Quick and easy to make, Rice Krispie treats are a holiday favorite. Kids will love making these festive Rice Krispie Christmas trees. Instead of the usual squares, these are cut into tree shapes, topped with green coating and red, green, and white sprinkles. Rice Krispie Christmas Trees are a cheerful addition to any holiday dessert tray.
Making Rice Krispie Christmas trees is a nostalgic and simple holiday activity. I remember making these treats with my mother—easy, tasty, and perfect for involving kids. Little ones are proud to share their creations, and the treats work well on cookie platters or as a stand-alone dessert.
If you want a simple, crowd-pleasing holiday dessert for your next gathering, these Rice Krispie Christmas Trees are a great choice.
Ingredients for Rice Krispie Christmas Trees
Butter – Use real butter for rich flavor. If you only have unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt while melting.
Jumbo marshmallows – Jumbo marshmallows make the treats chewy. Melt them on low to medium heat and stir frequently; they take a bit longer than smaller marshmallows.
Crispy rice cereal – Rice Krispies or any crispy rice cereal will work.
Green melting chips – These candy melts create the green drizzle that transforms the treats into Christmas trees.
Red, green, and white sprinkles – Use sprinkles, stars, or small candies to decorate the trees.
How to Make Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium or large saucepan over low to medium heat. Add 12 ounces of jumbo marshmallows and stir 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 fold gently until the cereal is evenly coated. Avoid over-stirring to keep the cereal pieces intact.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×11 baking sheet lined with parchment or buttered liberally. Press the mixture into an even layer—gently press with buttered hands or place wax paper over the top and press to avoid sticking. Let cool until slightly firm, about 10 minutes in the fridge or up to an hour at room temperature.
Step 4: Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut tree shapes. For easier cutting, transfer the Rice Krispie slab to a cutting board and loosen edges with a spatula or knife as needed. Re-form any scraps to cut additional trees or shape them into small rice krispy bites for snacking.
Step 5: Place the cut trees on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Melt 1 cup of green melting chips in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between, or use a double boiler. If the coating gets too thick, add a teaspoon of neutral oil and stir.
Transfer the melted coating to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped. Drizzle the coating across each tree horizontally and immediately top with red, green, and white sprinkles. Let the coating set in the fridge about 10 minutes, then serve.
Tips and Variations
- Use real butter for the best texture and flavor. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
- Fresh marshmallows melt best—older marshmallows can be stubborn and grainy.
- For gluten-free treats, substitute certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal and check marshmallow labels.
- Want the whole batch green? Add a few drops of gel food coloring to the melted marshmallow before mixing in the cereal.
- Swap sprinkles for small candies like red and green M&M’s, or add a pretzel or mini peanut butter cup as a tree trunk.
- To avoid sticky hands, lightly spray them with cooking spray, use butter, or press through wax paper.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store Rice Krispie Christmas Trees in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. They’re best the same day they’re made but can be prepared a day or two ahead if needed. Avoid high heat during cooking to prevent hard, tough treats.
Equipment and Yield
Recommended equipment: medium mixing bowl, medium saucepan, 9×11 baking sheet (or similar), parchment paper, and a tree cookie cutter. This recipe yields about 13 tree-shaped treats, approximately 185 calories each.
