Store Rice Krispie Snowballs Right

  • Transfer snowballs to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delightful flavor.
  • Wrap individual snowballs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 weeks, ensuring they remain fresh and ready to enjoy anytime.
  • Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Place on a cool, dry countertop for 2-3 days, preserving their delicate coconut coating and marshmallow softness.
  • Gently warm refrigerated or frozen snowballs at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave heating to maintain their original light and fluffy texture.

FAQs About Rice Krispie Snowballs

  • What ingredients do I need to make these rice krispie snowballs?

You’ll need marshmallows, butter, rice krispies cereal, vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and shredded coconut.

  • Can I make these snowballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

  • Are these snowballs kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids will love helping roll the balls and coating them in the sugar-coconut mixture, but adult supervision is recommended for the marshmallow melting step.

  • How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands while forming balls?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before rolling the balls to prevent sticking and make shaping easier.

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Rice Krispie Snowballs Recipe

Rice Krispie Snowballs Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Winter magic meets sweet nostalgia in these delightful rice krispie snowballs, where marshmallow-coated treats roll into festive spheres of pure childhood joy. Snow-dusted and irresistibly charming, you’ll love these whimsical bites that sparkle with delicious memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Marshmallow Base:

  • 4 cups marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup butter

Rice Krispie Mixture:

  • 6 cups rice krispies cereal

Coating and Decoration:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large mixing bowl and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and cooling.
  2. In a spacious saucepan, melt butter over low heat until it becomes smooth and liquid, avoiding any browning.
  3. Add marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring continuously until they completely dissolve and create a smooth, glossy mixture.
  4. Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat and quickly incorporate vanilla extract and salt, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Immediately pour rice krispies cereal into the marshmallow base, gently folding with a silicone spatula to ensure even coating without crushing the cereal.
  6. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes to make handling easier and prevent burning your hands.
  7. Using lightly greased hands, roll the mixture into uniform round balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
  8. Create a separate coating station with powdered sugar and shredded coconut mixed together in a shallow bowl.
  9. Gently roll each rice krispie ball in the sugar-coconut mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  10. Place coated snowballs on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to set and firm up at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
  11. Once set, arrange the snowballs on a serving platter, creating an appealing presentation.
  12. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Prevent sticky hands by lightly greasing palms with cooking spray or butter before shaping snowballs, ensuring smooth and effortless rolling.
  • Customize the recipe by experimenting with different coatings like crushed graham crackers, colored sprinkles, or finely chopped nuts for unique texture and flavor variations.
  • Maintain perfect marshmallow consistency by melting slowly over low heat and stirring constantly to prevent burning or uneven texture.
  • Transform this classic treat into a gluten-free option by using certified gluten-free rice cereal and checking all ingredient labels carefully.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 201
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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