INTRODUCTION
St Patrick’s Day Treats are fun, quick, and tasty. They are made with simple pantry items and a small touch of chocolate. These treats make a bright snack for kids and grown-ups. They also fit right into a holiday table. If you enjoy easy holiday sweets, you might also like Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes, which are another simple, seasonal idea you can try.
This recipe uses Rice Krispies, marshmallows, butter, and chocolate chips. You can make the mix in one pot and press it into a pan. It takes little time, and you can change the look with sprinkles or green food color if you want a St Patrick’s Day feel. Below you will find why this recipe works, what you need, and how to store and serve the treats.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these treats because they are fast, sweet, and easy. The base is a classic Rice Krispies mix that many people already love. It is soft, chewy, and holds together well. The chocolate chips add a smooth, rich bite that pairs well with the cereal. You can make a big batch for a group or a small batch for a family snack.
The recipe is also flexible. You can add green sprinkles, marshmallow shapes, or colored drizzle to make them fit the St Patrick’s Day theme. If you like themed rice krispie snacks, be sure to see how others decorate for holidays like these Frankenstein Halloween Rice Krispie Treats, which show how simple changes can make a big theme impact.
HOW TO MAKE St Patrick’s Day Treats
This method keeps things simple and clear. Read all steps first. Get your pan ready and have a spatula near you. Work with low heat and quick mixing so the marshmallows do not burn. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes plus cooling time.
You can fold in chocolate chips while the mix is still warm so they melt a little and make clouds of chocolate in each bite. If you want bright green treats for the holiday, stir in a few drops of green food coloring into the melted marshmallow before you add the cereal. Also try swapping white chocolate chips for regular chocolate to keep a light look that pairs well with green sprinkles and shamrock toppers. For more ideas on making simple, tasty snacks with a twist, you may enjoy this list of baking ideas like Spinach Ricotta Pancake Bake for a savory breakfast that shows how small changes can make a big difference.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large saucepan or pot
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups
- Greased 9×13 inch pan or similar size
- Rubber spatula or wax paper for pressing the mix
- Sharp knife for cutting squares
Ingredients You’ll Need :
4 cups of Rice Krispies, 1 cup of marshmallows, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of chocolate chips
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat., 2. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted., 3. Remove from heat and mix in Rice Krispies until well coated., 4. Stir in chocolate chips until combined., 5. Press mixture into a greased pan and let cool., 6. Cut into squares and enjoy your treats!
HOW TO SERVE St Patrick’s Day Treats
Serve the treats on a simple tray or on a plate lined with green paper to match the theme. You can cut them into squares, bars, or use cookie cutters to make shamrock shapes. If you want to make them more special, add a drizzle of melted white chocolate and top with green sprinkles or edible glitter. Place a small sign next to the tray that says “St Patrick’s Day Treats” to make the table look festive.
For a party, set them next to other easy sweets and finger foods. If you need ideas for a full spread, check party-ready lists like this one with many simple dishes and snacks to bring to a gathering 70 Easy Potluck Ideas. They work well together and help you plan a varied table.
STORAGE & FREEZING : St Patrick’s Day Treats
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for up to three days this way. If your home is warm, place a piece of wax paper between layers so they do not stick. For longer storage, you can freeze the treats.
To freeze, wrap each square in plastic wrap or place them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm. Then move them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to one month. To thaw, move them to the fridge for a few hours or bring to room temperature for about 30 minutes. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the taste will remain good.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pair these treats with simple drinks like milk, hot chocolate, or a warm cup of tea. They also sit well with fresh fruit for a balance of sweet and tart. For a St Patrick’s Day touch, serve with a small cup of green punch or mint tea. Add a few green candies or a shamrock cookie on the side to make the plate feel more festive.
If you bring them to a group event, put them on a tiered tray or a serving board to make them easy to grab. For a sweet board, mix the treats with nuts, pretzels, and small cookies. This creates a mix of textures and flavors that many people will enjoy. For more snack board ideas and treats to add to a platter, you could look at recipes for baked goods like Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, which offer another easy bake to include on a table.
VARIATIONS
- Classic with chocolate: Follow the recipe exactly for a simple mix of cereal and chocolate chips.
- Green marshmallow mix: Add a drop or two of green food color to the melted marshmallow to tint the base light green.
- White chocolate and sprinkles: Use white chocolate chips and top with green and gold sprinkles for a festive look.
- Peanut butter twist: Stir 1/4 cup of peanut butter into the melted marshmallow for a nutty flavor.
- Candy add-in: Fold in mini M&M’s or chopped candy for color and crunch.
If you like themed rice krispie treats, try making shapes or characters for other events, such as spooky ones for Halloween, to see how a simple treat can change with style and color Frankenstein Halloween Rice Krispie Treats. For a sweet-salty switch, add pretzel pieces or toffee bits. You can also mix different chip types, like half dark chocolate and half white chocolate, to add layers of flavor. Finally, if you prefer baked goods instead of no-bake treats, small muffins or quick breads pair well with these and can round out a party table.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
A: Yes. Use a puffed rice cereal that has a similar light texture. Some cereals will change the look and the crunch but will still bind with the marshmallow.
Q: Will the chocolate chips melt fully into the mix?
A: Some will melt slightly when mixed into warm marshmallow, but many will keep their shape. If you want fully melted chocolate, fold in a small amount of melted chocolate after the mix cools a little.
Q: How do I keep the treats soft and not dry?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge for short storage as the cold can make them firmer and less chewy.
Q: Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use vegan butter and dairy-free marshmallows and chocolate chips. The method stays the same.
Q: Can I add nuts or seeds?
A: Yes. Fold in chopped nuts or seeds with the cereal. This will add crunch and a nutty flavor.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR St Patrick’s Day Treats
Make these treats a day ahead for a party. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to make them two to three days ahead, keep them wrapped well so they stay soft. For longer make-ahead plans, freeze the squares as described above and thaw them a few hours before serving.
If you will decorate right before serving, keep the plain squares in a box and add sprinkles or drizzle just before the event. This keeps the decorations bright and fresh. You can also cut them into shapes and store the shapes stacked with wax paper between layers to keep them neat.
St Patrick's Day Treats
Ingredients
Method
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and mix in Rice Krispies until well coated.
- Stir in chocolate chips until combined.
- Press mixture into a greased 9x13 inch pan and let cool.
- Cut into squares and enjoy your treats!