Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and utterly delicious treat to make this holiday season, you’ve got to try my Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. These little green trees are not only adorable but also super easy to whip up — and trust me, everybody will go crazy for them! Whether you’re baking with the kids or need a cheerful dessert for your holiday party, this recipe brings that perfect blend of nostalgia and Christmas spirit in a way that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients that you likely have on hand or can find easily in any grocery store around the holidays. The key is fresh marshmallows and crunchy Rice Krispies for that perfect chewy yet crispy texture.

• Unsalted butter: Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness and keep the flavor balanced.
• Marshmallows (bag): Fresh marshmallows melt better and make the treats super soft and gooey.
• Green gel food coloring: Gel works best because it’s vivid and won’t water down your mixture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely hint of warmth and depth to the marshmallow base.
• Rice Krispies cereal: Classic for that crispy texture—you want them crunchy, not soggy!
• Pretzel sticks: These go perfectly as the “tree trunks” and bring a nice salty crunch contrast.
• Christmas sprinkles: Choose festive colors and shapes for the ultimate holiday look.
• White chocolate (melted): I love using this for piping decorations and helping sprinkles stick to the trees.

Variations

You don’t have to stick to the classic version every time — I love switching it up depending on my mood or what I have on hand, and I encourage you to make it your own! These variations can add a new twist or tailor the treats to your family’s preferences.

• Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips before pressing the mixture into the pan for extra bursts of chocolatey goodness.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Use allergy-friendly sprinkles and avoid nuts entirely to keep it safe for everyone.
• Rainbow Treats: Divide the mixture and add different food coloring to create a colorful stack of mini trees — my kids adore making this version.
• Gluten-Free Version: Confirm your cereal is gluten-free, and you’re good to go for a safe and tasty holiday snack.

How to Make Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Melt Butter & Marshmallows

Start by lightly greasing a 13×9-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and helps you remove the treats without any stickiness. Next, melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Take your time here; low heat prevents burning. When the butter is fully melted, add your marshmallows, stirring constantly until the mix is silky smooth.

Step 2: Mix in Color and Cereal

Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the green gel food coloring and vanilla extract. Here’s a trick I picked up — gel coloring lets you use just a drop or two and still get that vibrant green, so start small and add more if you want a deeper hue. Next, fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is coated nicely with the marshmallow mixture. It’s tempting to stir too vigorously, but gently folding preserves the cereal’s crunch.

Step 3: Press, Chill, and Cut

Pour your rice krispie mixture into the prepared pan and press gently — not too hard — to avoid making the treats tough. I used to press mine down really firmly, and the texture suffered big time, so trust me on this. Let the treats sit at room temperature for at least an hour so they can set properly. Once firm, slice horizontally in half, then cut into cute Christmas tree shapes using a sharp knife.

Step 4: Decorate Your Trees

Now for the fun part! Melt white chocolate according to package instructions — I usually use a microwave in short bursts, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Insert a pretzel stick into the base of each triangle for the “tree trunk.” Pipe the melted chocolate onto the trees and sprinkle with your festive decorations. This little extra step makes them look like holiday masterpieces and keeps the sprinkles perfectly in place.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Garnishes

When I decorate, I love using red and white Christmas sprinkles to mimic ornaments and snow on the trees. Little edible sugar pearls and star-shaped sprinkles also bring extra cheer. If you want to get creative, colored sugar crystals add sparkle and texture that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

These treats pair perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa or a warm mug of mulled cider — the perfect cozy winter combo! I often serve them alongside a cheese board or a fresh fruit platter when entertaining, to balance the sweetness and keep the spread festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut out your Christmas tree treats and arrange them standing upright on a platter with whipped cream “snow” or powdered sugar dusted around for a winter wonderland effect. You can also wrap a few individually in cellophane tied with red ribbon as cute party favors or stocking stuffers — I did this last year and it was a major hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. Just keep them away from humid areas or heat sources that might cause the chocolate to melt or the sprinkles to fall off.

Freezing

Personally, I’ve frozen Rice Krispie treats wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve. Keep in mind the texture softens slightly after freezing, but the flavor stays spot on.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you want to warm them slightly (and soften the chocolate decorations), pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as marshmallows can quickly get gooey and sticky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats Recipe brings out the kid in me and adds that extra sparkle to holiday celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a sweet, simple project to share with loved ones, this recipe is a must-try. The balance of buttery marshmallow goodness with crispy cereal, the festive green color, and the crunchy pretzel trunk just can’t be beat — I swear it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time. Give it a go this Christmas, and I promise your holiday table will have one more reason to smile!

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