When planning this week of Christmas recipes, I realized that three out of the four recipes I chose feature food shaped like a Christmas tree. This was completely unplanned, but it turned into a charming holiday theme! Today’s treat is a fun and festive take on a classic: Christmas Tree Krispie Treats.

These treats are perfect for getting the kids involved in holiday fun. They can make them and share them with their friends as Christmas gifts. Some of my fondest memories growing up were crafting holiday treats for friends. I remember making special homemade gifts each year for my friends and even helping one friend create Christmas treats at her house.

There’s a lot to love about these Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats! They’re festive, fun, and easy to get kids involved in holiday baking. With a simple mix of ingredients, these treats transform into adorable little trees that can add a cheerful touch to any holiday dessert table.

The beauty of these Christmas rice krispie treats is their versatility. You can easily add unique decorations to match your holiday theme, whether that’s mini candy ornaments, edible glitter, or colorful sprinkles. And if you want a nut-free version, simply swap the Reese’s cup base with a Rolo or cookie, making it easy to cater to various preferences. Whether it’s for a family gathering, classroom party, or as a fun project to keep the kids busy, these Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats will be a delightful hit!

Ingredients to Make Christmas Tree Krispie Treats

• MINI MARSHMALLOWS
• BUTTER
• GREEN GEL FOOD COLORING
• RICE KRISPIES CEREAL
• RED SPRINKLES
• REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CUP MINIATURES
• YELLOW MINI M&M’S

How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Trees

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the marshmallows and butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix well until you reach your desired tree color. Then, stir in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure the cereal is evenly coated.

Let the mixture cool slightly, about 1 minute until it’s cool enough to handle. With greased hands, scoop about 1/3 cup of the mixture and firmly shape it into a small cone, creating your Christmas tree shape. Place each “tree” on a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper and continue with the remaining mixture; you should end up with about 12-15 cone-shaped trees.

Add red sprinkles as ornaments to decorate, and place a yellow candy on top of each cone as a star. For the finishing touch, set each tree on top of a Reese’s mini peanut butter cup as the “tree trunk.” Enjoy these festive treats with family and friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these Christmas tree Rice Krispie treats a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Grease your hands with a little butter or non-stick cooking spray before shaping each tree to prevent the mixture from sticking. You may need to reapply as you go.

What can I use instead of a Reese’s mini peanut butter cup for the tree trunk?
If you prefer a different option, you could use Rolos, small cookies, or other round candy. Or feel free to skip the trunk.

How do I make the trees look more decorated?
Try adding other sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or edible glitter to the trees for a more festive touch. You can even drizzle them with some melted white chocolate. These add fun colors and textures that kids love!

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use large marshmallows, but they may take a bit longer to melt evenly. Use about 10-12 large marshmallows for every cup of mini marshmallows.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Large Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Hearts
• Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Roll Cake
• Pecan Pie Bark
• Candy Cane Sugar Cookie Bars

Recipe adapted from Family Circle Magazine.