For a fun and spooktacular Halloween party snack, you’ll love these monster Rice Krispie treats! They’re sweet, crisp, and a little creepy cute since they’re shaped like eyeballs and stare back from the dessert table. I love that they’re no bake, easy to make ahead, and great for the kids to help, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creepy-cute and festive. The eyeball shape makes these a fun sweet treat for any Halloween dessert table
- Easy to make. They’re made with simple ingredients and don’t require any baking!
- Classic chewy texture. Gooey marshmallows and crispy cereal make them just as delicious as traditional Rice Krispie treats
- Fun to decorate. Get creative with different iris colors, sprinkles, candy, and icing to give each eyeball its own personality
- Perfect for Halloween parties. They’re easy to serve and guaranteed to get attention from kids and adults!
- Great for kids. Little helpers can have fun decorating their own monster eyeballs
- Make-ahead friendly. Prepare them ahead of time so you have one less thing to worry about before the party
- Great for treat bags. Individually wrap them for classroom parties, Halloween events, or spooky favors
- A fun twist on a classic. They turn an everyday Rice Krispie treat into a seriously fun Halloween dessert!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients List
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or generic equivalent), divided
- ¼ cup salted butter (4 Tbsp), divided
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows, divided
- Orange gel food coloring (or red and yellow)
- Neon green food coloring (or blue and yellow)
- Purple food coloring (or red and blue)
- Candy eyeballs
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I intentionally use more marshmallows than a standard Rice Krispie treat recipe, since I find it easier to form them and color them with the extra marshmallow. You can use a standard 10-ounce bag if preferred, but note they may be a bit harder to work with
- If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to compensate!
- Gel food coloring give you the brightest colors, but liquid works fine too. Shades and amounts needed will vary between brands
- For the candy eyeballs you can use whatever size and color you want. I have an assortment of yellow, green, and white candy eyes, which I think make for fun monster looks!
Step By Step Instructions
- Line a baking sheet (or similar) with parchment paper, or spray with nonstick spray
- Add ⅓ of the butter to a large microwave safe bowl (I cut 1 Tbsp, then cut another Tbsp into thirds and add one third of that in as well). Microwave on high for about 30 seconds to melt, then add ⅓ of the marshmallows and stir to coat (frankly I just eyeball the amount from the bag). Microwave again in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth
- Add orange food coloring (this is 7 drops of Wilton Color Right orange gel. If using yellow and red, use 4 drops yellow and 1 drop red. Adjust as needed for preference or for other colorings). Stir until the color is fully mixed (no streaks)
- Mix in ⅓ of the cereal until well coated. Use a ¼ cup sized measuring cup (or whatever size you prefer) sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and scoop up a portion of the Rice Krispie mixture. Drop it onto the lined baking sheet, and use your hands (also spray with nonstick spray) to press it into a mound. While still warm, press a candy eye(s) into the center of the treat mound. Repeat until all orange treats are formed
- Repeat melting another ⅓ of the butter and marshmallows in a separate large bowl (or after cleaning the first one), add in green food coloring (this is 12 drops McCormick neon green liquid coloring. For blue and yellow gel, use 8 drops yellow to 1 drop blue), then mix in another ⅓ of the cereal. Create mounds, and add eyes just as with the orange treats
- Lastly, repeat the process again (clean the bowl in between or use a fresh one), and this time add the purple food coloring. This is 7 drops of pink and 5 drops of blue from the McCormick neon colors; if using red and blue, try 1 drop blue to 4 drops red and adjust as needed. Drop the mixture into mounds and add eyes
- Transfer the baking sheet to the fridge and allow the treats to fully cool and firm up, usually about 30 minutes. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Monster eyeball Rice Krispie treats are sweet, chewy, crispy, and playful, making them a fun addition to a Halloween dessert table. Pair them with salty snacks, fall flavors, and festive drinks for a spread with plenty of variety!
Sweet & Salty Snacks
- Kettle corn: The salty-sweet combination is perfect for Halloween movie nights.
- Popcorn: A simple, crunchy option that gives guests a break from softer sweets.
- Pretzels: Serve plain or chocolate-dipped for an easy salty contrast.
- Candied nuts: Crunchy almonds, pecans, or peanuts add texture to the dessert table.
