Rice Krispie Christmas Trees: Festive Holiday Treat Idea

Quick and easy to prepare, Rice Krispie treats are a holiday classic. Kids will have a blast making these festive Rice Krispie Christmas trees. Rather than the usual squares, this version is shaped like miniature Christmas trees, finished with green drizzle and red, green, and white sprinkles. Rice Krispie Christmas Trees make a cheerful addition to any holiday dessert platter.

When I think back to childhood Christmases, I remember making Rice Krispie treats with my mom. They’re simple to make, always popular with kids, and great for creating warm memories. Children enjoy crafting and sharing their creations, and these tree-shaped treats work well on cookie platters or as a stand-alone dessert.

If you want a straightforward and delicious holiday treat for your next gathering, make these Rice Krispie Christmas trees — they’re fun, quick, and insanely tasty.

Ingredients for Rice Krispie Christmas Trees

Butter – Use real butter (salted preferred) for rich flavor. If you only have unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt while melting.

Jumbo marshmallows – Jumbo marshmallows give a soft, chewy texture. Melt them over low to medium heat and stir often so they become smooth.

Crispy rice cereal – Use Rice Krispies or a similar crispy rice cereal.

Green melting chips – These candy coating chips create the green drizzle that turns each treat into a Christmas tree.

Red, green, and white sprinkles – Use these to decorate the trees; star-shaped sprinkles also look magical.

How to Make Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium-to-large saucepan over low to medium heat. Add 12 ounces of jumbo marshmallows and stir frequently until completely melted and smooth.

Step 2: Place 6 cups of crispy rice cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to over-stir—folding keeps the cereal from breaking.

Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×11 baking sheet and press into an even layer. To prevent sticking, lightly grease your hands or use a sheet of wax paper to press the mixture. Allow it to cool and set slightly (about 10 minutes in the refrigerator speeds this up).

Step 4: Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut shapes from the slightly set Rice Krispie slab. If needed, transfer the slab to a cutting board and loosen edges with a knife or spatula before cutting. Place cut trees on a parchment-lined sheet pan.

Step 5: Melt 1 cup of green melting chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, or melt in a double boiler. If the coating gets too thick, add a teaspoon of neutral oil and stir to smooth. Transfer the melted coating to a piping bag or Ziploc bag, snip a small corner, and drizzle horizontally over each tree. Add sprinkles while the coating is still soft.

Step 6: Let the coated trees sit until the coating hardens (about 10 minutes in the refrigerator). Store finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

Substitutions and Tips

Can I use puffed rice instead of Rice Krispies? Yes. Puffed rice is a great gluten-free alternative—check packaging for a certified gluten-free label if required.

Can I make these in the microwave? Yes. Melt butter and marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl in 1 1/2-minute intervals, stirring between intervals until smooth. Then fold in the cereal and continue with the remaining steps. Microwaves vary, so watch carefully to avoid overheating.

How long to set? About an hour at room temperature, or roughly 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

How to Decorate

• Grease the cookie cutter lightly between cuts to prevent sticking.
• No cookie cutter? Shape about 1/3 cup of mixture into a cone with greased hands to make tree-shaped treats.
• Use a piping bag or snipped Ziploc to drizzle melted green coating and top with sprinkles.

Best Tips for Success

1. Use real butter for flavor and texture—avoid margarine.
2. Use fresh marshmallows for a smooth, gooey result.
3. Cook over low heat to avoid stiff, hard treats.
4. Fold the cereal gently into the marshmallow mixture to keep it airy.
5. Press the mixture gently into the pan—don’t pack it too tightly.

Storage

Store Rice Krispie treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh.

Variations

• Add green gel food coloring to the melted marshmallows to turn the entire batch green before adding cereal.
• Swap sprinkles for red and green candies like M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces.
• Add a pretzel stick or small candy as a trunk if you like.

Recipe Summary