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Cozy Christmas Wreath Rice Krispie Treats with Cherry Bows

Cozy Christmas Wreath Rice Krispie Treats with Cherry Bows - featured image
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These festive no-bake wreath-shaped Rice Krispie treats are topped with maraschino cherry bows and red cinnamon candies. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or neighbor gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 package (10 ounces) regular marshmallows (about 40 large or 4 cups mini)
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Green gel food coloring (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries with stems
  • Red cinnamon candies (like Red Hots, about 24)
  • Optional: white sanding sugar or edible glitter

Instructions

  1. Line a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan with parchment paper, letting it come up the sides. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray. Place a small greased glass or ramekin (about 3 inches in diameter) in the center of the pan to create the wreath hole. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth, about 4-5 minutes. Do not let the mixture scorch.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Add green gel food coloring (start with 1/4 teaspoon, add more for deeper color) and stir until evenly colored.
  4. Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the pot. Fold gently but thoroughly until every piece of cereal is coated. Work quickly as the mixture sets as it cools.
  5. Wet your hands with cool water to prevent sticking. Scoop the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it evenly around the center glass. Pack firmly but not too hard—the treats should be light and chewy. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set.
  6. While the wreath sets, drain the maraschino cherries and pat dry. Take two cherries and place them stem-to-stem so the stems cross in the middle. Gently press the stems together to form a bow shape. Repeat to make 8-10 bows.
  7. Once the wreath is set, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Remove the center glass. While the wreath is still slightly warm (about 15 minutes after shaping), place the cherry bows evenly around the wreath. Place a red cinnamon candy between each bow. If using, sprinkle with sanding sugar or edible glitter.
  8. Slice the wreath into wedges like a pie. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

Use fresh marshmallows for best melt. Do not use low-fat butter or margarine. Green gel food coloring is essential—liquid drops will make the mixture too wet. Add cherry bows while the wreath is still slightly warm so stems stay in place. Store at room temperature, not refrigerated. Can be frozen undecorated for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas wreath, Rice Krispie treats, no-bake, holiday dessert, cherry bows, easy recipe

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/cozy-christmas-wreath-rice-krispie-treats-with-cherry-bows-best-easy-recipe/