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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximate)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
