Shamrock Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a nostalgic comfort food for many of us, but adding a vibrant green hue and shaping them like shamrocks instantly transforms them into a festive centerpiece.
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- 9x13-inch Baking Pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Shamrock cookie cutter
Ingredients
For the Rice Krispie Base:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring about 10–15 drops, or until desired color
Optional Decorations:
- Sprinkles chocolate drizzle, or edible glitter for topping
Instructions
Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it super easy to lift the treats out later.
- Measure out your Rice Krispies, marshmallows, butter, and green food coloring so everything is ready to go.
- Pro tip: Have your cookie cutter and decorations nearby if you plan to shape and decorate the treats—they’re easier to work with while the mixture is still warm.
Melt the Butter
- Place 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over low-medium heat.
- Stir gently until fully melted and smooth.
- Pro tip: Keep the heat moderate to avoid browning the butter; you just want it melted and creamy.
Add Marshmallows
- Add 4 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted butter.
- Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and combined with the butter.
- Pro tip: Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon and keep stirring—this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, stretchy base.
Add Vanilla and Green Coloring
- Remove the pan from heat.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Add green food coloring gradually, mixing until you reach your desired shade of green.
- Pro tip: Start with 10 drops and add more if needed—you can always make it brighter, but it’s tricky to fix if it gets too dark.
Combine with Rice Krispies
- Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture.
- Fold gently until every piece is coated evenly in the green, gooey goodness.
- Pro tip: Don’t over-stir, or the cereal can get crushed and lose that perfect crispy texture.
Press Into the Pan
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan.
- Use a spatula (or a piece of parchment) to press it down evenly.
- Pro tip: Lightly butter your spatula or hands to prevent sticking—this helps get a smooth, even surface for cutting or shaping.
Shape and Decorate
- If you’re making shamrocks, let the mixture cool for 10–15 minutes—still slightly warm is ideal for cutting.
- Use your cookie cutter to press out shamrock shapes, or cut squares if you prefer classic treats.
- Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or edible glitter if desired.
Let Them Set
- Allow the treats to fully set at room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Once firm, enjoy or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 180–200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Sugars: 20 g
- Fat: 4–5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2–3 g
- Protein: 1–2 g
- Fiber: <1 g
- Sodium: 90–120 mg