Name: Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; Orange food coloring (gel or liquid); 12 mini Tootsie Rolls or pretzel sticks (for stems); Green icing, candy leaves, or green taffy (for decoration); Nonstick spray or butter (for shaping)

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Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are my favorite no-bake fall treat—festive, fun, and easy to make. They take the classic marshmallowy crunch of Rice Krispie treats and turn them into adorable little pumpkin-shaped bites. Perfect for Halloween parties, school snacks, or a fall afternoon in the kitchen, these treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, kid-friendly, and doesn’t require any baking. The pumpkin shape makes it seasonal and cute, and I can easily customize each one with candy stems, leaves, or even funny faces. Plus, the ingredients are simple and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a great project for kids, classrooms, or just a festive kitchen moment. Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rice Krispies cereal
Mini marshmallows
Unsalted butter
Orange food coloring (gel or liquid)
Mini Tootsie Rolls or pretzel sticks (for stems)
Green icing, candy leaves, or green taffy (for leaves)
Nonstick spray or butter (for shaping)

Directions

I melt the butter in a large pot over low heat, then add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
I stir in a few drops of orange food coloring until I get a nice pumpkin shade.
I remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
I let the mixture cool slightly (so it’s safe to touch), then grease my hands with butter or spray and form the mixture into small round pumpkin shapes.
I press a mini Tootsie Roll or a pretzel stick into the top center of each pumpkin as a stem.
I add green icing or candy leaves to decorate, and let them set at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 mini pumpkins.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Cooling and shaping time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

I use green taffy, sour strips, or fruit roll-ups cut into leaf shapes for garnish.
I sometimes add a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the melted marshmallow for a fall flavor twist.
For Halloween, I draw little jack-o’-lantern faces with black decorating gel.
I mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips or candy corn for surprise bites inside.
For gluten-free treats, I make sure to use certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal and marshmallows.

storage/reheating

I store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I don’t refrigerate them, as that can make them hard. No reheating is needed—just grab and enjoy. If they start to stick together, I separate them with parchment paper. Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

FAQs

Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Yes, I usually make them the day before a party or event. They stay fresh for a couple of days when stored properly.

How do I keep them from sticking to my hands?

I always coat my hands with butter or nonstick spray before shaping the pumpkins. It makes the process much easier.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Yes, I just make sure to measure by weight and melt them slowly. They take a bit longer to melt, but they work just fine.

What can I use if I don’t have food coloring?

I’ve used a bit of orange-tinted icing or candy melts in the mix instead. You can also leave them plain and decorate the outside.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely! I let kids shape the pumpkins and add stems and decorations. Just make sure the mixture is cool enough to handle safely.

Conclusion

Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are a fun and easy fall treat that brings a little seasonal magic into my kitchen. I love how simple they are to make and how much personality each one can have. Whether I’m serving them at a party, packing them for school snacks, or just enjoying a few with a cup of cider, these little pumpkins always bring a smile.