Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen, you’re in for a real treat. This Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is not only adorable but also ridiculously easy to make — perfect for holiday parties, classroom snacks, or just a cozy afternoon baking with loved ones. Trust me, once you see how charming and delicious these little green trees turn out, you’ll be whipping them up every December!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly to create the classic Rice Krispies treat you love, but with a fun festive twist! Let me share a few little tips to make shopping a breeze.

• Salted Butter: I recommend using real salted butter over margarine or light butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Mini Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt more evenly than large ones, making your mixture smooth and easy to work with.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors are more concentrated, so you get a vibrant green without thinning your marshmallow mixture.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: Classic Rice Krispies work best here—avoid knockoff brands for that perfect crisp texture.
• White Decorating Icing: Store-bought icing is just fine and makes decorating simple; you don’t have to get fancy.
• Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: These form the base ‘tree trunks’ and add a yummy chocolate-peanut butter combo.
• Round Red Sprinkles: Think of these as tiny ornaments to make your trees pop with holiday spirit.
• Star Sprinkles or Yellow Mini M&Ms: Use these to create charming star-topped Christmas trees that look straight out of a holiday card.

Variations

One of the best things about this Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I love experimenting with different decorations and even adding mix-ins just for fun!

• Nut-Free Variation: Swap the Reese’s peanut butter cups with plain chocolate chips or mini wafer rolls to avoid nuts and still have a sturdy base.
• Vegan Modification: Use vegan butter and vegan marshmallows—brands like Dandies work well—and you’ll still get great results.
• Extra Festive: Add tiny edible glitter or crushed candy cane sprinkles for a sparkling winter wonderland effect. My family goes crazy for that peppermint crunch!
• Flavor Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract when melting the marshmallows for an irresistible aroma and flavor.

How to Make Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Step 1: Melt and Color Your Marshmallow Mixture

Start by melting your salted butter over medium-low heat in a large saucepan. Once melted, toss in the mini marshmallows and stir gently but continuously. As they begin to melt and come together, add the green gel food coloring little by little until you reach that perfect Christmas tree green. I discovered that adding the gel coloring while the marshmallows are melting ensures a vibrant, even color without clumps.

Step 2: Fold in the Rice Krispies

Once your marshmallow mixture is smooth and colored, immediately remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle in your Rice Krispies cereal next and fold gently but thoroughly so every morsel is coated. You want them well covered but try not to mash the cereal—keeping that crispy texture is half the magic here. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes; this makes it easier to handle when shaping the trees.

Step 3: Shape Your Christmas Tree Treats

Spray your hands generously with non-stick cooking spray (trust me, this step is a lifesaver). Take about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the mixture, and press it firmly into a cone shape that resembles a little Christmas tree. The key is to press really well so your trees stick together and hold their shape without crumbling. I like to work on wax paper for easier cleanup.

Step 4: Decorate and Assemble

Here’s where the fun really begins! Use white decorating icing as your ‘glue’ to attach round red sprinkles as ornaments on the trees. Then place a star sprinkle or yellow mini M&M right on top to be the tree topper. For the ‘trunks,’ spread a bit of icing on one side of the miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups and stick a tree on top. If you want your icing to set nicely, let your treats rest overnight. Otherwise, dive right in — they’re delicious even fresh!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick to classic red round sprinkles and star toppers for the trees because they give that nostalgic Christmas vibe. But sometimes I add edible glitter or crushed peppermint for a little festive sparkle. It’s all about what makes you smile when you look at your creation.

Side Dishes

These treats are sweet and rich enough on their own, but they pair nicely with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. If you want to serve a holiday spread, consider pairing them with gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for a festive dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats Recipe on a platter lined with faux snow or green shredded paper to look like a forest. Wrapping them individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon turns them into charming party favors that guests adore. Last year, I made a whole ‘woodland’ scene on a cake stand—friends couldn’t stop snapping photos!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay perfectly chewy and fresh for 3-4 days if sealed well. I avoid refrigerating since that can make them a bit tough.

Freezing

I once froze a batch wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag – this worked great! When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. They keep their shape and taste pretty much like fresh.

Reheating

Rather than reheating, I prefer enjoying these treats as is since melting marshmallows can get sticky. But if you want to soften them slightly, pop one in the microwave for 5-7 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it or it’ll get gooey.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats Recipe brings a bit of magic into my kitchen every holiday season. It’s a delightful mix of simplicity, tradition, and a little creative sparkle that never fails to put smiles on faces. Whether you’re making them with kids, gifting them to friends, or just craving a nostalgic holiday treat, these little trees will warm your heart and sweet tooth alike. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and fun it is, and I’m pretty sure this recipe will become a yearly favorite in your home too!

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