Rice Krispie Christmas Tree Treats: Festive Holiday Snack Craft

Quick and easy to make, Rice Krispie treats are a holiday favorite. Kids will have a blast making these festive Rice Krispie Christmas Trees. Instead of the usual squares, shape the treats with a Christmas tree cutter, top them with green candy coating and red, green, and white sprinkles, and add them to any holiday dessert spread.

Making these treats is a sweet way to create holiday memories. I remember making tree-shaped Rice Krispie treats with my mom — they’re simple, fast, and kids take pride in sharing their creations. Serve them on a cookie platter or as a stand-alone dessert at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Rice Krispie Christmas Trees

Butter – Use real butter (salted preferred) for rich flavor. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt while melting.

Jumbo marshmallows – Jumbo marshmallows make a chewy, gooey texture. If using roaster marshmallows, cook on medium-low and stir often.

Crispy rice cereal – Use Rice Krispies or a similar crispy rice cereal.

Green melting chips – Melted candy coating or melting wafers for the green drizzle that turns each piece into a Christmas tree.

Red, green, and white sprinkles – Decorate the trees; star-shaped sprinkles also work well.

How to Make Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1:

• Melt the butter in a medium to large saucepan over low to medium heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until smooth and fully melted.

Step 2:

• Place the crispy rice cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and fold gently until evenly coated.

Tip: Stirring is more like folding to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.

Step 3:

• Transfer the mixture to a greased baking sheet and press into an even layer. Let cool until set.

Tip: Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, or use a sheet of wax paper between your hands and the mixture while pressing.

Step 4:

• After the mixture has slightly set, use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Transferring the sheet to a cutting board can make cutting easier; loosen edges with a knife or spatula if needed.

Step 5:

• Place the tree-shaped treats on parchment paper. Melt the green melting chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, or use a double boiler. If the coating becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of neutral oil to loosen it.
• Transfer the melted coating to a piping bag or a sealed bag with a small corner snipped off and drizzle horizontally over each tree. Add sprinkles while the coating is still soft.

Tip: Watch the melting process closely; microwave times and stovetop heat can vary.

Step 6:

• Let the coated trees set for about 10 minutes in the refrigerator, or until the candy coating hardens. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

Recipe Notes and Questions

Can I use puffed rice instead of Rice Krispies?

Yes. Puffed rice cereal works well and can be a gluten-free option — check labels to confirm the product is certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I make Rice Krispies in the microwave?

Yes. Use a microwave-safe glass bowl. Melt butter and marshmallows in 1½-minute intervals on high, stirring between intervals until smooth. Then fold in the cereal and follow the remaining steps. Microwave times vary, so monitor closely.

How long does it take for Rice Krispies to set?

Left at room temperature, they usually set in about an hour. Chilling in the fridge cuts that time to roughly 30 minutes.

How to decorate

• Lightly grease the cookie cutter between cuts for clean shapes.
• If you don’t have a cutter, shape the mixture into cone shapes (about 1/3 cup each) to resemble trees.
• Use a piping bag to drizzle melted candy coating, then add sprinkles to taste.

Tips for the best Rice Krispie Christmas Trees

1. Use real butter (not margarine) for the best flavor and texture.
2. Use fresh marshmallows — older marshmallows can be drier and don’t melt smoothly.
3. Avoid overheating the marshmallow mixture; high heat can make treats firm and hard to work with.
4. Fold in the cereal gently to avoid breaking the crispy pieces.
5. Press the mixture gently into the pan; over-packing can make the treats dense and tough.

Storage

Store finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. They are best eaten fresh.

Why are my treats rubbery or not sticking?

Rubbery texture often comes from too much butter. If treats aren’t sticking, marshmallows may have been overcooked or the butter used had a high water content.

Variations

• Add green gel food coloring to the melted marshmallows before folding in the cereal for uniformly green trees.
• Swap sprinkles for small candies like red and green M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces.
• Add a tree trunk with a pretzel stick or a small peanut butter cup if desired.

Quick Recipe Summary