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 have always enjoyed making these with my family during the holiday season; it's a sweet tradition that brings us closer together.
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 has become a favorite family activity during the holidays, bringing joy and sweet memories 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 Enjoy making these festive treats with your loved ones; they add a fun and tasty touch to any holiday celebration.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I get the perfect green color for the treats?
Add green food coloring gradually to the melted marshmallow mixture until your desired shade is achieved.
- → What is the best way to shape the treats?
Grease your hands lightly with butter or nonstick spray and quickly mold the mixture into cone shapes before it cools.
- → Can I include pretzel sticks in the treats?
Yes, pretzel sticks can be inserted at the base to resemble tree trunks, adding both texture and stability.
- → How should the decorated treats be stored?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- → Are there allergen concerns with these treats?
They contain dairy from butter and possibly gluten or soy depending on candy and pretzel stick choices; check labels carefully.