Save Festive, fun, and easy-to-make treats shaped like Christmas trees, perfect for holiday gatherings or family activities. These sweet, crunchy snacks are coated in green-tinted marshmallow and decorated with colorful candies.
I love making these treats every holiday season because they bring the whole family together in decorating and snacking.
Ingredients
- Main Mixture: 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal, 3 cups mini marshmallows, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Green food coloring
- Decorations: 1/3 cup mini M&Ms or colored sprinkles, 12 small star-shaped candies or yellow M&Ms
- Optional: 12 pretzel sticks (for tree trunks), Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper for shaping
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Step 2:
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and several drops of green food coloring until the mixture reaches your desired shade.
- Step 3:
- Add Rice Krispies cereal and quickly fold until fully coated.
- Step 4:
- Let the mixture cool for 1 2 minutes (so its not too hot to handle but still pliable).
- Step 5:
- Coat your hands with nonstick spray or lightly butter them. Shape the mixture into 12 cone-shaped trees.
- Step 6:
- If using pretzel sticks, gently insert one into the base of each tree for a trunk.
- Step 7:
- Decorate the trees with mini M&Ms or sprinkles as ornaments, and press a star-shaped candy or yellow M&M on top of each tree.
- Step 8:
- Place on parchment paper and let set at room temperature for 15 20 minutes until firm.
Save Making these treats always brings back joyful holiday memories with my family gathered in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Large saucepan, Mixing spoon, Measuring cups and spoons, Parchment paper or nonstick spray, (Optional) Star-shaped cookie cutter for candies
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter), gluten (if using standard pretzel sticks), and soy (in some candies). Contains possible traces of nuts and gluten depending on candy brands. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 125, Total Fat: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 1 g (per treat)
Save These Christmas Tree Rice Crispy Treats are a delightful holiday snack that’s as fun to make as they are to eat.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly grease your hands with nonstick cooking spray or butter before shaping to keep the mixture from sticking.
- → Can I use different cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
While Rice Krispies provide the classic crunchy texture, you can substitute with similar puffed rice cereals for variation.
- → How can I make the green color more vibrant?
Add a few additional drops of green food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture until you reach the desired shade.
- → What is the best way to decorate the treats?
Use mini M&Ms, colored sprinkles, or small star-shaped candies pressed gently into the trees for a festive look.
- → How should I store leftover treats to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.