Quick and easy to prepare, Rice Krispie treats are a beloved holiday classic. These festive Rice Krispie Christmas Trees turn the usual squares into cheerful tree shapes, topped with green icing and red, green, and white sprinkles. Rice Krispie Christmas Trees are a fun addition to any holiday dessert spread and a great project to make with kids.
When I think of childhood holiday traditions, I fondly remember making Rice Krispie treats with my mom. They’re simple, fast, and a great way to make memories with kids. Little hands can help press the mixture, cut the tree shapes, and sprinkle on the decorations. These treats travel well on a cookie platter or can be served on their own as an easy, festive dessert.
If you want a straightforward, crowd-pleasing recipe for your next holiday gathering, these Rice Krispie Christmas Trees are hard to beat. They’re gooey, crunchy, and look adorable on any dessert table.
Ingredients for Rice Krispie Christmas Trees
- 4 tablespoons butter — real butter gives the best flavor. If you use unsalted, add a pinch of salt while melting.
- 12 oz jumbo marshmallows — larger marshmallows give a chewy, gooey texture. Stir over low-medium heat until melted.
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal — use your preferred brand or a gluten-free puffed rice if needed.
- 1 cup green melting chips — used for the festive green drizzle that turns the treats into Christmas trees.
- Red, green, and white sprinkles — to decorate; small star sprinkles also look great.
- Extra butter or cooking spray — for greasing the baking sheet and cookie cutter.
How to Make Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Grease a 9×11 baking sheet with butter or cooking spray. Melt the butter in a medium to large saucepan over low to medium heat. Add the marshmallows and stir frequently until smooth and fully melted.
Step 2: Place the Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted marshmallow and butter mixture over the cereal and fold gently until every piece is coated. Folding rather than stirring helps preserve the cereal’s light crunch.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to the greased baking sheet and press into an even layer. To prevent sticking, lightly spray your hands or use a sheet of wax paper while pressing. Allow the pan to cool until the surface is set but still slightly pliable, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out shapes. If the treats stick, transfer the slab to a cutting board and loosen the edges with a spatula or knife. Save scraps to remix and press back into the pan or form into snack-sized balls for sampling.
Step 5: Arrange the tree shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets. Melt the green melting chips in 30-second microwave bursts, stirring between intervals, or use a double boiler to melt gently. Transfer the melted coating to a piping bag or a resealable bag with a small corner snipped off.
Step 6: Drizzle the green coating across each tree, then immediately add sprinkles. Let the coating harden for about 10 minutes in the fridge or at room temperature until set.
Tips and Variations
- To make the whole batch green, add gel food coloring to the melted marshmallows before adding cereal.
- Swap sprinkles for small candies like red and green M&Ms or chopped festive candies.
- Add tree trunks using pretzel sticks or small chocolate candies for a whimsical touch.
- Use puffed rice cereal labeled gluten-free to make these treats safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Avoid overheating the marshmallows and butter—cook low and slow for soft, pliable treats.
- Don’t overpack when pressing the mixture into the pan; gentle pressure keeps them light and chewy.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store finished Rice Krispie Christmas Trees in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. They are best eaten the day they’re made but can be prepared a day or two in advance if needed.
Common Questions
Can I make them in the microwave? Yes. Melt butter and marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring between, then fold in cereal and proceed as directed. Microwave times vary, so watch closely.
How long to set? At room temperature, expect about an hour to fully set; refrigerating speeds this to roughly 30 minutes.
Why might treats be rubbery or not stick together? Rubbery texture often comes from too much butter. If pieces won’t stick, marshmallows may have been overheated or old. Use fresh marshmallows and moderate heat.
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan or pot
- 9×11 baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Christmas tree cookie cutter
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep time: about 20 minutes
- Cool/setting time and decorating: about 20–40 minutes total
- Servings: about 13 tree-shaped treats
- Calories per serving (approx.): 185 kcal
