Name: Grinch Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 18
Ingredients: 10 ounces mini marshmallows.; 4 tablespoons butter, plus more for pan.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; 5 1/2 cups rice krispie cereal.; 14 drops green food coloring.; 12 ounces green candy melts.; 1 teaspoon coconut oil.; 2 tablespoons heart sprinkles.

These festive green treats are the perfect way to bring some Grinch-inspired fun to your holiday celebrations! With their vibrant green color and sweet marshmallow flavor, they’re a playful twist on classic Rice Krispie treats that both kids and adults will love. The best part? They come together in under an hour with just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re planning a Christmas movie marathon, need a last-minute dessert for a holiday party, or just want to spread some seasonal cheer, these Grinch Rice Krispie Treats are guaranteed to steal the show (in the best way possible). The combination of crispy cereal, gooey marshmallow, and that signature green hue makes them as fun to look at as they are to eat.

Why I Love These

These treats capture the whimsical spirit of the Grinch while being incredibly easy to make with minimal cleanup.

The crispy-chewy texture combined with the sweet vanilla marshmallow flavor creates an irresistible combination that disappears fast.

I make these every December when we need a fun, festive dessert that takes less than an hour from start to finish.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter
Mini marshmallows
Green food coloring (gel or liquid)
Rice Krispies cereal
Red heart sprinkles or candies (optional, for decoration)
Cooking spray

How To Make

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal, then lightly coat with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely, swirling the pan occasionally to prevent burning, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly with a silicone spatula until completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be glossy and free of lumps.
Remove the pot from heat and immediately add several drops of green food coloring. Start with 5-6 drops for gel coloring or 10-12 for liquid, stirring vigorously until the color is evenly distributed and reaches your desired Grinch-green shade. Add more coloring if needed for a brighter hue.
Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the green marshmallow mixture and fold gently but thoroughly with your spatula until every piece of cereal is coated. Work quickly as the mixture will start to set.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and use a piece of parchment paper or lightly greased hands to press it evenly into the pan. Press firmly but gently to compact the treats without crushing the cereal too much.
If using heart decorations, immediately press them into the top of the treats while still warm, spacing them evenly across the surface.
Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes until completely set and firm to the touch.
Using the parchment overhang, lift the entire block out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 4 large squares or 9 smaller squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. The treats are ready to enjoy and perfect for sharing!

Nutrition

These Grinch Rice Krispie Treats are a sweet, indulgent dessert that’s relatively light compared to many holiday treats. They’re primarily carbohydrate-based from the cereal and marshmallows, with a small amount of fat from the butter, making them a fun occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.

Each serving provides quick energy from simple sugars and puffed rice, though they’re low in protein and fiber. To make them slightly more nutritious, you could use brown rice cereal for added fiber or reduce the marshmallow amount slightly, though this may affect the binding and texture.

These treats contain dairy from the butter and may contain gluten depending on your cereal brand. For dairy-free versions, substitute vegan butter or coconut oil, and for gluten-free needs, ensure your Rice Krispies are certified gluten-free or use a gluten-free puffed rice cereal alternative.

Tips & Variations

Spray your spatula and hands with cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or peppermint extract to the melted marshmallow mixture for an extra flavor dimension that complements the holiday theme.
Make them vegan by using vegan butter and vegan marshmallows, which melt and set just as well as traditional versions.
Create a layered effect by dividing the marshmallow mixture in half, coloring one portion darker green and one lighter, then layering them in the pan.
Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled treats for an elegant finishing touch.

Ways To Serve Them

Stack them on a festive platter alongside other Christmas cookies and treats for a colorful holiday dessert spread
Wrap individually in cellophane bags tied with red ribbon for adorable party favors or gifts
Serve alongside hot chocolate or peppermint mochas during a Grinch movie viewing party
Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters before they fully set for Christmas trees, stars, or heart shapes
Pair with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an over-the-top dessert

Proper Storage

Fridge: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, layering parchment paper between treats to prevent sticking. Refrigeration is not recommended as it can make them hard and stale.
Freezer: Wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Reheat: These are best enjoyed at room temperature and don’t require reheating. If they’ve become too firm from refrigeration, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften naturally.