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dessert

Rice Krispies Christmas Trees

By Grandma Millie

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Colorful Rice Krispies Christmas trees decorated with candies on a festive background.

Rice krispies Christmas trees bring back all the playful crunch and sweet nostalgia of childhood in every bite. Emerald green treats shaped into tiny trees shimmer with creamy marshmallow, a touch of honey or dairy free butter, and candy decorations that look like twinkling ornaments. Perched on peppermint stick trunks, these rice krispies Christmas trees are quick to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to light up holiday tables with smiles in just minutes.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 45 mins
Serves: 12 servings
Calories: 150

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Rice Krispies Christmas Trees

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Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
resting
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (The base for your trees.)
  • 4 cups Mini marshmallows (For that gooey sweetness.)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter (To bind everything together.)
  • As needed drops Green food coloring (To give your trees a festive hue.)
  • As needed cups Red and white candy-coated chocolates (Perfect for decorations.)
  • As needed cups Assorted festive sprinkles (To add some extra cheer.)

Equipment

  • 1 Large saucepanFor melting butter and marshmallows.
  • 1 SpatulaFor stirring the mixture.
  • 1 Tree-shaped mold or oiled handsFor shaping the trees.
  • Parchment paper Parchment paperFor letting the trees set.

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it's completely liquid.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Stir in a few drops of green food coloring until the mixture is evenly tinted a lovely green.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Make sure every piece is coated with the gooey mixture.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then, using oiled hands or a tree-shaped mold, shape the mixture into small tree cones.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Press red and white candies and sprinkles into the trees as ornaments. Get creative with your decorations!

  7. 7

    Step 7: Place your decorated trees on parchment paper and let them set for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your festive treats!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories150
Fat5g
Protein1g
Carbohydrates25g
Sugar10g

Why You’ll Love This Rice krispies Christmas trees

  • They’re a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays!
  • Quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients.
  • Perfect for kids to help with and unleash their creativity.
  • Deliciously crunchy and sweet, a treat everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

Get ready to make these fun and festive Rice Krispies Christmas Trees!

Ingredients for Rice Krispies Christmas trees displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – the base for your trees
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows – for that gooey sweetness
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – to bind everything together
  • green food coloring – to give your trees a festive hue
  • red and white candy-coated chocolates – perfect for decorations
  • assorted festive sprinkles – to add some extra cheer

How to Make Rice Krispies Christmas Trees

Get ready to create some festive fun with these delightful Rice Krispies Christmas trees! The preparation time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is around 5 minutes, and you’ll want to let them set for at least 30 minutes before serving. Let’s get started!

Step-by-step process of making Rice Krispies Christmas trees, including melting butter, adding marshmallows, coloring the mixture, and shaping the trees.

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it’s completely liquid.

Step 2: Add Marshmallows

Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.

Step 3: Color the Mixture

Stir in a few drops of green food coloring until the mixture is evenly tinted a lovely green.

Step 4: Mix in Rice Krispies

Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Make sure every piece is coated with the gooey mixture.

Step 5: Shape the Trees

Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then, using oiled hands or a tree-shaped mold, shape the mixture into small tree cones.

Step 6: Decorate Your Trees

Press red and white candies and sprinkles into the trees as ornaments. Get creative with your decorations!

Step 7: Let Them Set

Place your decorated trees on parchment paper and let them set for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your festive treats!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Extra Time30 minutes (resting)
Total Time45 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves12
Best ServedFestively decorated and ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Rice krispies Christmas trees

  • Use fresh marshmallows for a gooey texture.
  • Lightly grease your hands to shape the trees easily.
  • Add food coloring to the melted chocolate for festive designs.
  • Use a serrated knife to trim the edges for a perfect tree shape.
  • Decorate with sprinkles or candies for a fun touch.

How to Serve this Rice krispies Christmas trees

  • Display them on a festive platter for a cheerful centerpiece.
  • Pair with hot cocoa or warm apple cider for a cozy treat.
  • Use them as fun decorations on a holiday dessert table.
  • Wrap them in cellophane and give as sweet gifts to friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and enjoying your Rice Krispies Christmas Trees is easy!

Storing Rice Krispies Christmas Trees Leftovers

  • Allow the trees to cool completely before storing.
  • Place them in an airtight container.
  • Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Avoid stacking to prevent squishing.

Freezing Rice Krispies Christmas Trees

  • Wrap each tree individually in plastic wrap.
  • Place wrapped trees in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Label with the date for easy reference.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Rice Krispies Christmas Trees

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
  • Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy as is; no reheating needed!
  • If desired, warm slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Making Rice Krispies Christmas trees is a delightful way to spread holiday cheer! These festive treats are not only simple to whip up but also a joy to decorate. Gather your loved ones, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your efforts. Happy holidays, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and love!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

How do I make Rice Krispies Christmas trees?
To make Rice Krispies Christmas trees, start by melting butter and marshmallows in a large pot over low heat. Once melted, stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape it into tree forms using your hands or a cookie cutter. Let them set before decorating!
What ingredients do I need for Rice Krispies Christmas trees?
You will need Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, butter, and optional food coloring for a festive touch. For decoration, consider using chocolate melts, sprinkles, or mini candies to make your trees extra special!
How can I decorate Rice Krispies Christmas trees?
You can decorate your Rice Krispies Christmas trees with melted chocolate or candy melts drizzled over the top. Add colorful sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or edible glitter for a fun and festive look. Get creative with your decorations to make each tree unique!
What is the best way to store Rice Krispies Christmas trees?
To store your Rice Krispies Christmas trees, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but be aware that they may become a bit harder. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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