Go Back
Adam

Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins | An Easy Halloween Treat Idea

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, and there’s nothing more fun (or easier!) than making Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins. These no-bake pumpkin-shaped treats are festive, sweet, and kid-approved. They take the classic Rice Krispie treats everyone knows and loves and transform them into adorable little pumpkins with the help of food coloring and a few fun candy add-ons. With gooey marshmallows, crunchy Rice Krispies cereal, and a pop of orange coloring, you’ll have a playful dessert that doubles as a Halloween decoration. The finishing touches—mini Rolos as stems and green M&M’s as leaves—make them look like tiny pumpkins straight from the patch. These treats are simple, quick, and perfect for parties, school events, or family nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 15 pumpkins
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 bag large marshmallows about 10 oz
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup cooking oil or melted butter extra for shaping if needed
  • Red liquid food coloring
  • Yellow liquid food coloring
  • Mini Rolos for pumpkin stems
  • Green M&M’s for pumpkin leaves

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wax paper or parchment paper
  • Cooking spray (to prevent sticking)

Method
 

Step 1: In a large saucepan, melt the ¼ cup of butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
    Step 2: Add 2 drops of red food coloring and 4–6 drops of yellow food coloring to create an orange color. Stir until evenly blended. Adjust with more drops if needed.
      Step 3: Remove from heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
        Step 4: Grease your hands lightly with cooking oil or melted butter. While the mixture is still warm (but not too hot), scoop out portions and roll them into small balls about the size of a tennis ball.
          Step 5: Gently press a Mini Rolo candy into the top center of each ball to form the pumpkin stem.
            Step 6: Add one green M&M next to the Rolo to represent a pumpkin leaf.
              Step 7: Place the shaped pumpkins on wax paper to cool and set completely before serving.

                Notes

                🧊 Storage & Reheating
                Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
                Refrigerator: Not necessary; refrigeration can harden them.
                Freezer: Not recommended, as marshmallows lose their texture when frozen.
                🥄 Variations
                Different colors: Use green food coloring for Frankenstein shapes or purple for witches.
                Candy-filled: Hide a candy piece inside each pumpkin for a surprise.
                Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the pumpkins for extra sweetness.
                Mini pumpkins: Make smaller bite-sized versions for parties.
                Healthy twist: Use brown rice cereal and vegan marshmallows for a lighter option.
                ❓ 10 FAQs
                Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large?
                – Yes, just use 10 oz total.
                How do I stop the mixture from sticking to my hands?
                – Lightly coat your hands with butter or oil before shaping.
                Can I make these ahead of time?
                – Yes, up to 2–3 days in advance stored airtight.
                Do I have to use Rolos for stems?
                – No, you can use Tootsie Rolls, pretzel sticks, or even chocolate chips.
                Can I skip the food coloring?
                – Yes, but they won’t look like pumpkins.
                Are these safe for school treats?
                – Usually yes, but double-check for nut allergies (Rolos and M&M’s).
                Can I make them dairy-free?
                – Use dairy-free butter and vegan marshmallows.
                Can kids help shape them?
                – Absolutely! Just let the mixture cool slightly so it’s safe to touch.
                How do I keep them soft?
                – Store in an airtight container and don’t overcook the marshmallow mixture.
                Can I add flavoring?
                – Yes, a drop of vanilla extract or pumpkin spice makes them extra special.
                🏁 Conclusion
                These Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are the ultimate Halloween snack—fun to make, festive to display, and delicious to eat. With just a few ingredients, you can create edible pumpkins that will wow your family and guests. They’re the perfect addition to Halloween parties, dessert tables, or even as school treats. Simple, no-bake, and guaranteed to bring smiles, these little pumpkins are a Halloween tradition in the making.