Pin Festive, fun, and easy-to-make treats shaped like Christmas trees, perfect for holiday gatherings or family activities. These sweet, crunchy snacks are coated in green-tinted marshmallow and decorated with colorful candies.
This recipe always brings joy when shared with friends and family during the holidays.
Ingredients
- Main Mixture: 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal, 3 cups mini marshmallows, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Green food coloring
- Decorations: 1/3 cup mini M&Ms or colored sprinkles, 12 small star-shaped candies or yellow M&Ms
- Optional: 12 pretzel sticks (for tree trunks), Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper for shaping
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Step 2:
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and several drops of green food coloring until the mixture reaches your desired shade.
- Step 3:
- Add Rice Krispies cereal and quickly fold until fully coated.
- Step 4:
- Let the mixture cool for 1 2 minutes (so its not too hot to handle but still pliable).
- Step 5:
- Coat your hands with nonstick spray or lightly butter them. Shape the mixture into 12 cone-shaped trees.
- Step 6:
- If using pretzel sticks, gently insert one into the base of each tree for a trunk.
- Step 7:
- Decorate the trees with mini M&Ms or sprinkles as ornaments, and press a star-shaped candy or yellow M&M on top of each tree.
- Step 8:
- Place on parchment paper and let set at room temperature for 15 20 minutes until firm.
Pin This recipe always brings smiles when we make it together as a family during the holidays.
Required Tools
Large saucepan, Mixing spoon, Measuring cups and spoons, Parchment paper or nonstick spray, Optional star-shaped cookie cutter for candies
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter), gluten (if using standard pretzel sticks), and soy (in some candies). Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 125, Total Fat: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 1 g per treat
Pin Enjoy these festive treats as a fun holiday activity and delicious snack everyone will love.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I get the marshmallow mixture to the right consistency for shaping?
Let the marshmallow and butter mixture cool for 1–2 minutes after melting to ensure it’s warm and pliable, making it easier to shape without sticking.
- → Can I use different cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes, crispy puffed cereals with a neutral flavor work well and will provide the desired crunchy texture.
- → What’s the best way to decorate these treats?
Use mini candies like colorful M&Ms or sprinkles as ornaments, and top with star-shaped candies or yellow M&Ms for a festive look.
- → Are pretzel sticks necessary for making the trunk?
Pretzel sticks add a charming trunk appearance but are optional; treats hold their shape well without them.
- → How should I store the treats to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crunch.