- Cheese and crackers: A savory option that keeps the spread from becoming overwhelmingly sweet
- Caramel corn: Buttery, crunchy, and especially good alongside marshmallow-based treats!
Halloween Party Favorites
- Candy corn: A classic Halloween candy that fits naturally alongside the monster eyeballs
- Gummy worms: Scatter them around the serving platter for an extra creepy-crawly effect
- Licorice: Black licorice adds a fun spooky color and chewy texture
- Candy eyeballs: Add extra edible eyes to the dessert table for a wonderfully ridiculous monster theme!
- Halloween snack mix: Combine popcorn, pretzels, cereal, chocolate, and candy for plenty of variety!
Cozy Fall Drinks
- Hot chocolate: Chocolate and marshmallow flavors are a natural match
- Apple cider: Tart, spiced apple helps balance the sweetness
- Pumpkin spice latte: Brings warm fall spices to the dessert spread
- Chai latte: Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and other spices pair beautifully with sweet treats
- Coffee: Its slight bitterness helps cut through the marshmallow sweetness
- Hot apple cider: An especially cozy option for an outdoor Halloween gathering
Spooky Drinks
- Halloween punch: A brightly colored punch makes the eyeball treats feel right at home on a party table
- Green punch: Lean into the monster theme with a bright green drink
- Fruit punch: A kid-friendly option that adds tartness and fruity flavor
- Frankenstein floats: Creamy, fizzy, and fun for a Halloween party!
- Milkshakes: Vanilla or chocolate milkshakes make these feel like an extra-indulgent dessert
Best Occasions
Monster Rice Krispie treats are perfect for Halloween parties, classroom celebrations, spooky movie nights, trick-or-treat gatherings, and Halloween dessert tables.
For the best balance, pair them with something salty or savory, and a fall-inspired drink so there’s plenty of variety alongside the sweet treats!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Dip My Treats Instead?
Absolutely! Instead of decorating the monster Rice Krispie treats with food coloring, you can cut them into squares and dip them in melted colored candy melts. Add candy eyes and any sprinkles (for “hair) you want while the coating is still tacky so they adhere.
Can I Make This Recipe On The Stove?
Yes! Rice Krispie treats are traditionally made on the stovetop. Melt butter and marshmallows together in a large pot over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat, add color, stir in the cereal, and then shape and decorate as directed.
Can I Make Rectangles Instead Of Eyeball Shapes?
Definitely! If you don’t want to shape the treats into eyeballs, simply press mixture into a greased square or rectangular pan, let it set, and cut it into squares or bars. Press the eyes into the warm mixture, or add them after with frosting or melted chocolate as the “glue.”
Tips For the Best Monster Rice Krispie Treats
- Make sure to grease everything well for best results! Rice Krispie treats need to be formed while warm, which makes them super sticky! Your hands, all utensils, and pan should all be sprayed with nonstick spray to be easier to work with
- You’ll want to work fairly quickly so as to get them all formed and get the candy eyes added. The longer they sit, the more they’ll harden up which can make it more difficult. If they set up too much, add the eyes afterwards by using frosting or melted chocolate dabbed on the back to adhere them
- Adding the eyes can definitely cause the treats to break apart, especially when they’re warm. You can let them cool a bit, then gently push them back into shape if this happens (it’s usually about a 50% rate for me)!
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days for the best texture
- Place parchment or wax paper between layers if stacking to keep the decorations from sticking
- Keep them somewhere cool and dry. Heat and humidity can make the marshmallow mixture sticky and affect the decorations
- Avoid refrigerating if possible. The fridge can make Rice Krispie treats firm and less chewy. If you do, though, let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture
- I do not recommend storing in the freezer, as they get softer after thawing and these treats are already a little on the gooey side
Serving Tips
- Add delicate decorations shortly before serving if you’re using icing or similar to add fine details
- Arrange them on a spooky platter with candy eyeballs, gummy worms, pretzels, or other Halloween treats
- Wrap individually in treat bags if you’re serving them as party favors or handing them out at a Halloween event!
Make Ahead
Make these the day before your Halloween party to save time. Keep them tightly covered at room temperature, then put them out shortly before guests arrive so the treats stay soft and the monster decorations look their best!
