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 love making these treats with my family during the holidays because they bring so much joy and creativity to our celebrations.
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 This recipe always brings my family together and creates cherished holiday memories.
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 These treats are a delightful holiday classic that’s both fun to make and delicious to eat.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I get the green color on the treats?
Add green food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture before mixing in the cereal to achieve a vibrant green shade.
- → Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
While Rice Krispies provide the iconic crunch and shape, you can substitute with similar crispy cereals for a different texture.
- → What is the best way to shape the treats?
Grease your hands lightly with butter or nonstick spray and quickly form the mixture into cone-shaped trees while still warm and pliable.
- → How can I make the decorations stick better?
Use melted white chocolate as an adhesive to help candies adhere firmly to the green marshmallow surface.
- → How should I store these treats to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain crispness and freshness.