Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats keep it simple and festive.
Butter and marshmallows melt together into a smooth, gooey base. Vanilla brings in a cozy sweetness. Crisped rice cereal adds that classic snap everyone expects. Just a few drops of green gel color make the whole batch look tree-ready.
Once the slab cools, that’s when the fun starts—grab your cookie cutters, drizzle on some white candy, and toss on a few star sprinkles.
They’re easy to share and quick to pack up for parties. Honestly, they’re sturdy enough to survive gifting, too.
If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that’s cute and doesn’t take much effort, this recipe really does the trick.
The ingredients are simple and familiar, nothing weird or unpronounceable here.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats
No-Bake and Fast
Sets in about 30 minutes and uses basic tools.
Party-Ready
Handheld, mess-light, and easy to transport.
Customizable
Change sprinkle colors, drizzle patterns, or sizes.
Kid Helper Friendly
Simple mixing and decorating steps for little hands.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Stays fresh for days when stored correctly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Salted Butter
Use salted butter and skip the pinch of salt.
Extract Swap
Replace vanilla with ½ teaspoon almond extract for a bakery-style twist.
Coloring Options
Use liquid green food color sparingly, or mix a pinch of matcha powder for a natural tint.
Cereal Swap
Use any crisp rice cereal brand; gluten-free versions work if needed.
Candy Melts to Chocolate
Swap candy melts with white chocolate; thin with ½ to 1 teaspoon neutral oil if needed.
Sprinkle Alternatives
Use sanding sugar, mini chocolate chips, or crushed peppermint for a different finish.
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Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 bag (10 ounce) mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch fine salt
- green gel food coloring
- 6 cups crisped rice cereal
- 4 ounces white candy melts or chopped white chocolate
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (only if the drizzle seems too thick)
vegetable oil, canola oil. etc.
- star and confetti sprinkles as needed
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment. Lightly grease the parchment and a second parchment sheet for pressing.
- Place butter in a large pot over low heat and melt.
- Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla, salt, and green gel food coloring to reach a bright tree green.
- Remove the pot from heat.
- Add the crisped rice cereal and mix until every piece is coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
- Lay the greased parchment on top and press into an even 1-inch slab.
- Let the slab cool 10 to 15 minutes until set but still slightly soft.
- Cut tree shapes with a cookie cutter, or cut 3½-inch triangles and trim small trunks.
- Insert a paper straw or lollipop stick into the base of each tree. Pinch any cracks closed.
- Melt white candy in short microwave bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in neutral oil if the candy is too thick.
- Fill a piping or zip-top bag, snip a small tip, and drizzle zigzags over each tree.
- Add star and confetti sprinkles.
- Let the drizzle set until firm.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Reheat on Stovetop – Place a small portion of the marshmallow mixture in a saucepan over low heat with 1 teaspoon butter. Stir just until soft, then press back into the slab. Prevent Sticking – Lightly grease the spatula and the cookie cutter. The mixture releases cleanly and keeps the tree edges sharp. Clean Cuts – Press the cutter straight down and twist once. For knife-cut triangles, use long, steady strokes with a lightly greased blade. Color Control – Add gel color a drop at a time. The shade deepens as it spreads, so pause and stir before adding more. Even Layer – Press from the center out under the greased parchment to keep thickness uniform and avoid thin edges. Drizzle Setup – If the drizzle starts to firm in the bag, warm the sealed bag in your hands for 20 to 30 seconds and continue. Storage – Store trees in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment. Freezer Note – Freeze undecorated slabs tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature, then cut and decorate. Allergy Note – Check that your sprinkles and candy melts are allergen-safe for your crowd, as some contain soy or confectioner’s glaze.Nutrition
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