Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids Recipe

Cute Turkey Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats for Kids Recipe

Crafting delightful rice krispie thanksgiving treats sparks joy for little ones eager to join holiday celebrations.

Sticky marshmallows and crispy cereal create magical moments in the kitchen.

Kids absolutely love getting their hands messy while mixing colorful ingredients.

Festive decorations turn simple snacks into memorable experiences that children cherish.

Sprinkles and seasonal designs make these treats extra special for tiny helpers.

Watching small hands press sticky mixtures into themed shapes brings pure happiness.

Let’s create delicious memories together that will make this thanksgiving unforgettable for your little chefs.

Why Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids Are So Adorable

  • Craft Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Treats: These delightful Rice Krispie designs make holiday baking a playful and engaging activity for children, transforming simple ingredients into adorable festive creations.
  • Quick and Easy Dessert Magic: Requiring minimal cooking skills and just a few ingredients, these treats can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families and last-minute holiday preparations.
  • Unleash Creative Decorating: With endless possibilities for customization using candy corn, food coloring, and edible decorations, kids can express their artistic side while creating memorable Thanksgiving-themed treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Dessert: These adorable and tasty treats are sure to be a hit at family gatherings, school parties, and Thanksgiving celebrations, offering a sweet and festive touch that both children and adults will love.

All The Ingredients For Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich, creamy base for binding the marshmallow mixture.
  • Marshmallows: Sweet, sticky binding agent for the Rice Krispie treats.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Crunchy, light base for creating treat shapes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Optional flavor enhancer with warm, sweet notes.
Decoration Ingredients:
  • Candy Corn: Traditional fall-themed decorative topping for turkeys.
  • Candy Eyes: Cute, playful facial features for turkey treats.
  • Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Sturdy base for turkey-shaped treats.
  • Colored Icing: Versatile decorating tool for details and designs.
  • Pretzel Sticks: Natural-looking stems for pumpkin treats.
Color and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Food Coloring (Orange, Yellow, White): Creates festive fall color palette.
  • Green Fruit Roll-Up: Flexible decorative element for leaves and stems.
  • Green Icing: Alternative option for adding leaf and stem details.

How To Shape Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats

Step 1: Whip Up the Marshmallow Base

In a large pot, gently melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until they transform into a smooth, creamy mixture. Optional: Splash in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost. Remove from heat and fold in Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring every crispy piece gets a luxurious marshmallow coating.

Step 2: Create Adorable Turkey Treats

While the mixture is still warm and pliable:
  • Form small balls for turkey bodies
  • Stick candy corn as feathered plumage
  • Attach googly candy eyes using melted chocolate
  • Place on mini peanut butter cup bases
  • Draw cute beak and wattle with colored icing

Step 3: Design Pumpkin-Inspired Delights

Transform your mixture with orange food coloring. Craft small spherical pumpkins and:
  • Insert a pretzel stick as a stem
  • Add green fruit roll-up or icing leaves
  • Create varied sizes for visual interest

Step 4: Craft Candy Corn Spectacular Bars

Divide the mixture into three bowls and color each:
  • Yellow layer
  • Orange layer
  • White layer

Press layers into a greased pan. Once set, slice into triangular shapes mimicking classic candy corn.

Step 5: Fashion Festive Fall Leaves

Spread the mixture on a baking sheet, creating a 1-inch thick canvas. Use leaf-shaped cookie cutters to:
  • Cut elegant autumn leaf shapes
  • Decorate with creative icing designs
  • Experiment with different color combinations

Step 6: Celebrate and Serve

Arrange your masterpiece on a beautiful platter. Mix and match your creations for a stunning Thanksgiving dessert display that will delight kids and adults alike!

Tips For Kid-Friendly Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats

  • Butter Melting Magic: Slowly melt butter over low heat to prevent burning and create a smooth base for marshmallow mixture.
  • Color Coordination Trick: Use gel food coloring for vibrant, intense colors that won't water down the Rice Krispie mixture.
  • Sticky Hands Solution: Wet hands with water or coat with cooking spray when shaping treats to prevent mixture from sticking.
  • Decoration Pro Tip
  • Freshness Preservation: Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain soft, chewy texture.

How To Store Thanksgiving Treats Without Getting Sticky

  • Seal Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.
  • Store at room temperature for optimal freshness, keeping them away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
  • Refrigeration can make the treats hard, so avoid chilling unless absolutely necessary.
  • If decorating with chocolate or icing, wait until these elements are completely set before storing.
  • Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks or lunch box treats.
  • Place a slice of bread in the container to help keep the Rice Krispie treats moist and soft.
  • Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods that might transfer unwanted flavors.
  • When properly stored, these festive Thanksgiving treats will remain delicious and ready to enjoy.

Pairing Fun Drinks With Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats

  • Pair with Warm Apple Cider: Complement the sweet, marshmallowy treats with a steaming mug of homemade apple cider. The warm, spicy notes enhance the sugary Rice Krispie flavors and create a cozy Thanksgiving mood.
  • Match with Vanilla Milk: Kids will love dunking these festive treats into cold vanilla milk. The creamy, smooth beverage balances the crispy texture and adds an extra layer of delightful sweetness.
  • Serve with Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Rich, spiced hot chocolate provides a perfect counterpoint to the light, airy Rice Krispie treats. The warm chocolate brings out the subtle vanilla and marshmallow undertones.
  • Complement with Pumpkin Smoothie: A chilled pumpkin smoothie offers a seasonal twist that mirrors the Thanksgiving theme. Its creamy texture and fall spices create a harmonious pairing with the playful treats.

