Festive Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids Recipe

Fun Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats Kids Adore: Recipe

Sweet, gooey rice krispie thanksgiving treats delight children with their playful seasonal charm.

A simple marshmallow and crispy rice base becomes a festive canvas for creative decorations.

Kids light up when they see colorful sprinkles and autumn-themed designs adorning these classic no-bake treats.

Melted marshmallows bind the crisp cereal into delightful shapes that spark joy at holiday gatherings.

Vibrant orange and brown colors capture the warmth of thanksgiving celebrations.

Families bond over crafting these easy, fun desserts that bring smiles to little faces.

These delectable treats turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable thanksgiving adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s Inside Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids

For Main Mixture:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base that binds ingredients and adds depth of flavor; select unsalted for better control of saltiness.
  • Marshmallows: Creates sticky, sweet binding agent; choose fresh, soft marshmallows for smoothest texture.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Delivers satisfying crunch and primary structure; select crisp, fresh cereal for best results.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile; opt for pure vanilla for most authentic taste.
For Decorative Elements:
  • Candy Corn: Adds festive fall colors and design; select fresh, vibrant pieces.
  • Candy Eyes: Creates playful character; choose pre-made or make with royal icing.
  • Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Serves as stable base for turkey design; pick fresh, intact cups.
  • Colored Icing: Provides detailed decoration and dimension; select gel-based icing for precise application.
For Coloring and Shaping:
  • Food Coloring: Transforms treats into seasonal colors; liquid or gel types work well.
  • Pretzels: Creates realistic stems for pumpkin treats; select whole, unbroken sticks.
  • Fruit Roll-Up: Offers additional decorative element; choose green varieties for leaf details.
  • Cookie Cutters: Enables precise shape creation; leaf-shaped cutters recommended for fall theme.

Supplies To Make Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids

  • Large Pot: Essential for melting butter and marshmallows evenly and smoothly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring marshmallows and mixing cereal without sticking.
  • Baking Sheet or Tray: Needed for rolling out and setting Rice Krispie mixtures.
  • Leaf-Shaped Cookie Cutters: Great for creating festive fall leaf shapes.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Small Bowls: Useful for separating and coloring mixtures.
  • Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Prevents treats from sticking to surfaces.
  • Candy Decorating Tools: Optional for attaching candy eyes and drawing details with icing.

Easy Steps For Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids

  • Melt Marshmallow Magic

Grab a large pot and gently melt butter over low heat. Toss in marshmallows and stir until they transform into a smooth, dreamy mixture. For an extra flavor boost, splash in some vanilla extract.

  • Mix Cereal Wonderland

Pull the pot off the heat and pour in Rice Krispies. Stir like crazy until every single crispy morsel gets coated in marshmallow goodness.

  • Craft Turkey Friends

While the mixture stays warm, roll small balls for turkey bodies. Stick candy corn as feathery decorations on the back. Attach cute candy eyes using melted chocolate. Balance each turkey on a mini peanut butter cup and draw a playful beak and wattle with colorful icing.

  • Create Pumpkin Pals

Add orange food coloring to your marshmallow mix. Shape adorable round pumpkins and poke a pretzel stick on top as a stem. Jazz up your pumpkins with green fruit roll-up or icing leaves.

  • Design Festive Fall Treats

Press the Rice Krispie mixture onto a baking sheet. Use leaf-shaped cookie cutters to create autumn-inspired shapes. Get wild with decorative icing if you want extra pizzazz.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Arrange your delightful Thanksgiving treats on a cheerful platter. Let your creativity run wild and mix up different designs to wow your family and friends!

Fun Tips For Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids

  • Tasty Thanksgiving Treat Tips
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare Rice Krispie treats up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container to save time during holiday prep.
  • Sticky Situation Solution: Wet your hands with cold water before shaping treats to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers and make molding easier.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Rice Krispies or crispy rice cereal to make the treats safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Twist: Swap butter for coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows to create a plant-based version of these festive treats.
  • Allergy-Friendly Decorations: Replace candy eyes with sliced almonds or use sunflower seeds instead of peanut butter cups for nut-free alternatives.

