With the marshmallow mixture ready, I remove the pot from the heat and immediately pour in the Rice Krispies cereal. This step always feels like a bit of a workout because I stir quickly before the mixture cools too much. I make sure every piece of cereal gets coated so the color stays nice and even. Then I scoop it into my parchment-lined baking pan and press it firmly down with slightly buttered hands so it doesn’t stick—press too lightly and your trees will crumble, but too firmly and they become too dense.
After the mixture is evenly spread, I let it sit for about ten minutes so it’s easier to cut. I lift the whole slab from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, I cut the sheet into long triangles—big ones, small ones, whatever shape I’m in the mood for that day. Each triangle becomes a tree, and then I gently push a pretzel stick into the bottom of each one to form the trunk.
Once the trees are arranged on a sheet of parchment, it’s time for decorating—my favorite part. I melt white chocolate in the microwave and drizzle it across the trees in zigzag patterns. While the drizzle is still warm, I sprinkle on candy pearls and Christmas sprinkles. Watching them stick to the soft chocolate always feels like adding lights and ornaments to real Christmas trees. Then I let them cool completely until firm, and they’re ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One tip I’ve learned the hard way is never to overheat the marshmallows. If they melt too long or too hot, the finished treats turn hard and lose that soft, chewy texture. Low and slow always gives me perfect results. I also like to reserve a small handful of unmelted marshmallows and stir them in at the end—they create gooey pockets throughout the treats that taste amazing.
Another trick is to butter your hands before pressing the mixture into the pan. I used to use the back of a spatula, but it always stuck, and I’d get frustrated trying to spread it evenly. Lightly greasing your hands gives you so much more control and makes it easier to get a uniform thickness.
I’ve also tested multiple food colorings, and gel color is hands-down the most vibrant, especially if you want that bold green Christmas look. Too much liquid coloring can change the texture of the mixture, making it looser and stickier.
Finally, if you want perfectly shaped trees, chill the slab briefly before cutting—just five minutes in the fridge can help the triangles hold their shape beautifully. Don’t leave it longer, though, or the mixture becomes too stiff and harder to cut cleanly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I’ve made is using stale cereal. It doesn’t seem like it would matter much, but stale Rice Krispies make the trees soft instead of crispy. Always open a fresh box for best results. Another mistake is letting the marshmallows bubble while melting. They should gently melt, not cook, or your treats will turn tough.(See the next page below to continue…)