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