Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats for Kids Recipe

Looking for a fun, easy, and absolutely adorable dessert to make with the kids this Thanksgiving? These Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats are just the thing! They’re everything you want in a holiday dessert—sweet, crunchy, colorful, and incredibly simple to whip up. Perfect for little hands to help with, these festive treats are great for school parties, family gatherings, or just a fun kitchen activity to keep the kids entertained (and snacking!) while you prep the turkey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Kid-Friendly and Fun: These treats are made for little hands to help shape, decorate, and enjoy. Think edible crafts with a delicious payoff.
• Quick and Easy: Just a few basic pantry staples and about 15 minutes of active time—you don’t even need to turn on the oven!
• Perfect for Thanksgiving: Whether shaped like turkeys, pumpkins, or autumn leaves, these treats bring festive fun and flavor to your holiday table.
• Customizable: You can get super creative with colors, toppings, and shapes to suit any age group or preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic base—light, crispy, and perfect for shaping.
• Mini Marshmallows: For that gooey, sticky sweetness that binds everything together.
• Butter: Helps melt the marshmallows smoothly and adds a rich flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth that makes these treats taste homemade and cozy.
• Candy Eyes: A must for turkey faces—kids love placing them!
• Pretzels: Great for creating turkey feathers or fun accents like arms or legs.
• Candy Corn: Traditional and colorful, they make perfect turkey beaks or feathers.
• Chocolate Chips or Melted Chocolate: For drizzling or dipping to give some richness and flair.
• Food Coloring: Use orange, red, or yellow for shaping pumpkins or fall leaves.
• Sprinkles: Add festive fun and extra texture—kids can go wild!

Variations

• Pumpkin Patch Version: Shape the treats into mini pumpkins and use a green M&M or licorice string for the stem.
• Turkey Pop Treats: Press them onto lollipop sticks and decorate with candy corn feathers and chocolate drizzle.
• Autumn Leaf Shapes: Use leaf-shaped cookie cutters and tint the marshmallow mixture with fall colors.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Edition: Mix cocoa powder or chocolate chips into the marshmallow mixture before adding cereal.

How to Make Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats for Kids

Step 1: Melt the Marshmallows

In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the mini marshmallows and continue stirring until smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Add Food Coloring (Optional)

If you’re going for colored treats (like pumpkins or leaves), add the desired food coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture now and stir until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix in the Cereal

Remove from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is well coated.

Step 4: Shape the Treats

Let the mixture cool for just a minute—then, while still warm but manageable, scoop and shape into balls, discs, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Greasing your hands lightly with butter or cooking spray makes this part easier and less sticky.

Step 5: Decorate!

Use candy eyes, pretzels, candy corn, and sprinkles to bring your Thanksgiving characters to life. Press them in gently while the treats are still slightly warm so they stick.

Step 6: Let Set and Enjoy

Place the decorated treats on wax paper and allow them to cool completely. Once set, they’re ready to serve or pack up for parties!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overheat the Marshmallows: Melting them slowly keeps the mixture soft and chewy rather than stiff and dry.
• Work Quickly: The mixture sets up fast, so shape and decorate while it’s still warm.
• Use Buttered Hands or Tools: Lightly greased hands, spatulas, or cookie cutters make shaping a breeze without sticky messes.
• Double the Fun: Make a few different shapes and let kids customize each one—it’s like dessert meets craft time.

How to Serve

These treats are perfect for:

• Thanksgiving Dessert Tables: Place on a platter for a colorful, kid-friendly sweet option.
• Party Favors: Wrap individually in clear treat bags with festive ribbons.
• Classroom Celebrations: Easy to transport and always a hit with kids.
• After-Dinner Treats: Let the kids help “serve” dessert with their own handmade goodies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Separate layers with wax paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for Rice Krispie treats, as it can change the texture and make them chewy or hard once thawed.

Reheating

No need to reheat these! But if you’d like to reshape them, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave can soften them slightly.

FAQs

Can I make these treats the night before Thanksgiving?
Absolutely. These treats stay fresh for a couple of days, so making them a day or two in advance is a great way to prep ahead.

How can I get my kids involved without making a mess?
Set up a decorating station with toppings in small bowls and give each child their own wax paper work area. Keep wet wipes handy for quick cleanup!

Can I use store-brand crispy rice cereal?
Yes! Any puffed rice cereal will work. Just make sure it’s fresh and crisp for the best texture.

What if my treats turn out too hard?
This usually means the marshmallows were overheated or too much cereal was added. Next time, melt the marshmallows on low heat and gently fold in the cereal.

Final Thoughts

These Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats for Kids are the perfect blend of fun and flavor. They’re cheerful, customizable, and irresistibly tasty—plus, they bring everyone together in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving gathering or just looking for a fun afternoon activity, these treats are a guaranteed win. Give them a try this season—you’ll be glad you did!

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