Halloween Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Halloween treats do not get much cuter, or easier, than these Halloween Rice Krispie Treats. They are chewy, sweet, and shaped into little pumpkins, complete with pretzel stick stems and fondant leaves.

This no-bake recipe is a kid favorite and makes a perfect addition to a Halloween party, a fall bake sale, or a festive school snack. Best of all, they come together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Growing up, Rice Krispies treats were one of those classic recipes that never went out of style. They are soft, gooey, and just the right amount of sweet. Shaping them into pumpkins adds a seasonal twist that both kids and adults love.

If your kids enjoy helping in the kitchen, this is a perfect project to let them be part of the fun: rolling sticky balls of cereal into pumpkins, pressing in pretzel sticks for stems, and decorating with leaves.

It is messy in the best way, and the result is as adorable as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Festive and fun: The pumpkin shape is perfect for fall gatherings, from Halloween to Thanksgiving.
No baking required: These treats are quick and easy to prepare, even if you are short on time.
Kid-friendly: A fantastic recipe for children to help with, especially the shaping and decorating.
Customizable: Swap the decorations, colors, or even shapes to fit your occasion.
Crowd-pleaser: These are always one of the first treats to disappear at any party table.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Puffed rice (3 cups) – This is the classic base. Rice Krispies are traditional, but any brand of puffed rice cereal works. For a healthier spin, try a brown rice version.
Butter (2 tbsp) – Butter gives richness and keeps the texture soft. Margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute can be used if needed.
Mini marshmallows (5 oz) – The gooey “glue” that holds the treats together. Regular marshmallows work, but mini ones melt faster. For a dairy-free or vegan option, use vegan marshmallows.
Sesame pretzel sticks (cut into 1-inch pieces) – These create realistic “pumpkin stems.” If sesame is an allergy concern, plain pretzel sticks work just as well.
Orange food coloring (a few drops) – Brings the pumpkin look to life. If you prefer natural coloring, try beet powder, turmeric with carrot juice, or pumpkin powder.
Green fondant (for leaves) – Fondant is easy to shape and adds a professional touch. Alternatives include green candy melts, icing, sprinkles, or even a fresh mint leaf for a natural look.

Tips for Making This Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

Work quickly: Once the marshmallow mixture is combined with cereal, it starts to firm up fast. Shaping while warm is key.
Grease your hands: Lightly butter or spray your hands with nonstick spray to prevent sticking while rolling.
Use a scoop for consistency: An ice cream scoop makes it easy to portion out uniform pumpkins.
Decoration flexibility: Do not worry if you do not have fondant. Green candies or frosting work just as well.
Make them mini: For toddlers, smaller pumpkins are easier to hold and less messy.
Add texture: Roll the pumpkins lightly in orange sugar sprinkles for sparkle and crunch.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.

Halloween Rice Krispie Treats FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These hold up well for 2–3 days, making them great for parties or school events. Just keep them sealed to avoid staleness.

Do I need food coloring?

It is optional. The coloring is for a festive look. Without it, you will still have delicious classic Rice Krispie treats.

Can I freeze these?

Freezing is not recommended. Marshmallows do not thaw well, and the treats lose their chewy texture.

What if I cannot find fondant?

No problem! Use frosting, sprinkles, green chocolate candies, or even tiny pieces of fruit leather for leaves.

Can kids help?

Absolutely. Rolling the pumpkins and decorating them are fun family activities. Just remember the marshmallow mixture can be hot right out of the pan, so let it cool slightly before little hands join in.

Can I make them healthier?

You can cut back slightly on marshmallows or use a puffed brown rice cereal for more fiber. Natural food colorings also reduce the use of artificial ingredients.

Serving Ideas

These Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats look fantastic on a Halloween dessert table surrounded by other themed snacks. Try arranging them on a platter with chocolate “dirt” (crushed cookies) or serve them in cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats. They also pack well in school lunchboxes for a festive October surprise.

For adults, pair them with coffee or spiced cider for a nostalgic treat. For kids, a glass of milk or hot chocolate is the perfect match.