Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Protein: 2 g