Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats are a festive, fun twist on the classic marshmallow and cereal snack. These treats are colorful and crunchy, packed with green and gold marshmallows or sprinkles that make them perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any day you want a bit of luck and sweetness. The crispy rice cereal keeps them light and crunchy, while the gooey marshmallow mixture holds everything together just right.
I love making these treats because they’re so easy and bring a smile to everyone’s face, especially kids. I like to add a little extra green food coloring or some gold sugar on top just to make them even more special. When the kitchen smells like melted marshmallows and butter, I know it’s going to be a happy snack time!
These Lucky Leprechaun treats are best served slightly warm, right after you press them into the pan, but I also enjoy them the next day when they’ve set and are perfectly chewy. They’re great to share at parties, school events, or just as a sweet surprise. Every bite feels like a little lucky charm, and I always find myself sneaking more than one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies cereal: This gives the treats their classic crunchy texture. You can swap it with puffed rice cereal if that’s what you have on hand.
Marshmallows: They melt to bind everything together. You can use mini marshmallows if large ones aren’t available—just watch melting time.
Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly. Use salted butter if unsalted isn’t available; just skip adding extra salt elsewhere.
Green food coloring: Creates the festive leprechaun top layer. Gel coloring works best for vibrant color without thinning the mixture. If you prefer natural options, matcha powder can give a green tint.
Colorful candies: These add fun “rainbow” specks inside the treats. Try small chocolate candies or sprinkles, or leave them out for a simpler look.
Decorating icing & candy eyes: These bring the leprechaun faces to life. If you don’t have candy eyes, small chocolate chips or icing dots work well. Piping bags or squeeze bottles help with precise decoration.
How to Get Two Perfect Layers Without Mixing Them Together?
Making the two layers—plain and green—stay separate and neat is key. Here’s how to do it:
- After mixing each cereal with its marshmallow blend, work quickly but gently to keep marshmallows soft and sticky.
- Press the plain cereal layer firmly and evenly into the pan first. Don’t press too hard to avoid compacting it too much.
- Before the top is fully set, carefully spread the green cereal mixture on top, pressing lightly just enough to stick without squashing the bottom layer.
- Using a spatula dipped in warm water helps spread the sticky marshmallow mix smoothly without it sticking to the spatula.
- Let the treats cool and set completely at room temperature to lock in the distinct layers.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – I use this to hold all the treats and make sure they turn out evenly shaped.
- Large pot – perfect for melting butter and marshmallows smoothly.
- Rubber spatula – helps stir and spread the mixture easily without sticking.
- Parchment paper or cooking spray – I recommend lining the pan for easy removal and clean-up.
- Decorating tools (optional) – piping bags or toothpicks for placing eyes and details, and small knives for cutting.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap out candies for colorful M&Ms or mini chocolate chips to add extra chocolate flavor and fun colors.
- Add a handful of crushed pretzels or nuts into the plain or green layer for crunch and texture.
- Mix in a splash of vanilla or mint extract into the marshmallow mixture to give a different flavor twist.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of candies for a smoother, sweeter look and taste.
Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (10 oz) bag marshmallows (about 40 large marshmallows)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Green food coloring
Decorations:
- Assorted colorful candy pieces (small chocolate candies or confetti sprinkles for a rainbow effect)
- Edible candy eyes (for decorating faces)
- Black and yellow decorating icing (to make leprechaun hats and facial details)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 15 minutes of active preparation and mixing. After assembling your layered treats, allow at least 1 hour at room temperature for them to cool and set perfectly before cutting and decorating. Total time is about 1 hour 15 minutes, easy and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Melt Marshmallows:
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large pot over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they’re completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat once done.
2. Make Two Colored Marshmallow Mixtures:
Divide the melted marshmallow mixture evenly into two bowls. Add green food coloring to one bowl and stir it until the color is fully blended and vibrant. This will be your green top layer.
3. Combine with Cereal and Add Candy:
Quickly fold half of the Rice Krispies cereal into the plain marshmallow mixture. Gently stir in your colorful candies for that lucky “rainbow” surprise. Then, fold the remaining half of the cereal into the green marshmallow mixture.
4. Layer and Set the Treats:
Press the plain cereal mixture evenly into your prepared pan, leaving room for the green layer on top. Carefully spread the green cereal mixture over the plain layer, pressing gently to stick without mixing the layers. Let the treats cool and set at room temperature for about 1 hour.
5. Decorate to Make Leprechaun Faces:
Once set, cut the treats into squares. Use a dab of melted marshmallow to stick edible candy eyes onto some squares. With black icing, draw a smiling mouth and the hat band on the green top. Use yellow icing to add a belt buckle on the hat. Let the icing set before serving.
Enjoy your charming and tasty Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats—a festive snack that’s sure to bring smiles and luck!
Can I Use Mini Marshmallows Instead of Large Ones?
Yes, mini marshmallows work great! They melt a bit faster, so keep an eye on them and stir gently to avoid burning.
How Should I Store Leftover Rice Krispie Treats?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out.
Can I Make These Treats Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use gluten-free rice cereal and check your candies and decorations to confirm they’re gluten-free as well.
How Do I Prevent the Layers from Mixing?
Press the bottom layer firmly into the pan first and let it cool slightly before adding the green layer on top. Use a spatula dipped in warm water to gently spread the sticky green mixture without disturbing the bottom layer.
