Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, so I love to throw parties. Of course, any good party needs the perfect snacks to go along with it! These adorable pumpkin Rice Krispie treats with Rolos are a simple, crowd-pleasing sweet treat perfect for all things fall.
These pumpkin shaped Rice Krispie treats are just too adorable for words! The Rolos on top make a perfect stem to complete your edible gourd.
Stack them on a plate and let guests at your Halloween, Thanksgiving, or other fall gathering enjoy! Krispie treats are loved by kids and adults alike so you really can’t go wrong.
I should note that while these treats look like pumpkins, they don’t actually taste like pumpkins. They’re just normal rice cereal treats shaped to look like this classic fall favorite.
Red and yellow liquid food coloring (to make orange)
18-24 Rolo candies, unwrapped
18-24 small green candies (such as M&Ms) or green icing
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You may also use large marshmallows (about 40 of them) but I find that the mini ones melt more easily. If you like a softer, stickier treat, you can add more marshmallows (up to a 16 ounce bag)
If you don’t like Rolo candies, you can substitute pretzel sticks broken into small pieces, Tootsie rolls trimmed into small pieces, chocolate covered almonds or cashews, mini peanut butter cups, or anything similar
For the green candies, the mini M&Ms work great, but you can use any sort of small green candy. I particularly like candied seeds, but they’re often hard to find. You can also pipe on leaves with green icing if preferred!
Pumpkin flavor variation: If you want them to actually be pumpkin flavored, add 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice and ¼ cup pumpkin puree to the mix
Step By Step Preparation
In a large microwave safe bowl, melt the butter (about 30-45 seconds on high)
Add the mini marshmallows and stir. Then, microwave again in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until the marshmallows are melted and smooth (generally about 1-1 ½ minutes total)
Drop in the food coloring and stir to blend the color thoroughly. I used 2 drops of red and 14 drops of yellow to get the pictured shade. However, amounts can vary by brand of color, and the exact amount of marshmallows you use
Add the cereal to the marshmallow mixture, stirring with a spoon or spatula until it’s evenly coated. Allow it to cool for a few minutes so it firms slightly (this is a good time to unwrap your Rolo candies)
Spray your hands with nonstick spray (to prevent sticking) and then grab some of the mixture in your hands and press it into a ball (I find the pressing method works better than trying to roll it like a meatball). The amount of treats you’ll make depends on the size you choose to make them. I do about ¼ cup and get 21, but larger ⅓ cup pumpkins net about 18
Place the rolled Rice Krispie treats onto a sheet of parchment or a silicone baking mat
Gently press in the Rolo candy on top (you may need to hold the sides with your free hand to keep the “pumpkin” from spreading too much), and then press an M&M in vertically next to it to form the “leaf”
Yes, you can substitute Rolos with other brown candies, such as Tootsie Rolls, chocolate covered nuts, or mini peanut butter or caramel cups.
For a non-candy option, consider pretzel sticks broken into small pieces.
How Do I Prevent the Treats From Becoming Too Hard or Too Soft?
To prevent your treats from becoming too hard, be cautious not to overheat the marshmallow mixture. Conversely, if they turn out too soft, you might have used too few marshmallows.
Adjust the proportions for desired texture. I also like to add extra marshmallows sometimes for an extra gooey texture.
Can I Use a Different Cereal Besides Rice Krispies?
Certainly! While Rice Krispies are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cereals like cornflakes or even granola to create unique flavors and textures.
Also feel free to swap out half for a larger sized cereal. In particular, the Halloween seasonal cereals can be a great option to use.
Are There Any Gluten Free Options For This Recipe?
Yes, you can make gluten free pumpkin Rice Krispie treats. However, the name brand Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten free. Use a certified GF crispy rice cereal (such as Malt-O-Meal).
While most brands of marshmallows are gluten free, make sure to check them as well as your other ingredients to make sure.
Recipe Pro Tips
If you cannot get the pumpkin balls to form, your mixture hasn’t cooled enough yet. Stick it in the fridge for a few minutes and try again
I use a standard nonstick baking spray for my hands when rolling. Spritz it on one hand, and then rub your hands together to distribute. This ensures you get a fairly thin, even coating. Don’t forget your fingers!
