Holiday Marshmallow Cream Treats

Created on January 17th, 2026 at 10:35 am

Festive No-Bake Sweets Made for Seasonal Sharing

Holiday Marshmallow Cream Treats are designed as small, festive sweets that fit naturally into seasonal dessert spreads, gift boxes, and holiday gatherings. This recipe focuses on familiar flavors, clean presentation, and a no-bake method that keeps preparation simple during busy times of year. The treats are bite-sized, easy to portion, and visually polished without relying on decoration-heavy techniques.
These treats are built around a soft marshmallow cream center wrapped in smooth chocolate, creating a balance that feels comforting and appropriate for the holiday season. The format is intentionally flexible. Whether served at a casual family gathering or included in a larger dessert assortment, the treats maintain their shape and texture while delivering consistent flavor.
Because the recipe relies on chilling rather than baking, it works well when oven space is limited. You can prepare the treats ahead of time, store them chilled, and serve them when needed. That predictability makes them especially useful during holidays, when timing and reliability matter as much as flavor.

Why Marshmallow Cream Works Especially Well for Holiday Treats

Marshmallow cream is particularly well suited for holiday desserts because of its smooth texture and stable setting behavior. Unlike whole marshmallows, which can melt unevenly or harden as they cool, marshmallow cream spreads easily and sets into a soft, controlled layer when chilled. This helps create treats that look uniform and polished across a full batch.
During the holidays, desserts often need to travel, sit out briefly, or be packaged for gifting. Marshmallow cream holds up well in these situations. When paired with a chocolate coating, it stays centered and soft without leaking or becoming sticky. This makes the treats easier to handle and more dependable for sharing.
Flavor-wise, marshmallow cream brings a gentle sweetness that pairs naturally with chocolate. The combination feels nostalgic and familiar, which is often what people look for in holiday desserts. It appeals to a wide range of tastes without requiring bold or unusual ingredients.

Flavor and Texture Expectations

Holiday Marshmallow Cream Treats deliver a balanced, classic flavor profile. The chocolate coating provides richness and structure, while the marshmallow cream center adds softness and sweetness. Neither element overwhelms the other, resulting in a treat that feels indulgent but not heavy.
Texture contrast is a defining feature. The chocolate sets into a firm but biteable shell, while the marshmallow center remains smooth and light. When chilled properly, the layers stay distinct, creating a clean bite that feels intentional rather than messy.
Because the treats are small, the flavors remain concentrated and satisfying without lingering too long. This makes them easy to enjoy alongside other holiday desserts, such as cookies, bars, or candies.

Time Breakdown

Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup marshmallow cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Neutral oil or cooking spray for molds

Kitchen Tools

• Heatproof bowl
• Small saucepan
• Spatula
• Mini silicone molds or lined mini muffin pan
• Spoon or small offset spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Lightly grease mini silicone molds or line a mini muffin pan with paper liners.
• Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until warm but not boiling.
• Pour the warm cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
• Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
• Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
• Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each mold.
• Spread the chocolate into a thin, even layer.
• Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so the chocolate sets slightly.
• Remove the molds from the refrigerator.
• Spoon a small amount of marshmallow cream into the center of each mold.
• Keep the marshmallow cream centered without pushing it to the edges.
• Spoon additional melted chocolate over the marshmallow to fully cover it.
• Smooth the tops so each treat has a clean surface.
• Return the molds to the refrigerator.
• Chill for at least 1 hour, or until fully set.
• Once firm, remove the treats from the molds and arrange on a serving plate.

Tips for Consistent Holiday Results

Working with slightly cooled chocolate helps prevent the marshmallow cream from melting or shifting. If the chocolate feels too warm, let it rest briefly before assembling the layers.
Keeping the marshmallow cream centered makes sealing easier and improves the final appearance. This step helps each piece look neat and uniform.
Chilling between layers, even briefly, improves structure and reduces the risk of blending. Small pauses during assembly lead to cleaner results.
If air bubbles appear on the surface, gently tap the molds on the counter before chilling to smooth the tops.

Serving Ideas for Holiday Tables

Holiday Marshmallow Cream Treats fit easily into many seasonal settings. For casual family gatherings, they can be served chilled on a simple platter and enjoyed without utensils. Their small size makes them easy to grab and eat.
For holiday dessert tables, arrange the treats in neat rows or clusters. Consistent sizing and clean edges help them stand out among cookies and bars without additional decoration.
These treats also work well in holiday gift boxes. Their firm chocolate coating protects the soft center, making them suitable for short transport when kept chilled until gifting.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling helps maintain both texture and appearance.
If stacking the treats, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking or surface marks.
These treats are ideal for make-ahead preparation. You can prepare them one or two days in advance, which helps reduce last-minute holiday tasks.

Nutrition Table (Approximate Per Serving)

Assumes 24 holiday treats.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Carbohydrates	15 g
Protein	1 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	40 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these treats suitable for holiday gift boxes?

Yes. Their small size, firm chocolate coating, and clean shape make them well suited for gift boxes, especially when kept chilled until delivery.

Can I prepare these treats in advance for holidays?

These treats can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them ideal for holiday planning.

Do they need to stay refrigerated during serving?

They are best served chilled, but they can sit out briefly without losing structure. For longer events, keeping them cool helps maintain texture.

Can I change the chocolate type?

You can use different chocolate varieties, but semi-sweet provides the best balance with the marshmallow cream, especially for holiday desserts.

How many treats does this recipe make?

This recipe yields approximately 24 small treats, depending on mold size and portioning.