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

Scale

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)

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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.