Final Thoughts
Monster Rice Krispie treats are such a fun, no bake treat perfect for Halloween! You can customize them with different colors, multiple types of candy eyes, or even change the shape to dip and add sprinkles if you like.
No matter how you make them, they’re a simple dessert that both kids and adults will love. I also appreciate how well they hold up when you make them in advance, taking the stress off when it comes to party planning.
Katie’s tip
To add more spooktacular designs to your dessert spread, check out all of my Halloween Rice Krispie Treats for lots of great options!
Monster Eyeball Rice Krispie Treats
Servings: 18
These monster Rice Krispie treats look just like spooky eyeballs! They’re no bake, creepy cute, and perfect for Halloween. Great for make ahead as well, for low stress entertaining!
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
- Baking sheet (or similar)
- Nonstick spray
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, or generic equivalent (divided)
- ¼ cup salted butter (divided)
- 16 ounce bag mini marshmallows (divided)
- Orange gel food coloring (or red and yellow)
- Neon green food coloring (or blue and yellow)
- Purple food coloring (or red/pink and blue)
- Candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet (or similar) with parchment paper, or spray with nonstick spray
- Add ⅓ of the butter to a large microwave safe bowl (I cut 1 Tbsp, then cut another Tbsp into thirds and add one third of that in as well). Microwave on high for about 30 seconds to melt, then add ⅓ of the marshmallows and stir to coat (frankly I just eyeball the amount from the bag). Microwave again in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth¼ cup salted butter, 16 ounce bag mini marshmallows
- Add orange food coloring (this is 7 drops of Wilton Color Right orange gel. If using yellow and red, use 4 drops yellow and 1 drop red. Adjust as needed for preference or for other colorings). Stir until the color is fully mixed (no streaks)Orange gel food coloring
- Mix in ⅓ of the cereal until well coated. Use a ¼ cup sized measuring cup (or whatever size you prefer) sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and scoop up a portion of the Rice Krispie mixture. Drop it onto the lined baking sheet, and use your hands (also spray with nonstick spray) to press it into a mound/roll it into a ball. While still warm, press a candy eye(s) into the center of the treat mound. Repeat until all orange treats are formed6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, or generic equivalent, Candy eyeballs
- Repeat melting another ⅓ of the butter and marshmallows in a separate large bowl (or after cleaning the first one), add in green food coloring (this is 12 drops McCormick neon green liquid coloring. For blue and yellow gel, use 8 drops yellow to 1 drop blue), then mix in another ⅓ of the cereal. Create mounds, and add eyes just as with the orange treats6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, or generic equivalent, ¼ cup salted butter, 16 ounce bag mini marshmallows, Neon green food coloring, Candy eyeballs
- Lastly, repeat the process again (clean the bowl in between or use a fresh one), and this time add the purple food coloring. This is 7 drops of pink and 5 drops of blue from the McCormick neon colors; if using red and blue, try 1 drop blue to 4 drops red and adjust as needed. Drop the mixture into mounds and add eyes6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, or generic equivalent, ¼ cup salted butter, 16 ounce bag mini marshmallows, Purple food coloring, Candy eyeballs
- Transfer the baking sheet to the fridge and allow the treats to fully cool and firm up, usually about 30 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- I intentionally use more marshmallows than a standard Rice Krispie treat recipe, since I find it easier to form them and color them with the extra marshmallow. You can use a standard 10-ounce bag if preferred, but note they may be a bit harder to work with
- Gel food coloring gives you the brightest colors, but liquid works fine too. Shades and amounts needed will vary between brands
- For the candy eyeballs you can use whatever size and color you want. I use an assortment of yellow, green, and white candy eyes, which I think make for fun monster looks! Gummy eyeballs would also work!
- Use nonstick spray on everything for best results with shaping! Your hands, the spatula, the measuring cup, the sheet – all of it! Rice Krispies are really sticky when warm (when you need to form them) so you’ll need it
- If the treats fall apart after you add the eyes, let them cool slightly then re-press them together again (it happens occasionally and just needs to firm up a little to retain the shape)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any decorations or toppings added, actual size of mounds, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 39g | Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 2.6g | Saturated Fat: 1.6g | Cholesterol: 6.8mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 9.7mg | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 71.9IU | Vitamin C: 5.1mg | Calcium: 0.8mg | Iron: 2mg
