Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and festive twist on the classic marshmallow and cereal snack. They’re colorful, crunchy, and sweet, with a pop of green that makes them perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just adding a little luck to your day. The combination of gooey marshmallows and crispy cereal is always a winner, and the festive colors make these treats stand out.
I love making these treats because they’re easy and a great project to do with kids or friends. I usually add just a touch of green food coloring to the marshmallow mixture and toss in some green and gold sprinkles for a little extra cheer. It’s a small step that makes the whole batch feel special, and watching the little ones get excited about eating their handiwork is the best part.
These treats are perfect to serve at a party, as a lunchbox surprise, or just anytime you want something quick and sweet. I like cutting them into fun shapes with cookie cutters—like shamrocks or little hats—to make them even more festive. Whatever way you enjoy them, these Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats bring smiles and a touch of fun to any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies Cereal: This cereal gives the treats their classic crunch. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puffed rice cereal labeled similar to Rice Krispies.
Mini Marshmallows: They melt easily and create that sticky, sweet base. For a dairy-free version, try vegan marshmallows, though melting may take a bit longer.
Butter: Adds flavor and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly. You can swap with margarine or coconut oil if dairy is a concern.
Green Food Coloring and Candy Melts: These create the bright leprechaun hat. If you can’t find green candy melts, you can use green frosting to pipe hats instead.
Candy Eyes and Decorations: These tiny eyes add charm. If you don’t have candy eyes, you can use small dots of white and black frosting to make eyes.
How Do I Get the Perfect Shape and Decorations on These Treats?
The key is to work while the Rice Krispie mixture is still warm and soft. Use a buttered spatula to press the mix firmly but gently into the pan—this helps the treats hold their shape well without crushing the cereal.
- Cut the treats into squares once fully cooled to avoid breaking.
- For the hats, if using candy melts, melt gently over low heat and spread or pipe them on parchment paper to harden before placing on treats.
- Use small dabs of frosting or melted candy as “glue” to stick eyes and hats securely.
- Pipe facial details like smiles last, working carefully so the frosting doesn’t smudge your hard work.
- If frosting the hats directly on treats, do small sections at a time and let dry between steps for the neatest look.
Patience with these decorating steps makes your leprechaun treats look charming and fun. Plus, it’s a great way to share the fun with family or friends!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use this to combine marshmallows and cereal easily without spills.
- Saucepan – perfect for melting butter and marshmallows smoothly on the stove.
- Spatula or buttered spatula – helps press the mixture evenly into the pan and prevents sticking.
- 9×13-inch baking pan – a standard size that makes shaping and cutting treats simple.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray – to keep the treats from sticking while they set.
- Small piping bags or plastic sandwich bags – handy for decorating the hats and faces.
- Wax paper or cooling rack – to shape and let decorations set without mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chocolate candy melts instead of green for a darker hat or to add variety—makes treats richer and more colorful.
- Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or sprinkles into the cereal mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap the traditional marshmallows for caramel-flavored or vanilla-flavored ones for a twist on sweetness.
- Include crushed cookies or graham crackers for a crunchy, dessert-like variation.
Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Green food coloring
- Green decorating candy melts or colored frosting
- Small candy eyes (edible googly eyes)
- Gold edible paint or gold decorating gel
- Green decorating gel or green tinted frosting for smiles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus additional time to let the treats cool and decorations set—expect around 30 to 40 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Rice Krispie Treat Base:
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pot from heat.
2. Mix in the Cereal:
Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir well until every piece of cereal is coated. Then, press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan using a buttered spatula or wax paper to prevent sticking. Let it cool completely.
3. Cut Into Squares:
After the treats have cooled and firmed up, cut them into squares about 2 inches wide.
4. Create the Leprechaun Hats:
Melt green candy melts or prepare green-colored frosting. If using candy melts, you can add green food coloring to get a bright shade. Shape or pipe the green candy or frosting into small leprechaun hat shapes (a flat rectangle with a small brim) onto parchment paper. Let them harden, or if using frosting, pipe the hats directly onto the top of each Rice Krispie square.
5. Add Faces:
Attach small candy eyes just below each hat using a tiny dab of frosting or melted candy as glue. Pipe a smiling mouth below the eyes with green decorating gel or green tinted frosting.
6. Decorate the Hats:
Use gold edible paint or gold decorating gel to paint or pipe a small buckle detail on each leprechaun hat.
7. Set and Serve:
Let all decorations fully set before serving. Enjoy your festive and fun Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats!
Can I Use Regular Marshmallows Instead of Mini Marshmallows?
Yes! Regular marshmallows work just fine—just cut them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and blend smoothly with the butter.
How Should I Store Leftover Rice Krispie Treats?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make them hard and less chewy.
Can I Make the Treats Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the base treats up to two days in advance. Add the decorations the day you plan to serve for the freshest look.
What If I Don’t Have Candy Eyes?
No worries! You can make eyes by piping small dots of white and black frosting or use small round candies as a fun alternative.