Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and festive twist on the classic marshmallow and crispy rice cereal snack. These treats are chewy, sweet, and have a bit of a colorful surprise with green marshmallows or sprinkles that make them perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you want a little bit of luck in your day.
I love making these treats with my kids because they’re so easy and let us get creative with all the green decorations and even little chocolate coins to hide inside. It’s always a hit when I bring them to parties or school events because they’re both tasty and cute. Plus, they come together quickly, which is perfect when you want a sweet snack without much fuss.
My favorite way to serve these treats is cutting them into small squares and stacking them up on a bright plate. It’s fun to watch everyone’s faces light up when they bite into the soft, crispy texture with that hint of mint or vanilla mixed in. They remind me that a little bit of happiness can come in the simplest shapes, especially when shared with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puffed Rice Cereal: Rice Krispies are classic, but Lucky Charms add a colorful, marshmallowy twist that’s perfect here. If you want to avoid artificial colors, plain puffed rice works well too.
Mini Marshmallows: These are the glue of the treats. Use regular marshmallows if mini are unavailable—just chop them up for easier melting.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly. You can substitute with margarine if needed.
Green Food Coloring: This gives the top layer a festive look. If you prefer natural options, try spinach powder or matcha powder for color and a mild flavor.
Decorations (Hats, Eyes, Icing): Fondant hats and edible eyes add fun personality. If you don’t have them, use chocolate chips, candy eyes, or even draw faces with colored icing.
How Do You Make the Two-Colored Layer Without Mixing Them?
It’s key to keep the green and plain cereal layers separate for the leprechaun look.
- Mix half the cereal with green-tinted melted marshmallows and the other half with plain melted marshmallows.
- Press the plain layer firmly into the pan first to make a solid base.
- Then gently press the green layer on top without squishing too hard, so the colors stay distinct.
- Use a buttered spatula or oiled hands to press the cereal down evenly without crushing the crispy texture.
- Let the layers cool completely before cutting to keep each layer intact.
This approach gives you that cool two-tone effect that looks like a little leprechaun’s hat and face!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking dish – I like this size because it’s perfect for stacking the layers and slicing into neat squares.
- Large pot – for melting butter and marshmallows smoothly.
- Spatula or buttered spoon – helps stir the marshmallow mixture without sticking.
- Pair of scissors or knife – for cutting fondant or candy hats and decorations.
- Small piping bags or plastic bag with a corner cut – great for applying icing details or faces.
- Decorating tools (optional) – toothpicks or fine-tipped brushes for fine details on hats or faces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chocolate marshmallows or add mini chocolate chips for a richer, chocolaty flavor.
- Add a handful of sprinkles or mini candies into the cereal mixture for extra color and crunch.
- Mix in crushed cookies or graham cracker crumbs to add texture and a hint of graham flavor.
- Swap the traditional fondant hats for real mini cookies or cupcakes topped with shamrock decorations for a different look.
Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups puffed rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies or marshmallow-flavored cereal like Lucky Charms)
- 1 (10 oz) package mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Green food coloring
- Rainbow marshmallows (optional, if using plain puffed rice cereal for colorful effect)
- White and black icing or edible eyes for leprechaun faces
- Small green fondant or candy hats (for decoration)
- Black and gold edible markers or icing for decorating hats
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of cooling time to let the treats set properly. Decorating time will vary depending on how detailed you want to make the leprechaun faces and hats. Altogether, you can expect around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the treats once set.
2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows:
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until the marshmallows have completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Color Half the Marshmallow Mixture:
Remove the pot from heat. Add several drops of green food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture and stir well until you get a vibrant green color.
4. Mix Cereal Layers:
Divide the puffed rice cereal into two parts. Pour half of the green marshmallow mixture over half of the cereal and stir well to coat. This will be the green “top” of your treats.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining cereal with the plain (colorless) marshmallow mixture. If you want, add rainbow marshmallows here for extra color and fun in the “face and body” part.
5. Assemble the Two-Tone Treats:
Press the plain cereal mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a solid base layer. Then, gently press the green cereal mixture evenly on top without crushing it, creating a bright green top layer.
6. Let Them Set:
Allow the treats to cool and set for at least 1 hour at room temperature so they hold their shape well.
7. Cut and Decorate:
Cut the cooled treats into squares about 2 inches on each side. Place a small green fondant or candy hat on top of each square. Use edible paint or black and gold icing to add hatbands and buckles.
Add eyes and a smiling mouth on the “face” part of some squares using white and black icing or edible candy eyes—giving each treat a charming leprechaun personality!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Now your Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats are ready to delight everyone. Share them at parties, family gatherings, or as a fun St. Patrick’s Day treat.
Can I Use Frozen Marshmallows for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh marshmallows for melting since frozen ones can be sticky and won’t melt as evenly. If you only have frozen marshmallows, let them thaw completely at room temperature before using.
How Should I Store Leftover Treats?
Store your Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but it’s best to enjoy them sooner for the best texture.
Can I Substitute the Green Food Coloring?
Yes! If you prefer natural options, you can use matcha powder or spinach powder instead of artificial food coloring. Just mix a small amount into the melted marshmallows until you get the desired green shade.
Can I Make These Treats Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and decorate the treats a day ahead, then store them in an airtight container. Decorating fresh just before serving will make the icing and hats look their best, but they’ll still taste great if done earlier.