Looking for a cute no bake treat that’s perfect for Thanksgiving? Then you’ll love these adorable turkey leg Rice Krispie treats! They’re made with pretzels, chocolate, marshmallows, and of course Rice Krispies (though I like the cocoa ones because they look more like turkey to me)!
What Are Turkey Leg Rice Krispie Treats?
Turkey leg Rice Krispie treats are a playful, Thanksgiving-themed twist on classic Rice Krispie treats. They’re shaped to resemble mini turkey legs, they use a combination of crispy rice cereal, marshmallows, and melted white chocolate or candy melts.
The “bone” part is made by attaching two mini marshmallows to one end of a pretzel rod, using melted white chocolate to help them stick before covering everything in more chocolate to give it the bone color.
Then, a layer of the Rice Krispie mixture is molded around the pretzel to create the “meat” part of the leg! I like to use cocoa Rice Krispies for this to give it a more cooked meat look, but you can use regular and add cocoa powder, or dip the whole thing in milk chocolate for some fun variations.
This no bake treat is fun for kids and adults alike, making it perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or Friendsgiving parties!
Katie’s tip
If you’re now having savory cravings, then no worries, I have an easy Air Fryer Turkey Legs recipe that delivers a crispy and juicy dinner!
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Turkey Leg Rice Krispie Treat Ingredients
- 6 cups cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows (reserve 12)
- 6 pretzel rods
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or candy melts)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You could also use cocoa Pebbles or a similar chocolate cereal instead of cocoa Krispies, or add 2 Tbsp cocoa powder for coloring. With leftover cereal, you can make my Football Rice Krispie Treats for a game day option!
- You do need mini marshmallows for the “bone” design, but you could use larger marshmallows for the actual treats (about 40 large ones). Feel free to add an extra cup of mini marshmallows if you like your treats softer and stickier
- If your pretzel rods are very long, just break them in half and hide the broken end inside the “drumstick”
- To make your white chocolate easier to drizzle (if you’re struggling with dipping the pretzels) you can add around ½ Tbsp of coconut oil to make it easier to work with
- For a darker brown treat, add 1 tsp cocoa powder in with the melted marshmallows to tint it
How to Make Turkey Leg Rice Krispie Treats
- Add your white chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and cook on high for 30 seconds. Stir, then add additional time in 15-second increments as needed, stirring after each, until chocolate is fully melted and smooth
- Dip the end (about ½” deep) of a pretzel rod into the chocolate (use the unbroken end if you’ve broken your pretzels) and then add two mini marshmallows to the end, pressing them into the chocolate so they stick and form a “bone” shape. Set aside on a baking mat or parchment to cool. Repeat for all. Tip: set them in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up faster
- Once the marshmallows are firmly attached to the pretzel rods, dip the pretzel rods back into the chocolate, this time about halfway up the pretzel, making sure to also cover the marshmallows. You can also use a spoon to pour the chocolate over top of the pretzels if that’s easier, tapping off the excess. Set aside to cool
- Now, add the butter to a large microwave safe bowl and melt it (usually 30-45 seconds on high depending on wattage)
- Add the remaining marshmallows to the butter and stir. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until marshmallows are melted and smooth (about 1 to 1 ½ minutes total)
- Fold in the cereal, using a spoon or spatula to mix it until everything is well coated, then allow it to cool slightly
- Spray your hands with nonstick spray and grab about ¾ cup of the Rice Krispie mixture, forming it into a drumstick shape over the non-dipped end of a pretzel rod. Start with a 3D oval shape, then drag it down over the pretzel to make the drumstick shape. Repeat until all drumsticks are done
- Cool to room temperature, then enjoy!
- Candy Cane Rice Krispie Treats
What to Serve With Rice Krispie Treats
Thanksgiving-themed Rice Krispie treats pair well with all sorts of festive snacks, savory dishes, and holiday beverages! Here are some of my favorite options:
Savory Mains and Sides
Serve alongside mini sliders (like my air fryer turkey sliders), turkey meatballs, or a charcuterie board. The sweetness of the Rice Krispie treats complements the savory richness of these dishes and keeps the Thanksgiving theme going!
Fruit and Cheese Pairings
Cranberry goat cheese bites, apple slices with caramel dip, or a fruit platter with seasonal choices like pears, apples, and figs offer a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the treats while adding a hint of traditional Thanksgiving flavors!
Fall-Inspired Desserts
Mini pumpkin pies, apple turnovers, and pecan tartlets are all festive options that match the sweetness of Rice Krispie treats while offering different textures and flavors, perfect for completing a dessert table with handheld options!
Katie’s tip
If you love pie but don’t want to deal with the hassle, then you’ll love my no-bake Pecan Pie Dip recipe!
Themed Beverages
Hot apple cider, cranberry punch, or mulled wine (try my microwave mulled wine for an easy homemade version) are wonderful pairings that enhance the holiday feel.
For an extra twist, try serving an eggnog (like my dirty Dr Pepper Eggnog) or pumpkin spice latte to add warmth and flavor to the dessert spread!
