Looking for a no-bake, fun dessert idea to eat or give? Try melting snowman Rice Krispie Treats.

melting snowman Rice Krispie Treats

Melting snowman Rice Krispie treats are so fun and easy to make. We take our BEST EVER Rice Krispie Treat recipe and top with candies. That’s it!

I posted the very first melting snowman cookie on my other site in 2008. And now melting snowman food ideas are everywhere!

how to make melting snowman Rice Krispie Treats

you will need:

RICE KRISPIES CEREAL

Use the classic cereal or any store-brand version.

MARSHMALLOWS

You will need 10 ounces of marshmallows. Different brands have different densities, so it’s best to use a scale or the weight printed on the bag as a guide, but in general, 10 ounces of marshmallows is 40 regular size OR 6 cups of mini.

Here is a very handy guide on how many marshmallows you need, depending on the brand.

BUTTER

For best results, we recommend using European-style, salted butter.

ICING

Use your own favorite icing or frosting recipe (or store-bought), but here is my favorite sugar cookie icing. And here is my favorite royal icing recipe.

The sugar cookie icing recipe is below. You'll need confectioner's sugar, milk (plant-based works!), vanilla extract, and a dash of salt.

FOOD COLORING

For best results, tint the icing or frosting with white food coloring. My preference is the Americolor Soft Gel Paste Bright White.

REESE'S CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUP MINIATURES

I used the dark chocolate version for the snowmen hats.

MIKE AND IKES CANDY

You'll need the orange candies. You can use any comparable brand orange "carrot nose" candy.

CANDY EYES

Find candy eyes in the craft store or online. You can also use mini chocolate chips.

PRETZEL STICKS

Break apart pieces of pretzel sticks for the stick arms.

TOOLS YOU'LL NEED:

cooking spray
2 ½-inch circle cookie cutter
baking tray and parchment paper
disposable decorating bag or Ziploc

SUPPLIES AND INGREDIENTS

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instructions

TIP: Spray your bowls and spatulas with non-stick cooking spray.

Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and add 4 ⅔ cups Rice Krispies.

Line the baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.

step one: prepare your cereal treats

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, place 10 ounces of marshmallows and 4 tablespoons salted, European butter.

Microwave for 1 minute on high. Stir, using the residual heat to fully melt the mixture. If needed, microwave for an additional 30 seconds.

Be sure to keep your eye on the marshmallows! They will puff up.

Remember, 10 ounces of marshmallows equals 6 cups of mini marshmallows (usually 1 bag) OR about 40 regular marshmallows.

Stir very well until smooth. Pour over the cereal and mix well.

Overturn the mixture onto the baking tray and pat with a spatula to form a rough oval. You will not fill the tray. The treats should measure about ½ inch thick and about 12-inches by 10-inches.

Let set for 1 to 2 hours to firm. You may also briefly chill the treats.

step two: cut out your treats

Cut circles as closely together as possible to minimize waste. (Although the scraps are just as tasty.)

I made 2 ½-inch circles. You should be able to get at least 12 circles.

step three: prepare your icing

You may also use store-bought frosting. Or try this delicious homemade icing.

Mix together with a whisk:

1 ½ cup confectioner's sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk (any version is fine)
½ teaspoon vanilla
dash of salt

If icing is too thick, thin with a bit of milk. If icing is too thin, thicken with some confectioner's sugar.

TIP: If you do not plan on adding food coloring, you may omit the vanilla so the icing is brighter.

Mix in drops of white food coloring and stir.

step four: decorate your melting snowman

Scrape the icing into a decorating bag or Ziploc. Snip the tip.

Pipe and fill a circle of white icing.

Halve the peanut butter cups and break the pretzels into sticks.

Top each circle with a peanut butter cup half, candy eyes, orange candy and pretzel sticks. Let set well.

printable recipe

melting snowman Rice Krispie Treats

Meaghan Mountford

Fun, no-bake dessert for the holidays: melting snowman Rice Krispie Treats

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 2

rest for 2

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 treats

Calories 243 kcal

Equipment

non-stick cooking spray
baking tray
parchment paper
2 ½-inch circle cookie cutter
disposable decorating bag or ziplock bag
white food coloring (Americolor Soft Gel Pastes recommended)

Ingredients

4 ⅔ cups Rice Krispies cereal
10 ounces marshmallows (about 40 OR 6 cups mini)
4 tablespoons salted, European butter
1 cup frosting (store-bought OR see notes for recipe)
6 or 7 miniature Reese's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter cups
6 or 7 pretzel sticks
24 to 28 candy eyes

Instructions

Spray your bowls and spatulas with non-stick cooking spray.
Add Rice Krispies cereal to a large, greased bowl. Line the baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large, microwave safe bowl, place the marshmallows and butter.
Microwave for 1 minute on high. Stir, using the residual heat to fully melt the mixture. If needed, microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
Stir very well until smooth. Pour over the cereal and mix well.
Overturn the mixture onto the baking tray and pat with a spatula to form a rough oval. You will not fill the tray. The treats should measure about ½ inch thick and about 12-inches by 10-inches.
Let set an hour or two until firm. You may also briefly chill.
Cut circles as closely together as possible to minimize waste.
Tint icing white and scrape into a decorating bag or Ziploc. Snip the tip.
Pipe and fill a circle of white icing.
Halve the peanut butter cups and break the pretzels into sticks. Top each circle with a peanut butter cup half, candy eyes, orange candy and pretzel sticks. Let set well.