Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treat

Featured in: Sweet & Simple Treats

Celebrate Thanksgiving with marshmallow cereal squares infused with cozy autumn flavors like cinnamon and pumpkin spice. These easy treats begin with a classic Rice Krispies base, enriched by buttery marshmallows and warm spices. After mixing and pressing the cereal mixture into a pan, they’re topped with a generous drizzle of melted white chocolate and festive extras such as dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and colorful sprinkles. Each square is lightly chewy, aromatic, and ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings. Quick to prepare and adaptable for nut-free or chocolate variations, these sweet squares bring seasonal warmth to any dessert table.

Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:22:00 GMT
Festive Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treat Dessert drizzled with white chocolate and autumn sprinkles.  Save
Festive Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treat Dessert drizzled with white chocolate and autumn sprinkles. | dashnosh.com

A festive twist on classic Rice Krispie treats, featuring cozy autumn flavors like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and a drizzle of white chocolate—perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.

I first made these Thanksgiving Rice Krispie treats for my family's holiday get-together, and everyone loved the festive touch of autumn spices and white chocolate.

Ingredients

  • Cereal Base: 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 bag (10 oz / 285 g) mini marshmallows, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Toppings: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional), 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional), festive autumn sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Pan:
Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Melt Butter & Marshmallows:
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth.
Add Spices & Extract:
Stir in the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine with Cereal:
Remove the pot from heat. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and quickly fold until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Press Into Pan:
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a buttered spatula or wax paper.
Melt White Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Add Toppings:
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the treats. Sprinkle with dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and festive sprinkles, if using.
Cool & Serve:
Let cool for at least 30 minutes, then cut into 16 squares and serve.
Autumn-inspired Rice Krispie Treats, infused with pumpkin spice and flavored cranberries.  Save
Autumn-inspired Rice Krispie Treats, infused with pumpkin spice and flavored cranberries. | dashnosh.com

My kids love helping sprinkle the toppings, and these treats always disappear fast at family parties!

Required Tools

Large pot, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, wooden spoon or spatula, microwave-safe bowl, knife

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, white chocolate) and may contain nuts (pecans). Contains gluten if using non-gluten-free Rice Krispies. Contains soy (possible in chocolate). Always check ingredient labels for specific allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 140 per square. Total Fat: 4 g. Carbohydrates: 25 g. Protein: 1 g.

Delicious Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats topped with chocolate and a sprinkle of pecans. Save
Delicious Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats topped with chocolate and a sprinkle of pecans. | dashnosh.com

Enjoy these easy, festive Rice Krispie treats as a sweet finish to your Thanksgiving celebration!

Kitchen Q&A

What makes these squares special for Thanksgiving?

Seasonal additions like cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and festive toppings elevate classic marshmallow cereal treats for Thanksgiving celebrations.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate chips for a richer flavor in the topping.

Are there nut-free options for this dessert?

Simply omit the pecans from the toppings for a nut-free version. The squares remain sweet and delicious.

How should these marshmallow squares be stored?

Keep the finished squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for best freshness.

Is this dessert vegetarian friendly?

Yes, all listed ingredients support a vegetarian diet, but always check marshmallow and chocolate labels for additives.

Can I add extra flavor to the marshmallow mixture?

A pinch of sea salt can be added to accentuate the autumn spice profile in these cereal squares.

Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treat

Delightful marshmallow squares with cinnamon, pumpkin spice and white chocolate, perfect for autumn celebrations.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
10 min
Complete Duration
25 min
Created by Tyler Morgan

Recipe Type Sweet & Simple Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Heritage American

Output 16 Portion Size

Nutritional Categories Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Cereal Base

01 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 10 ounces mini marshmallows
04 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

01 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
02 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
03 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
04 Festive autumn sprinkles

Method

Step 01

Prepare the Pan: Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the surface.

Step 02

Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot, melt unsalted butter over low heat. Add mini marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate Spices and Vanilla: Stir ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract into the melted marshmallow mixture until evenly blended.

Step 04

Combine Cereal with Marshmallow Mixture: Remove the pot from heat. Immediately fold in Rice Krispies cereal, mixing gently to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 05

Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the coated cereal to the prepared baking pan. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, firmly press the mixture into an even layer.

Step 06

Melt White Chocolate: Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted.

Step 07

Decorate and Add Toppings: Drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly across the surface. Sprinkle dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and festive sprinkles over the top as desired.

Step 08

Cool and Portion: Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes. Slice into 16 squares with a sharp knife and serve.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Knife

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains dairy from butter and white chocolate chips.
  • Potential tree nuts from pecans.
  • Contains gluten unless using gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal.
  • Contains possible soy ingredients in white chocolate chips.

Nutrition Details (serving size)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 140
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 1 g