Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are a festive and fun twist on the classic marshmallow cereal treat. Infused with warm pumpkin pie spice and vibrant orange coloring, these no-bake pumpkin-shaped treats are perfect for Halloween parties or fall gatherings. Topped with chocolate-covered pretzel stems and decorated with cookie icing to look like jack-o’-lanterns, they bring seasonal charm with every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 (10 or 12 ounce) package regular sized marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- Orange gel food coloring, a few drops
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
For Assembly and Decoration
- Cooking spray or extra butter (for greasing hands)
- Chocolate covered pretzels (e.g. Flipz Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels), broken into small pieces
- Green cookie icing (prepackaged with tip attached)
- Black cookie icing (prepackaged with tip attached)
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set it aside for later use.
- Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
- Add pumpkin spice and coloring: Stir in 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice until well combined. Add a few drops of orange gel food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed for a vibrant pumpkin hue.
- Mix in cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal until all pieces are thoroughly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Form pumpkin shapes: Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. While the mixture is still warm, scoop portions and gently shape them into 9 pumpkin-shaped balls approximately 2½ inches in diameter. Avoid packing too tightly to keep them soft.
- Place on baking sheet: Arrange the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet to cool. This makes cleanup easier.
- Cool and set: Let the pumpkin treats cool at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up.
- Add pretzel stems: Break or cut chocolate covered pretzels into small pieces with a little hook shape to resemble pumpkin stems. Insert one piece into the center top of each pumpkin ball.
- Decorate faces: Using black cookie icing, draw jack-o’-lantern eyes and mouth. Feel free to get creative with the expressions.
- Draw vines and leaves: Use green cookie icing to add leaves or vines around the pretzel stem. Allow the icing to set completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Once decorations are set, your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are ready to be enjoyed at your seasonal gatherings or any time you want a festive treat.
Notes
- Greasing your hands or using cooking spray for shaping helps prevent sticking to the sticky marshmallow mixture.
- Do not pack the rice cereal balls too tightly to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
- Orange gel food coloring provides a brighter and more vivid pumpkin color compared to liquid food coloring.
- You can substitute regular Rice Krispies cereal with gluten-free rice cereal if needed for dietary restrictions.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
- Customize decorations with different faces and designs for a fun Halloween activity with kids.
