These fun football Rice Krispie treats are a great dessert for game day or the Super Bowl! They’re perfectly on theme, crowd-pleasing, easy to grab and eat, and no bake as well, so you can whip them up in no time with little stress – perfect for when you’re the party host!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Football Rice Krispie treats are one of those recipes that check all the boxes for game day fun! They’re quick and no-bake, which means you can whip them up even on a busy football Sunday without turning on the oven.
The classic marshmallow-and-butter flavor (with a touch of chocolate for this particular version) is universally loved, so they’re a safe bet for mixed crowds of kids and adults alike.
They also shine when it comes to presentation! Shaping them like footballs and adding simple icing “laces” instantly makes them festive and on-theme, even though the base recipe is incredibly simple. That makes them perfect for tailgates, Super Bowl parties, or game nights when you want something that looks special without a lot of effort!
While I keep mine classic brown like a typical football, you can get creative and tint the marshmallow mixture with team colors too! It’s comfort food with a playful twist that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and unmistakably game day!
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Ingredients List
- 6 cups Cocoa Krispies (or generic equivalent)
- ¼ cup salted butter (equal to 4 Tbsp)
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- ¼ tsp brown gel food coloring (optional)
- White cookie icing (or similar)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use Cocoa Pebbles instead of Cocoa Krispies, or use regular Rice Krispies and add 1-2 Tbsp cocoa powder or some additional food coloring as needed
- If you don’t have mini marshmallows, around 40 regular-sized ones work, but they may take slightly longer to melt fully so adjust as needed
- The brown gel food coloring is optional, but it will give you a more brown color overall. Check out my Turkey Leg Rice Krispies to see what the combo looks like without food coloring added
- I like the consistency of cookie icing for piping on the design, but you can use any white vanilla frosting or icing, or even some melted white chocolate (put in a piping bag or a Ziploc with the corner trimmed off to decorate more easily)
Equipment Note
I use a football cookie cutter to cut out my treats into the correct shape. Mine is 4” long, but you can use any size you like (it will just vary the overall number of individual treats you get).
If you don’t want to do this, you can freehand it with a knife, or use a circular option (like a drinking glass) and then pinch the ends to form the football shape.
You can also roll the mixture while it’s warm (before it sets) into 3D footballs if you prefer – I’m just not that artistically skilled and they always come out looking weird when I try!
Step By Step Instructions
- Grease a 13×9 pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray, or line with parchment paper. You could also use a baking sheet if you want your treats a bit thinner
- Add the butter to a large microwave safe bowl. Heat on high until the butter is melted (about 30 seconds in a 1000W microwave). Then, add the mini marshmallows and stir to coat in butter. Continue cooking in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until melted and smooth (takes me about 1 – 1 ½ minutes total usually)
- Stir in the food coloring (if using). You can adjust the amount until your desired shade is reached
- Add the cereal in and stir until it’s evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture, then press into your prepared baking dish. You can use your hands or a greased spatula to flatten the mixture down into an even layer
- Cover and transfer to the refrigerator to cool, about 30 minutes. Then, use a football-shaped cookie cutter to cut the Rice Krispie treats into football shapes. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, use a drinking glass to cut circles and pinch the ends to form a football shape.
- Add laces and stripes to each football using the cookie icing, then allow the icing to harden (I usually pop them back in the fridge for 15 minutes or so). Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Drinks
- Chocolate Milk or White Milk – A classic pairing that balances the sweetness and adds a nostalgic, kid-friendly vibe!
- Hot Chocolate – Cozy and indulgent, especially great for colder game days or evening kickoffs
- Vanilla or Cream Soda – Light, bubbly, and sweet without overpowering the treats!
- Coffee or Cold Brew – The bitterness cuts through the marshmallow sweetness nicely for adults
Savory Game Day Snacks
- Buffalo Wings or Hot Honey Wings – The sweet-and-salty contrast works especially well during game day spreads!
- Soft Pretzels or Pretzel Bites – Salt-forward snacks help balance the sugary treats
- Nachos or Loaded Fries – Hearty, savory options that round out the dessert-heavy table. Try my Air Fryer Waffle Fry Nachos for the best of both worlds!
Other Desserts
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – Reinforces the sweet-salty theme without being redundant
- Brownie Bites – A richer chocolate option that pairs well with the light, crispy texture of Rice Krispie treats!
