Save to Pinterest 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 is perfect for involving the whole family in the kitchen during the holidays, creating sweet memories and tasty treats.
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 to Pinterest Making these treats always brings joy as the family gathers around the kitchen, shaping and decorating Christmas tree treats together.
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 to Pinterest These tree-shaped treats are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the season. Enjoy making and sharing them with loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cereal works best?
Crisp, puffed rice cereal is ideal as it holds shape well and provides a light crunch without overpowering the green marshmallow coating.
- → How can I make shaping easier?
Grease your hands with butter or nonstick spray before shaping to prevent sticking and form neat cone shapes quickly.
- → Are pretzel sticks necessary?
Pretzel sticks add a crunchy base trunk but can be omitted if preferred or replaced with candy sticks for variety.
- → Can decorations be customized?
Yes, colorful mini candies, sprinkles, or star-shaped toppers can be used to decorate and personalize each treat.
- → How long do these treats stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they maintain freshness and texture for up to three days.