Storage Tips
Store Rice Krispie pumpkins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer term storage, freeze for up to 2 months
Use wax paper between layers if you need to stack them to prevent them from sticking to one another!
These adorable pumpkin shaped Rice Krispie treats with Rolo stems are so cute and easy to make! They’re perfect for Halloween and fall in general, and loved by kids and adults alike, so you really can’t go wrong.
While they’re not pumpkin flavored, you can certainly make them that way if preferred, but I’ve found the kids tend to shun them a bit more when they actually taste like pumpkin.
No matter which way you opt to go, it’s a simple recipe to throw together with the help of your microwave. It’s my favorite low-stress dessert to give the kids for school, and to take to the office costume party!
If you’re hosting an adult Halloween party, make sure to check out my Headless Horseman Cocktail for a spooky beverage or my easy Snake Calzone for a savory offering!!
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats With Rolos: Easy Microwave Recipe
These adorable pumpkin shaped Rice Krispie treats are perfect for fall and Halloween. They’re easy to make thanks to your microwave, and loved by everyone!
10Ouncebag mini marshmallows(or about 40 regular marshmallows)
Red and yellow liquid food coloring(to make orange)
18-24Rolo candies(unwrapped)
18-24Mini M&Ms candies(green)
Instructions
In a large microwave safe bowl, melt the butter (about 30-45 seconds on high)
¼ Cup salted butter
Add the mini marshmallows and stir. Then, microwave again in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until the marshmallows are melted and smooth (generally about 1-1 ½ minutes total)
10 Ounce bag mini marshmallows
Drop in the food coloring and stir to blend the color thoroughly. I used 2 drops of red and 14 drops of yellow to get the pictured shade. However, amounts can vary by brand of color, and the exact amount of marshmallows you use
Red and yellow liquid food coloring
Add the cereal to the marshmallow mixture, stirring with a spoon or spatula until it’s evenly coated. Allow it to cool for a few minutes so it firms slightly (this is a good time to unwrap your Rolo candies)
6 Cups Rice Krispies cereal
Spray your hands with nonstick spray (to prevent sticking) and then grab some of the mixture in your hands and press it into a ball (I find the pressing method works better than trying to roll it like a meatball). The amount of treats you’ll make depends on the size you choose to make them. I do about ¼ cup and get 21, but larger ⅓ cup pumpkins net about 18
Place the rolled Rice Krispie treats onto a sheet of wax paper or a silicone baking mat
Gently press in the Rolo candy on top (you may need to hold the sides with your free hand to keep the “pumpkin” from spreading too much), and then press an M&M in vertically next to it to form the “leaf”
18-24 Rolo candies, 18-24 Mini M&Ms candies
Allow to cool completely, then enjoy!
Notes
You may also use large marshmallows (about 40 of them) but I find that the mini ones melt more easily. If you like a softer, stickier treat, you can add more marshmallows (up to a 16 ounce bag)
If you don’t like Rolo candies, you can substitute pretzel sticks broken into small pieces, Tootsie rolls trimmed into small pieces, chocolate covered almonds or cashews, mini peanut butter cups, or anything similar
For the green candies, the mini M&Ms work great, but you can use any sort of small green candy. I particularly like candied seeds, but they’re often hard to find. You can also pipe on leaves with green icing if preferred!
Pumpkin flavor variation: If you want them to actually be pumpkin flavored, add 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice and ¼ cup pumpkin puree to the mix
I made my recipe in a 1000W microwave so cooking times are based on that. Other wattages will vary slightly in terms of needed time
If you cannot get the pumpkin balls to form, your mixture hasn’t cooled enough yet. Stick it in the fridge for a few minutes and try again
I use a standard nonstick baking spray for my hands when rolling. Spritz it on one hand, and then rub your hands together to distribute. This ensures you get a fairly thin, even coating. Don’t forget your fingers!
Store Rice Krispie pumpkins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer term storage, freeze for up to 2 months
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and size of each ball, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
