If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, you’ve come to the right place! This Irresistibly Easy Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe combines the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with gooey marshmallows, festive green coloring, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Perfect for baking with family or bringing to a holiday party, these treats capture the cheerful spirit of the season and bring a smile with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of crispy, chewy, and festive flavor. Each element adds something special—whether it’s the melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows, the classic snap of the cereal, or the colorful accents that make the Christmas tree theme pop.
- 4 tablespoons butter: This gives richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly; use margarine for a dairy-free option.
- 1 bag mini marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows melt best to bind everything together with a delightfully soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds that warm, comforting backdrop; feel free to swap it for almond extract for a unique twist.
- 2-3 drops green gel food coloring: Gel coloring provides vibrant green without watering down your mixture like liquids might.
- 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The classic crispy base; other puffed cereals can work if you want to change things up.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers: Adds creamy, sweet pockets of indulgence throughout your treat.
- 1 cup mini M&M’s: These colorful candies bring festive cheer and a lovely crunch contrast.
- Star-shaped sprinkles: Perfect for that finishing touch of holiday sparkle on top your Christmas trees.
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Start by gently melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they transform into a smooth, gooey mixture. Be patient here—it’s the heart of the recipe where everything starts to come together.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Green Gel Food Coloring
Remove the pan from the heat and quickly mix in the vanilla extract and green gel food coloring. The green color transforms the marshmallow mixture into the iconic Christmas tree hue, making your treats instantly festive and fun to look at.
Step 3: Stir in the Rice Krispies Cereal
Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture and stir gently but thoroughly. The goal is to coat every crispy piece evenly with that sweet, green marshmallow. This part is where you turn gooey sweetness into that perfectly textured treat everyone loves.
Step 4: Press into a Pan and Shape Trees
Transfer the mixture to a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Press down gently to create an even layer about one inch thick. Once set slightly but still warm, use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your festive treats. This step turns your snack into holiday magic.
Step 5: Decorate with Chocolate, M&M’s, and Sprinkles
Melt the white chocolate chips gently and drizzle over the shaped trees, then sprinkle mini M&M’s and star-shaped sprinkles on top while the chocolate is still soft. These decorations add color, fun texture, and that irresistible festive appeal.
How to Serve Irresistibly Easy Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra star-shaped sprinkles or a dusting of edible glitter can elevate these treats for serving at holiday celebrations. A small dollop of whipped cream on the side or a light drizzle of chocolate completes the fun vibe and makes them even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair these rice krispie Christmas trees with warm mugs of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy, crowd-pleasing holiday snack station. Their sweet crunch balances perfectly with warm, comforting drinks and light cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap the trees individually in clear cellophane tied with festive ribbons for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered platter with twinkling fairy lights for an eye-catching holiday dessert centerpiece everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas tree rice krispie treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will maintain their perfect chewy texture for up to 3 days, making them great for prepping ahead.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for longer, flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to a month, ready to thaw quickly when you want a festive bite.
Reheating
Because these treats are best enjoyed fresh, reheating isn’t usually needed. But if desired, a few seconds in the microwave can soften them slightly. Just be sure not to overheat, or they may become too sticky to hold their shape.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for Rice Krispies, you can substitute with other puffed cereals like Corn Chex or even fruity varieties for a fun twist.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, swapping butter for a vegan margarine and using vegan marshmallows will make this batch fully vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from hardening too quickly?
Be sure to work quickly when mixing and shaping as the marshmallows will start to set as they cool. Using warm hands lightly greased with butter helps shape without sticking.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Definitely! Just choose a gluten-free puffed cereal version of Rice Krispies or another similar cereal that’s certified gluten-free to keep everyone happy.
What’s the best way to cut out the Christmas tree shapes?
Using a cookie cutter is the simplest way to get perfect trees. If you don’t have one, you can press the mixture into a pan and cut triangles by hand before decorating for a similar festive effect.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistibly Easy Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is a must-try for anyone wanting a quick, joyful dessert to brighten the holidays. Its simplicity, combined with festive colors and delightful flavors, makes it a winning recipe that’s sure to become a cherished seasonal favorite. I can’t wait for you to taste them and see how much cheer they bring!
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Irresistibly Easy Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 treats
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These irresistibly easy Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats are festive, fun, and perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with classic marshmallow and butter base, tinted green with food coloring to mimic Christmas trees, and decorated with white chocolate, mini M&M’s, and star-shaped sprinkles, they bring a joyful and tasty holiday twist to a beloved classic treat. Quick to prepare, these treats are great for holiday parties, kids’ snacks, or gifting.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (Margarine can be used for a dairy-free option)
- 1 bag mini marshmallows (Use fresh marshmallows for optimal melting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Almond extract can be used for a different taste)
- 2–3 drops green gel food coloring (Avoid liquid coloring as it dilutes the color)
- 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal (Other puffed cereals can be substituted)
Decoration
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers (Dark chocolate can be used for a rich twist)
- 1 cup mini M&M’s (Seasonal-themed candies add a festive touch)
- Star-shaped sprinkles (Any edible star-shaped decoration will work)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Grease or line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the entire bag of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Add flavor and color: Remove the melted marshmallow mixture from heat, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2-3 drops of green gel food coloring until the color is evenly distributed.
- Combine cereal: Quickly add 9 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently and thoroughly to coat all the cereal evenly with the green marshmallow mixture.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact layer.
- Cool and set: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or until they begin to firm up.
- Decorate: Melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips or melting wafers according to package instructions, then drizzle or pipe over the cooled treats. Immediately sprinkle 1 cup mini M&M’s and star-shaped sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets to create a festive look reminiscent of decorated Christmas trees.
- Cut and serve: Once fully set and cooled, cut the treats into 12 tree-shaped pieces or squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use margarine instead of butter and ensure marshmallows are vegan-friendly.
- Use gel food coloring rather than liquid to maintain the texture and vibrant green color.
- Substitute the Rice Krispies with any puffed rice or cereal for different textures.
- White chocolate can be replaced with dark or milk chocolate depending on preference.
- Decorate immediately after adding melted chocolate to ensure sprinkles stick properly.
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For an extra festive touch, consider adding edible glitter or crushed peppermint candies.