How To Serve Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids

  • Festive Family Gathering: Arrange the colorful Rice Krispie treats on a large wooden board, creating a delightful Thanksgiving centerpiece that will wow kids and adults alike.
  • Sweet Kid's Table Delight: Create individual treat bags for children, tying them with autumn-colored ribbons and adding small Thanksgiving-themed tags for a personalized touch.
  • Interactive Dessert Station: Set up a decorating area where kids can add their own creative touches to the treats, using sprinkles, candy eyes, and colored icing to personalize their Thanksgiving masterpieces.
  • Memory-Making Moment: Capture photos of children creating and enjoying these fun treats, turning the dessert-making process into a cherished family holiday tradition.

Storing Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids Easily

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these festive treats up to 3 days before your Thanksgiving gathering, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain maximum freshness and crispiness.
  • Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate decorated treats for 15-20 minutes to help chocolate and icing set quickly, ensuring decorations stay perfectly in place during handling and serving.
  • Smart Separation: When storing different decorated treats, place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve intricate candy and icing designs.
  • Freezing Friendly: These Rice Krispie creations can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving to maintain their delightful texture.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Festive Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids Recipe

Festive Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Festive rice krispie thanksgiving treats blend marshmallow magic with seasonal cheer. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make these colorful desserts perfect for holiday gatherings with family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (10 oz / 280 g) mini marshmallows
  • 6 cups (160 g) Rice Krispies cereal
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring: orange, red, yellow, and brown
  • Colored icing or frosting
  • Candy eyes
  • Mini candy corn
  • Chocolate chips or melted chocolate
  • Pretzel sticks
  • Mini peanut butter cups
  • Fruit roll-ups or fruit leather

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gently melt butter in a large pot over low heat, ensuring smooth consistency without burning.
  2. Marshmallow Fusion: Gradually add marshmallows, stirring continuously until completely dissolved. Introduce vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  3. Cereal Integration: Remove from heat and fold Rice Krispies cereal thoroughly, coating each piece evenly with marshmallow mixture.
  4. Turkey Design: Shape warm mixture into round turkey bodies while maintaining workable temperature.
  5. Decorative Assembly: Attach candy corn as feathers on turkey backs, using precise placement to create textural detail.
  6. Facial Characteristics: Secure candy eyes with melted chocolate, creating expressive turkey faces.
  7. Foundation Setup: Position each turkey on a mini peanut butter cup for stable presentation.
  8. Facial Details: Apply colored icing to craft beak and wattle with careful precision.
  9. Pumpkin Transformation: Infuse orange food coloring into marshmallow base before mixing with cereal.
  10. Pumpkin Crafting: Form orange-tinted spheres and insert pretzel stick as stem.
  11. Final Embellishment: Decorate pumpkins with green fruit roll-up pieces or piped icing leaves.
  12. Candy Corn Bars: Separate mixture into yellow, orange, and white color zones.
  13. Layering Technique: Carefully stack colored sections in prepared pan, pressing each layer gently.
  14. Cutting Process: Once set, slice into triangular segments mimicking classic candy corn shape.
  15. Alternative Design: Spread mixture on baking surface and use leaf-shaped cutters for autumn-inspired treats.
  16. Presentation: Arrange completed treats on a festive platter, showcasing seasonal creativity.

Notes

  • Control Marshmallow Melting: Stir continuously on low heat to prevent burning and achieve smooth, glossy texture without scorching.
  • Maintain Mixture Temperature: Work quickly while mixture remains warm and pliable to ensure easy shaping and prevent hardening during decoration.
  • Use Clean, Slightly Buttered Hands: Prevent sticky mixture from clinging by lightly coating hands with butter when molding turkey or pumpkin shapes.
  • Choose Right Binding Technique: Press mixture gently but firmly when forming shapes to ensure treats hold together without crumbling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 4.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star