Recipe FAQs
How Do You Create the “Bone” Part of the Turkey Leg?
To make the “bone,” you attach two mini marshmallows to one end of a pretzel stick and then coat it in white chocolate.
This then gets inserted into the Rice Krispie mixture, which is formed around it, giving the treat its signature turkey drumstick appearance.
Can You Make These Treats Ahead of Time?
Yes, these treats are easy to make ahead!
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days before serving, making them a convenient option for holiday planning.
How Can You Add Extra Flavor to These No Bake Treats?
For extra flavor, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the treats.
A touch of vanilla extract can also elevate the flavor of the marshmallow mixture, giving the treats a richer taste!
Are Turkey Leg Rice Krispie Treats Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! Kids can easily help with shaping the treats or placing the “bone” in each one, making it a fun and engaging activity for families during Thanksgiving preparations.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Turkey Leg Treats
- If your Rice Krispie treat isn’t holding shape, it hasn’t cooled enough yet. Let it cool down (stick it in the fridge if you like) and try again
- I use regular nonstick cooking spray for my hands (don’t forget your fingers too), but you can also use food safe gloves if you prefer to stay less messy!
- Sometimes you may get a little pooling of white chocolate if you don’t let enough excess drip off. If this happens, let it harden, then gently trim it with a sharp knife to remove the excess
- When putting the Rice Krispies on the pretzel, don’t push directly on the marshmallows at the end, as that will dislodge them – hold onto the pretzel for support
Storage Tips
- Store cooled Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer term storage, freeze for up to 2 months
- If you need to stack them for storage, use wax paper in between layers to prevent sticking!
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys
Final Thoughts
These adorable turkey leg Rice Krispie treats are the perfect no bake Thanksgiving sweet that’s loved by kids and adults alike!
With a mix of chewy cocoa Krispies, salty crunchy pretzels, and smooth sweet chocolate, they’re a blend of tastes and textures all wrapped up in a fun themed treat for the holiday.
Whether you add them to the dessert table, serve them as appetizers, or just make them for some fall fun, these turkey treats are sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Thanksgiving Turkey Leg Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
- Parchment paper (or silicone baking mat)
- Nonstick spray
Ingredients
- 6 cups cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows (reserve 12 marshmallows)
- 6 pretzel rods (salted)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or candy melts)
Instructions
- Add your white chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and cook on high for 30 seconds. Stir, then add additional time in 15-second increments as needed, stirring after each, until chocolate is fully melted and smooth1 cup white chocolate chips
- Dip the end (about ½” deep) of a pretzel rod into the chocolate (use the unbroken end if you’ve broken your pretzels) and then add two reserved mini marshmallows to the end, pressing them into the chocolate so they stick and form a “bone” shape. Set aside on a baking mat or parchment to cool. Repeat for all. Tip: set them in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up faster6 pretzel rods, 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows
- Once the marshmallows are firmly attached to the pretzel rods, dip the pretzel rods back into the chocolate, this time about halfway up the pretzel, making sure to also cover the marshmallows. You can also use a spoon to pour the chocolate over top of the pretzels if that’s easier, tapping off the excess. Set aside to cool
- Now, add the butter to a large microwave safe bowl and melt it (usually 30-45 seconds on high depending on wattage)¼ cup salted butter
- Add the remaining marshmallows to the butter and stir. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until marshmallows are melted and smooth (about 1 to 1 ½ minutes total)
- Fold in the cereal, using a spoon or spatula to mix it until everything is well coated, then allow it to cool slightly6 cups cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
- Spray your hands with nonstick spray and grab about ¾ cup of the Rice Krispie mixture, forming it into a drumstick shape over the non-dipped end of a pretzel rod. Start with a 3D oval shape, then drag it down over the pretzel to make the drumstick shape. Repeat until all drumsticks are done
- Cool to room temperature, then enjoy!
Notes
- You could also use cocoa Pebbles or a similar chocolate cereal instead of cocoa Krispies, or add 2 Tbsp cocoa powder for coloring to plain rice cereal
- You do need mini marshmallows for the “bone” design, but you could use larger marshmallows for the actual treats (about 40 large ones). Feel free to add an extra cup of mini marshmallows if you like your treats softer and stickier
- If your pretzel rods are very long, just break them in half and hide the broken end inside the “drumstick”
- To make your white chocolate easier to drizzle (if you’re struggling with dipping the pretzels) you can add around ½ Tbsp of coconut oil to make it easier to work with
- If your Rice Krispie treat isn’t holding shape, it hasn’t cooled enough yet. Let it cool down (stick it in the fridge if you like) and try again
- I use regular nonstick cooking spray for my hands (don’t forget your fingers too), but you can also use food safe gloves if you prefer to stay less messy!
- Sometimes you may get a little pooling of white chocolate if you don’t let enough excess drip off. If this happens, let it harden, then gently trim it with a sharp knife to remove the excess
- When putting the Rice Krispies on the pretzel, don’t push directly on the marshmallows at the end, as that will dislodge them – hold onto the pretzel for support
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings or colorants added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
