Rice Krispie Christmas Trees for a Sweet and Simple Holiday

Is there anything more joyful than a kitchen table covered in holiday treats? I don’t think so. But between shopping, wrapping, and trying to remember where you hid the good scissors, who has time for a complicated baking project? That’s why I’m so head-over-heels for these Rice Krispie Christmas Trees. They’re the perfect mix of festive fun and downright simplicity. We’re talking about that classic, marshmallowy-crispy treat we all love, dressed up in its holiday best. They’re a total win for busy families and a fantastic way to get the kiddos involved in the kitchen without a mountain of cleanup. So good.

Top Reasons To Make It

• Incredibly Simple: No baking required, just a stovetop and a little bit of patience.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: This is a hands-on project that little hands will love helping with.
• Major Festive Impact: These little trees look adorable on any holiday dessert platter.
• Quick Cleanup: One pot and a few bowls make for a stress-free kitchen experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a classic flavor that absolutely everyone, from kids to grandparents, enjoys.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy, classic base of our trees.
• 1 (10-oz) bag mini marshmallows: For that perfect, gooey binding.
• 6 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps everything come together smoothly.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A little flavor boost that makes all the difference.
• Green gel food coloring: For that vibrant, festive tree color.
• Optional for decorating: White decorator’s icing, small star-shaped sprinkles, and assorted round sprinkles for “ornaments.”

Instructions

1. Prep your workspace. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with butter or non-stick spray. Have your tree-shaped cookie cutters standing by.
2. Melt the base. In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the entire bag of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add flavor and color. Turn off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the green food coloring, a few drops at a time, until you reach your desired shade of Christmas tree green.
4. Combine with cereal. Quickly pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the pot and gently fold them into the marshmallow mixture until every piece is evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal.
5. Shape the trees. Transfer the hot mixture to your prepared baking sheet. With greased hands or a greased spatula, press the mixture into an even layer, about 1-inch thick. Let it cool for just a minute or two—you want it firm enough to hold a shape but still warm and pliable.
6. Cut and cool. Press your tree-shaped cookie cutter firmly into the Rice Krispie slab to create your trees. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat until you’ve used all the mixture.
7. Decorate! Once the trees are completely cool and firm, use the white icing to create “snowy” edges and add your star and ornament sprinkles. Let the icing set before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Simply use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
• Peppermint Twist: Swap the vanilla extract for 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a cool, festive flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After decorating, drizzle the trees with melted white or dark chocolate for an extra special touch.
• Different Shapes: No tree cutter? Just press the mixture into a 9×13 pan and cut into squares. They’ll still be delicious!
• Nut-Free Option: This recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a safe choice for school parties.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These trees are the ultimate easy Christmas party desserts. Arrange them on a platter as the star of the show alongside other simple Christmas desserts like store-bought cookies or a cheese plate. They pair wonderfully with a mug of hot cocoa for a cozy night in or a glass of cold milk for the kids. For a grown-up holiday gathering, they’re a sweet counterpoint to savory Christmas appetizers. Honestly, they’re so versatile they’ll fit right in anywhere you put them.

Storage & Reheating

Store your decorated Rice Krispie Christmas Trees in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend refrigerating them, as it can make them hard and stale faster. You cannot reheat them once they’re decorated, but they are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If you make them ahead and want to freeze them, do so before decorating. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before adding your icing and sprinkles.

Holiday Baking Tips

• Grease Everything: Seriously, grease your pot, spatula, measuring cups, and hands. It makes dealing with the sticky marshmallow mixture so much easier.
• Low and Slow: Melting the marshmallows over low heat is key. High heat will cause them to burn and become tough.
• Work Quickly: Once you add the cereal, the mixture will start to set. Have your pan ready so you can spread it out without a delay.
• Gel is Best: Liquid food coloring can thin out your marshmallow mixture. Gel or paste food coloring gives you vibrant color without affecting the texture.
• Get Creative: Don’t stress about perfection! Every tree is unique, just like a real forest. Let the kids go wild with the sprinkles.
• Set the Scene: Play some Christmas music while you work. It makes the whole process feel even more festive.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini? You sure can! Just add an extra minute or two to the melting time and stir frequently. Mini marshmallows just melt a little faster and more evenly.
• My mixture is too sticky. What did I do wrong? It’s likely you didn’t quite melt the marshmallows completely. They need to be fully liquid before you add the cereal. Also, make sure your hands and tools are well-greased.
• Can I make these ahead of time for a holiday party? Absolutely! They are one of the best make-ahead Christmas food ideas. Just decorate them the day of your event so the sprinkles stay fresh and the icing doesn’t dry out.
• Why are my Christmas treats not holding their shape? The mixture might have been too cool when you cut it. You need to cut the shapes while the treat is still slightly warm and pliable. If it cools completely, it can crack.
• Are there other fun holiday treats like this? Of course! This method works for any shape. You could make snowmen, stars, or even presents for more fun Xmas desserts.