Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats for Kids

Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats are fun and festive snacks perfect for kids during the holiday season. These cute and easy-to-make treats use classic Rice Krispie treats as a base, decorated with colorful candies and chocolate to create adorable turkeys, pumpkins, or fall-themed designs. These no-bake treats are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen and add a bit of sweet fun to your Thanksgiving celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make with just a few ingredients
• No baking required—perfect for kids to help with
• Fun and creative—make turkeys, pumpkins, or fall leaves
• Great for Thanksgiving parties, school events, or dessert tables
• Can be made ahead and stored for easy entertaining

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Rice Krispie Treats:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows (1 bag)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For Decorating:

• Candy eyes
• Mini pretzel sticks
• Candy corn
• Chocolate or colored candy melts (orange, brown, red, yellow)
• Mini peanut butter cups (for turkeys)
• Fruit Roll-Ups or gummy strips (for feathers)
• Orange and red icing (for details)

Directions

this recipe

Make the Rice Krispie Treats

1. Melt Butter and Marshmallows:
   • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
   • Stir in vanilla extract if using.
2. Mix with Cereal:
   • Remove from heat and gently stir in Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
3. Shape the Treats:
   • Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan for traditional bars, or shape into small balls for turkey or pumpkin designs.
   • Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before decorating.

Create Festive Thanksgiving Designs

1. Turkey Rice Krispie Treats:
   • Form small balls of Rice Krispie mixture (about 2 inches wide).
   • Use a mini peanut butter cup as the turkey’s body. Attach with melted chocolate or icing.
   • Press candy corn into the back as tail feathers.
   • Add candy eyes and use orange and red icing to create a beak and wattle.
2. Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats:
   • Mix a few drops of orange food coloring into the melted marshmallows before adding the cereal.
   • Shape into small round pumpkins.
   • Insert a mini pretzel stick as the pumpkin stem.
   • Add a green gummy or icing leaf for decoration.
3. Leaf-Shaped Rice Krispie Treats:
   • Press the mixture into a flat pan and use leaf-shaped cookie cutters.
   • Dip in colored chocolate melts or drizzle with fall-colored candy melts for a festive touch.

Let the Treats Set

1. Cool Completely:
   • Allow the decorated treats to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate or icing is firm.
2. Serve:
   • Arrange on a festive platter and watch the kids enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 treats, depending on size
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats: Mix in 1/2 cup of cocoa powder or use Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate twist.
• Caramel Apple Treats: Add a drizzle of caramel and use green food coloring for an apple design.
• Acorn Treats: Attach a chocolate kiss to a small Rice Krispie ball with melted chocolate, adding a mini pretzel piece as the stem.
• Thanksgiving Pops: Insert popsicle sticks into the Rice Krispie shapes to make them easy to hold and eat.
• Healthier Version: Use brown rice cereal and add dried fruit bits or mini chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated Rice Krispie treats for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Make Ahead: Prepare and decorate treats 1-2 days before serving.

FAQs

1. How do I keep Rice Krispie treats from sticking to my hands?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before shaping the treats.

2. Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, use about 40 large marshmallows in place of mini marshmallows.

3. How do I make Rice Krispie treats more festive for Thanksgiving?

Use fall-themed cookie cutters, add candy corn, or drizzle with colored candy melts.

4. Can I color the Rice Krispie mixture?

Yes, add a few drops of food coloring to the melted marshmallows before mixing in the cereal.

5. How do I prevent the treats from becoming too hard?

Avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan and do not overheat the marshmallows.

6. What can I use to make the turkey feathers?

Candy corn, gummy strips, or colored chocolate pieces make great tail feathers.

7. Can I make these treats allergy-friendly?

Yes, use allergen-free marshmallows and cereal, and avoid candies with nuts if needed.

8. How do I cut Rice Krispie treats into shapes?

Use cookie cutters while the mixture is still slightly warm and not fully set.

9. What other flavors can I add to Rice Krispie treats?

Mix in mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flavor.

10. Can I make Rice Krispie treats with different cereals?

Absolutely! Try Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Krispies, or Cheerios for fun variations.

Conclusion

Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday with kids. Whether you shape them into cute turkeys, colorful pumpkins, or fall leaves, these treats are sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Easy to make, customize, and enjoy, this recipe is perfect for family fun and creating sweet Thanksgiving memories!

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