Save 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.
I enjoy making these treats each holiday season as a fun project with my kids that also tastes amazing.
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.
Save Making these treats always brings my family together for a joyful and creative holiday experience.
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). Contains possible traces of nuts and gluten depending on candy brands. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 125, Total Fat: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 1 g (per treat)
Save Enjoy making these festive treats that add a special touch to your holidays and bring joy to everyone.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the treats without sticking?
Lightly grease your hands with butter or nonstick spray before shaping to prevent sticking and make forming the trees easier.
- → Can I use other cereals in place of Rice Krispies?
Yes, but using crispy puffed cereals helps maintain the crunchy texture that works best for shaping and presentation.
- → What is the best way to add green color evenly?
Stir in green food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture gradually until you reach the desired shade for an even tint.
- → How long should the treats set before serving?
Allow them to cool and set at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes until firm enough to handle and serve.
- → Can the treats be stored after making?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them fresh and crunchy.