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.
These treats quickly became a holiday tradition at our house, bringing joy to family and friends alike.
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 These treats always bring smiles and laughter when the family comes together to make and enjoy them every holiday season.
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 per Treat
Calories: 125, Total Fat: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 1 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these treats fresh for the best texture and flavor, and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the treats their green color?
Green food coloring is added to the melted marshmallow mixture to achieve the festive tree shade.
- → Can I use other cereals besides Rice Krispies?
While Rice Krispies provide the ideal crunch and texture, puffed rice or similar light cereals may be used as alternatives.
- → How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Coat your hands lightly with nonstick cooking spray or butter to make shaping easier and prevent sticking.
- → What is the purpose of the pretzel sticks?
Pretzel sticks can be inserted to serve as tree trunks, adding a salty contrast and support for the treats.
- → How long do these treats stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- → Can I decorate the treats with alternatives to candies?
Colored sprinkles or small edible decorations work well and can be used to customize the look.