Name: Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 9 ounces Circus Animal Cookies; 10 ounces mini marshmallows; 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons multi-colored nonpareils, divided; 3 tablespoons colored sprinkles, divided; ½ cup white chocolate chips; Red food coloring; 12 teaspoons granulated sugar (for topping)

Get ready for a treat that brings both nostalgia and fun! Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the chewy, gooey goodness of Rice Krispie treats with the whimsical charm of circus animal cookies. Imagine a soft, chewy bar topped with colorful sprinkles, drizzled with white chocolate, and finished with a pop of red for a festive touch. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about creating a memorable dessert that will leave smiles all around. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a family gathering, or just indulging yourself, these treats will surely be the star of the show.

The beauty of Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats lies in their simplicity; they require minimal ingredients and are quick to make, taking only about 25 minutes from start to finish. Plus, kids and adults alike will love to join in on the fun, making them a perfect weekend baking project. As you create these treats, the blend of flavors and textures will have your taste buds dancing. Soft marshmallows mix seamlessly with the crunchy cereal and cookie bits, while the vibrant colors add an exciting visual appeal, making these treats irresistible.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these delicious Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats from scratch. With a little patience and creativity, you will end up with a dessert that combines the joy of childhood with a touch of culinary magic. Let’s dive into this recipe that will surely delight everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats

Unique Flavor: The combination of circus animal cookies, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies creates a sweet and crunchy texture that is hard to resist.
Visually Appealing: The colorful sprinkles and drizzles make these treats perfect for any festive occasion.
Quick to Make: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a batch that yields 12 servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Customizable: Easily modify with your favorite flavors and colors to suit any celebration or mood.
Easy Recipe: This recipe is beginner-friendly, making it suitable for cooks of all ages, so the whole family can join in!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen space and gather the necessary tools and ingredients for making Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats. First, clear off your countertops to create enough room for mixing and spreading the Rice Krispie treat mixture. For this recipe, you’ll need a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, so ensure it’s clean and ready to go. It’s a good idea to spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to make the treats easy to remove later.

Next, prepare your mixing tools. You’ll want a large mixing pot for melting the butter and marshmallows, a sturdy spatula for mixing, and a food processor to crumble the circus cookies evenly. Additionally, it’s helpful to have zipper top bags for the chocolate drizzle, along with a microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate. By gathering everything in advance, you’ll streamline the cooking process and make it much more enjoyable.

Ingredients

9 ounces Circus Animal Cookies
10 ounces mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons multi-colored nonpareils, divided
3 tablespoons colored sprinkles, divided
½ cup white chocolate chips
Red food coloring
12 teaspoons granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

To begin, spray your 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring the surface is coated well. This step is crucial as it prevents the sticky Rice Krispie treats from sticking to the pan, making future removal much easier. Set the baking dish aside while you prepare the treat mixture.

Step 2: Crumble the Circus Cookies

Next, place all of the Circus Animal Cookies into a food processor. Pulse the cookies 3 to 4 times until they’re broken down into a mix of fine crumbs and small pieces. Set aside a half-cup of these cookie pieces to use as a topping later. This crumbling technique not only enhances the texture of your treats but distributes the cookie flavor throughout the mixture—making each bite a delicious experience!

Step 3: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot, melt the butter and mini marshmallows together over low heat. Stir the mixture frequently to avoid burning, creating a smooth and creamy texture. This melting process is what binds your Rice Krispie treats together. Once the marshmallows are fully melted and combined with the butter, remove the pot from the heat. It’s important to work quickly at this stage to incorporate the Rice Krispie cereal before the mixture cools and hardens.

Step 4: Mix in the Cereal and Cookie Crumbs

Now it’s time to add in the Rice Krispies to the melted mixture. Pour in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies along with the crumbled cookies, 1 tablespoon of the multi-colored nonpareils, and 1 tablespoon of the colored sprinkles. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle in an additional tablespoon of nonpareils and sprinkles, mixing well. This will add to the visual appeal and the delightful crunch of the treats!

Step 5: Transfer and Set

Once the mixture is well combined, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the mixture across the dish, pressing down gently to create an even layer. Top with the reserved cookie crumbles, gently pressing them into the surface. Allow the mixture to cool and set for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Melt and Drizzle the Chocolate

While your treats are cooling, melt the white chocolate chips. Place ¼ cup of white chocolate chips into two microwave-safe bowls. Heat one bowl for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth. Once melted, transfer one bowl of white chocolate into a zipper top sandwich bag. Cut a small piece off one of the corners and drizzle over the top of the cooled Rice Krispie treats.

Step 7: Color the Chocolate

Add a tiny amount of red food coloring to the second bowl of melted white chocolate, stirring until you achieve your desired shade of pink. If the chocolate thickens too much to drizzle, add a half teaspoon of heavy cream until smooth again. This adds a pop of color contrasting beautifully with the white chocolate.

Step 8: Final Drizzle and Cool

Transfer the pink chocolate to a zipper top bag as well, cut a small corner, and drizzle it over the top of the Rice Krispie treats in the opposite direction of the white chocolate drizzle. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of nonpareils and colored sprinkles over the top for the finishing touch. Allow the treats to cool completely until set, about 30 minutes, in a cool, dry area.

Variations

Protein: Add some protein powder to the mixture for a nutritious boost, or incorporate chocolate or vanilla protein bars into the treat mix.
Vegetables: Try adding finely chopped dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a hint of natural sweetness.
Spices: Enhance flavor with spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for an exciting twist.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the marshmallows are completely melted for easier mixing with the Rice Krispies.
Avoid over-mixing once you add the Rice Krispies to maintain their crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a delightful dessert at parties or school events.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Tips

For an even richer flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract when melting the marshmallows.
Keep the treats stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming hard.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 240 per serving
Protein: 2 grams
Sodium: 120 mg per serving

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows! Just ensure you chop them into smaller pieces to aid in melting.

How do I store the leftover treats?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for the best texture.

Can I freeze Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats?

You certainly can! Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can I substitute for the Circus Animal Cookies?

Any cookie of your choice, such as chocolate chip or sugar cookies, can be used instead, creating a unique twist on the recipe!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and vibrant dessert that brings joy to any table. With their playful appearance and delicious flavor, they are sure to be a hit among guests of all ages. This easy recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity, allowing everyone to partake in the fun without the fuss. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or variations to make it your own! We encourage you to try this recipe, share your results in the comments, and don’t forget to spread the joy by sharing these delightful treats with others!