If you’re ready to turn a classic childhood treat into something truly magical, these Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the snap and crunch of Rice Krispies, the gooey marshmallow pull, and the sweet nostalgia of cotton candy all wrapped up in swirls of pastel color. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a bake sale, or just want to brighten up an ordinary day, this recipe guarantees smiles and a little bit of edible whimsy.

Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love a recipe where each ingredient serves a perfect purpose? The list for Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists is short and sweet, but every item brings something special—whether it’s the buttery richness, vibrant color, or that unmistakable cotton candy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips to make each ingredient shine.

Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy base that keeps the treats soft and flavorful.
Mini marshmallows: The essential glue that binds everything together and gives that irresistibly chewy texture.
Cotton candy flavoring (or extract): This is the magic ingredient—just a teaspoon transforms the whole batch into a carnival-inspired delight.
Rice Krispies cereal: For classic crunch and the perfect base to soak up all that marshmallow goodness.
Food coloring (pink, blue, or your favorites): Pastel hues make these twists as fun to look at as they are to eat—customize the colors to match any occasion.
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Adds a snowy, sweet finish that echoes the cotton candy theme and makes every bite extra special.

How to Make Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by greasing a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or a good non-stick spray. This simple step is your ticket to easy removal later, so don’t be shy—coat every corner and edge for mess-free slicing or twisting.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Let it bubble just until fully melted and silky. This base will not only help the marshmallows melt evenly but will also infuse every bite of your Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists with subtle richness.

Step 3: Marshmallow Magic

Add the mini marshmallows into your pot and stir constantly. Watch as they slowly melt into a glossy, stretchy pool. Keep the heat steady and your spoon moving—this ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture that’s the heart of every great Rice Krispies treat.

Step 4: Add Color and Flavor

Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the cotton candy flavoring and add a few drops of your favorite food coloring. Swirl with your spoon until you reach that dreamy pastel shade. This is the moment when your kitchen will start to smell like a carnival!

Step 5: Mix in Rice Krispies

Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the pot and fold it in until every piece is coated in marshmallow goodness. Work swiftly here—the mixture will start to set as it cools, so make sure everything is evenly mixed for perfectly textured Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists.

Step 6: Shape and Set

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it down gently with a spatula or clean hands (butter them first to prevent sticking). Aim for an even layer, but don’t compact it too much—you want that signature light, airy crunch.

Step 7: Chill and Cut

Let the treats cool completely at room temperature, or speed things up in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once set, cut into squares or, for an extra dose of fun, twist pieces into whimsical shapes that really play up the Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists vibe.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch

If you’re feeling fancy, dust the tops with a little powdered sugar before serving. It adds a frosted look and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish that takes these treats over the top.

How to Serve Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists

Garnishes

Sprinkle with colored sanding sugar or edible glitter for a sparkly, festive finish that highlights the cotton candy theme. A few extra mini marshmallows on top can also make your Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists look irresistibly playful.

Side Dishes

Pair your treats with a cold glass of milk, fruity punch, or a simple lemonade for a nostalgic snack break. These twists also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as part of a dessert platter with fresh berries and other pastel sweets.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists on a colorful tray, or skewer them on sticks for a lollipop effect—perfect for parties! You can also wrap individual twists in clear cellophane and tie with pastel ribbons for charming party favors or lunchbox surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain that perfect chewy-crisp texture—no one likes a soggy treat!

Freezing

If you need to make these ahead, you can freeze the twists. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Reheating

While these treats are best fresh, you can revive slightly stale twists by microwaving them for 5–10 seconds. This softens the marshmallow just enough to bring back that gooey, dreamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! Just chop them into smaller pieces so they melt quickly and evenly. Mini marshmallows are a bit easier to work with, but both will give you the same delicious results for your Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists.

What if I can’t find cotton candy flavoring?

No problem! Cotton candy flavoring is available online or at specialty baking stores, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a tasty twist. It won’t be quite the same, but your Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists will still be a fun treat.

How do I make different colors in one batch?

Divide the melted marshmallow mixture into separate bowls and add different food colorings to each. Stir in the Rice Krispies, then layer or twist the colors together in the pan for a beautiful, rainbow effect that makes each bite of Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists a surprise.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely! Kids will love adding the food coloring and helping to swirl or twist the shapes. Just make sure an adult handles the hot marshmallow mixture and the stove. Making Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists is a great family kitchen project.

How do I keep the treats from sticking to my hands?

Lightly butter or spray your hands with non-stick spray before pressing the mixture into the pan or twisting it into shapes. This simple trick keeps things neat and makes shaping your Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists much easier.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, there’s nothing quite like Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists. They’re playful, colorful, and packed with magical flavor—truly a sweet way to brighten up any day. Give them a try, and let your creativity (and your taste buds) run wild!

Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these whimsical Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists, a colorful and fun twist on the classic treat that combines the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy with crispy, buttery marshmallow cereal squares. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a sweet homemade gift, these twists bring a vibrant pop of color and flavor to everyone’s favorite gooey cereal delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter and Marshmallow Mixture

3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
1 tsp cotton candy flavoring (or cotton candy extract)

Cereal and Color

3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Food coloring (pink, blue, or any colors you prefer)

Optional

1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Instructions

Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the rice krispies mixture.
Melt the butter: Place a large pot over medium heat and melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Combine marshmallows: Add the entire package of mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth.
Add flavor and color: Stir in 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring along with a few drops of your chosen food coloring to achieve the desired pastel shade, blending well for an even color and taste.
Mix in cereal: Quickly add the 3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture, stirring until the cereal is thoroughly coated with the colorful marshmallow blend.
Shape the mixture: Pour the sticky mixture into the prepared baking dish and press gently but firmly to form an even layer without compacting too much, keeping the treats light and airy.
Cool completely: Allow the rice krispies mixture to cool at room temperature or speed up the process by refrigerating for about 30 minutes until it is set and easy to cut.
Shape the twists: Once set, cut the treat into squares or carefully twist the pieces into fun shapes as desired, adding a whimsical touch to your snack presentation.
Optional finishing touch: For an extra sweet and decorative finish, lightly dust the twists with powdered sugar just before serving to enhance their cotton candy-inspired effect.

Notes

Use mini marshmallows for quicker melting and smoother texture.
You can mix or match food coloring to create unique, multicolored treats.
Press the mixture gently in the pan to keep the texture light and crispy rather than dense.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a gluten-free version, ensure the Rice Krispies cereal is certified gluten-free.
Adjust the amount of cotton candy flavoring to suit your taste preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: No-bake, Stovetop
Cuisine: American