30-Minute Spiced Rice Krispie Pumpkin Treats
These adorable pumpkin-shaped treats transform classic Rice Krispies squares with warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, plus orange food coloring for festive color. Each marshmallow-cereal pumpkin gets topped with a pretzel stem and fruit leather leaf for realistic detail. Perfect for Halloween parties, autumn gatherings, or fun family baking projects. The spiced twist on the beloved no-bake treat brings cozy seasonal flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pinch cloves
- 4 drops orange food dyenatural orange coloring1:1
Medium confidence
- 1 10-ounce bag mini marshmallows
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cerealany crisp rice cereal1:1
High confidence
- 4 large pretzel rods
- 3 green-colored Fruit Roll-Ups, or other fruit leatherany green fruit leather1:1
High confidence
Instructions
- 1
Cut pretzel rods into 1-inch pieces
- 2
Roll out green fruit leather and cut into leaf shapes until you have 20 leaves
- 3
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat
- 4
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange food dye and whisk to combine
- 5
Add marshmallows and cook until just melted, stirring occasionally
- 6
Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies cereal
- 7
Take 1/3 cup mixture and shape into ball, then flatten slightly to create pumpkin shape
- 8
Place on cutting board or wax paper and repeat with remaining mixture
- 9
Place pretzel rod piece into top of each pumpkin
- 10
Gently tuck leaf next to pretzel rod on each pumpkin
- 11
Allow to cool completely before serving
Tips
Work quickly when shaping the pumpkins as the mixture will start to firm up as it cools
Wet your hands lightly with water to prevent the sticky mixture from adhering while shaping
Press the pretzel stems firmly but gently to avoid cracking the delicate treats
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
Can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered
Best served at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Work quickly when shaping to avoid mixture becoming too firm
Don't overheat marshmallows to avoid tough texture
Substitutions
High confidence
High confidence
Medium confidence
FAQ
Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes, they'll taste the same but won't have the orange pumpkin color. The spices still give great fall flavor.
What if I don't have pretzel rods?
Break regular pretzels into small pieces or use pretzel sticks. Even small pieces of chocolate can work as stems.
How long do these keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. They're best eaten within the first day for optimal texture.