- Football Sugar Cookies – Keeps the theme cohesive while offering a different texture
Party & Theme Ideas
- Team-Colored Desserts – Cupcakes or frosted cookies in team colors (or whoever is playing) make the treats feel on theme and festive!
- Game Day Dessert Board – Pair football Rice Krispie treats with popcorn, candy, and brownies for an easy grab-and-go setup!
Recipe FAQs
How To Make A Football Out Of Rice Krispies?
Shape the warm Rice Krispie mixture into an oval using lightly greased hands, or cut using a football-shaped cookie cutter after cooling. Use white icing or melted white chocolate to pipe on the football laces for a classic look.
What Is The Secret To Chewy Rice Krispie Treats?
The key is not overcooking the marshmallows, which keeps them soft and stretchy (and if you use the stove, make sure to keep on low heat). Adding a little extra marshmallow also helps create that chewy texture.
Can I Use Marshmallow Fluff Instead Of Marshmallows?
Yes, marshmallow fluff can be used, but the texture will be softer and less structured. It works best when combined with a small amount of regular marshmallows to help the treats hold their shape.
Tips For the Best Football Rice Krispie Treats
- After shaping the footballs, you can either eat the scraps (a tip for the cook!) or mold them into tiny 3D footballs for a cute, poppable bite!
- Make sure to use fresh marshmallows, as older ones can make the treats too dry
- Spray your cookie cutter with nonstick spray if needed, and make sure the treats are fully cooled for the cleanest cuts
- Don’t overpack the Rice Krispie mixture when pressing into the pan, or you’ll make the bars overly dense. Just press lightly until they’re spread evenly!
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for best texture; they’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 2–3 days. Avoid the fridge, which can make Rice Krispie treats hard and dry
- Layer with parchment or wax paper if stacking to prevent sticking and smudging any football decorations or icing details
Serving Tips
- Serve at room temperature so they’re soft and easy to bite. Cold treats lose that classic gooey chew everyone loves!
- For parties, display on a football-themed tray or cutting board, and consider lining them up like a mini end zone or play formation for extra fun!
- Football Jello Shots
Final Thoughts
These football Rice Krispie treats are such a fun no bake treat that’s perfect for game day, the Super Bowl, and all football season long! You can make them a day in advance easily, and you just need a microwave, for a low stress, themed, and delicious dessert option.
It’s always one of my favorite recipes to make when hosting a crowd! You can make them standard like I did here, or just swap in regular Rice Krispies and your team’s colors to show your support!
Either way, they’re sure to disappear fast, and easy to grab and go, so you won’t miss a minute or an important play!
Football Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
- Nonstick spray
Ingredients
- 6 cups Cocoa Krispies cereal (or generic equivalent)
- ¼ cup salted butter (equal to 4 Tbsp or ½ stick)
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- ¼ tsp brown gel food coloring (optional)
- White cookie icing (or similar)
Instructions
- Grease a 13×9 pan with extra butter or nonstick spray, or line with parchment
- Add the butter to a large microwave safe bowl. Heat on high until the butter is melted (about 30 seconds in a 1000W microwave). Then, add the mini marshmallows and stir to coat in butter. Continue cooking in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until melted and smooth (takes me about 1 – 1 ½ minutes total usually)¼ cup salted butter, 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- Stir in the food coloring (if using). You can adjust the amount until your desired shade is reached¼ tsp brown gel food coloring
- Add the cereal in and stir until it’s evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture, then press into your prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a greased spatula to flatten the mixture down into an even layer6 cups Cocoa Krispies cereal
- Cover and transfer to the refrigerator to cool, about 30 minutes. Then, use a football-shaped cookie cutter to cut the Rice Krispie treats into football shapes. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, use a drinking glass to cut circles and pinch the ends to form a football shape, or freehand it with a knife
- Add laces and stripes to each football using the cookie icing, then allow the icing to harden (I usually pop them back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes or so). Enjoy!White cookie icing
Notes
- You can also use Cocoa Pebbles instead of Cocoa Krispies, or use regular Rice Krispies and add 1-2 Tbsp cocoa powder or some additional food coloring as needed
- The brown gel food coloring is optional, but it will give you a more brown color overall (without it, the treats are a mix of brown and white)
- I like the consistency of cookie icing for piping on the design, but you can also use white vanilla frosting or icing, or even some melted white chocolate (put in a piping bag or a Ziploc with the corner trimmed off to decorate more easily)
- The exact number of treats you get will vary based on pan size used and the size of your cookie cutter or other tool
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, size of cutter, decorations added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