Cute Variations For Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats

  • Turkey Day Crunch: Transform classic Rice Krispie treats into adorable turkey shapes using candy corn for feathers and mini peanut butter cups as bases. Kids will love creating these cute edible centerpieces that capture Thanksgiving spirit.
  • Harvest Color Bars: Layer Rice Krispie mixtures in autumn colors like yellow, orange, and white to create candy corn-inspired treats. Press each colored layer carefully in a pan for a festive seasonal design that mimics fall's vibrant palette.
  • Pumpkin Patch Bites: Color the marshmallow mixture with orange food coloring to craft mini pumpkin-shaped treats. Add pretzel stick stems and green icing leaves for extra seasonal charm that brings harvest vibes to dessert time.
  • Festive Leaf Squares: Roll out the Rice Krispie mixture and use leaf-shaped cookie cutters to create seasonal designs. Decorate with autumn-toned icing to capture the beautiful changing colors of fall leaves.

FAQs For Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids

  • Are these Rice Krispie Treats difficult to make with kids?

These treats are super easy and fun! Kids can help shape the turkeys, mix colors, and decorate. Just make sure an adult handles the hot marshmallow mixture and helps with cutting or shaping.

  • What kind of candies work best for decorating?

Candy corn, mini peanut butter cups, and candy eyes are perfect for creating adorable Thanksgiving-themed treats. Colored icing helps add cute details like beaks and wattles on the turkey treats.

  • Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these Rice Krispie Treats a day or two before Thanksgiving. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.

  • Do I need any special tools to make these treats?

No special equipment needed! Just a large pot, a wooden spoon, and your hands are perfect. Cookie cutters can help make fun shapes, but they’re optional. A greased baking sheet or pan works great for setting and cutting the treats.

Print
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Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids Recipe

Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats For Kids Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive Rice Krispie Thanksgiving Treats bring holiday cheer to family gatherings with their sweet, marshmallow-studded charm. Kids will adore creating and devouring these colorful, no-bake desserts that capture the spirit of gratitude and celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups (160 g) Rice Krispies cereal
  • 4 cups (10 oz / 280 g) mini marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Flavoring and Coloring:

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring: Orange, red, yellow, and brown
  • Colored icing or frosting

Decorative Ingredients:

  • Candy eyes
  • Mini candy corn
  • Chocolate chips or melted chocolate
  • Pretzel sticks
  • Mini peanut butter cups
  • Fruit roll-ups or fruit leather

Instructions

  1. Prepare the foundational mixture by gently melting butter in a spacious pot over minimal heat, ensuring smooth consistency without scorching.
  2. Gradually incorporate marshmallows, stirring continuously until they transform into a luxurious, glossy liquid. Optionally enhance flavor by introducing a whisper of vanilla extract.
  3. Remove the pot from heat source and fold in Rice Krispies cereal, meticulously coating each crisp morsel with the marshmallow blend.
  4. For turkey-themed treats, craft warm mixture into compact spherical shapes representing turkey bodies while maintaining pliable temperature.
  5. Embellish turkey designs by strategically positioning candy corn as intricate feather arrangements along the posterior region of each creation.
  6. Affix whimsical candy eyes using melted chocolate as delicate adhesive, creating expressive facial features.
  7. Stabilize each turkey configuration by nestling it atop a mini peanut butter cup, providing a sturdy foundation.
  8. Accentuate turkey characters by delicately rendering beak and wattle using precision-applied colored icing.
  9. Transform the mixture into pumpkin representations by infusing orange food coloring throughout the marshmallow base before integrating cereal.
  10. Mold orange-tinted mixture into petite globular shapes, inserting a crisp pretzel stick to simulate authentic pumpkin stems.
  11. Enhance pumpkin aesthetic by adorning with verdant fruit roll-up fragments or carefully piped green icing leaves.
  12. For candy corn inspired bars, segregate mixture into three distinct color zones: vibrant yellow, warm orange, and pristine white.
  13. Meticulously layer colored sections within a prepared pan, pressing each stratum with gentle precision.
  14. Once solidified, slice the multicolored creation into triangular segments mimicking classic candy corn geometry.
  15. Alternatively, craft autumnal leaf designs by spreading mixture across a baking surface and utilizing leaf-shaped cutters.
  16. Conclude by artfully arranging finished treats upon a festive presentation platter, celebrating creativity and seasonal spirit.

Notes

  • Create a non-stick surface by generously greasing hands and work surfaces with butter or cooking spray before shaping treats to prevent sticking.
  • Melt marshmallows slowly and gently to avoid burning, using low heat and constant stirring for smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Use fresh, crisp Rice Krispies cereal to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy treats.
  • When forming shapes, work quickly while the mixture is warm and pliable to achieve clean, defined decorative designs.
  • Choose natural food coloring for vibrant colors without artificial additives, ensuring kid-friendly and healthier decorations.
  • Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 2-3 days for optimal texture.
  • Swap marshmallows with vegan alternatives like marshmallow fluff or plant-based marshmallows for dietary restrictions.
  • Experiment with different cereal types like cocoa crisp or fruity cereals for unique flavor variations and exciting twists.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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