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.
This recipe has become a holiday tradition in my family, bringing everyone together for a fun and delicious activity.
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 fond memories of holiday baking sessions with my family.
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 it is to eat.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the treats without them sticking to my hands?
Lightly grease your hands with butter or use nonstick spray before shaping to prevent sticking and help form smooth cones.
- → Can I use alternatives to Rice Krispies cereal?
Yes, other crispy rice cereals can work, but the texture may vary slightly depending on brand and size.
- → What is the best way to add green color to the marshmallow mixture?
Add a few drops of green food coloring to the melted marshmallow and butter mixture, stirring until the color is evenly blended.
- → How can I make the decorations stick better to the treats?
Melted white chocolate can be used as an adhesive to secure candies and stars firmly onto the treats.
- → How long can these treats be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and crunch.