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Easy Halloween Rice Krispie Treats: Best Jack-O-Lantern Recipe

Easy Halloween Rice Krispie Jack-O-Lantern Treats - featured image

These Easy Halloween Rice Krispie Jack-O-Lantern Treats are a quick, fun, and delicious no-bake treat perfect for Halloween parties. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they feature a chewy marshmallow center with a crunchy orange candy coating and chocolate faces.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 cup orange candy melts
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional)
  • Orange food coloring gel (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Place 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Melt slowly, swirling occasionally, until fully melted but not browned.
  3. Pour the entire 10-ounce bag of marshmallows into the pot. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove the pot from heat immediately. Stir in a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter.
  5. Pour 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal into the pot. Fold gently until every piece of cereal is coated in the marshmallow mixture, being careful not to crush the cereal.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a greased spatula or lightly buttered hands, press into an even layer. Let cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes.
  7. Once cool, use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Press straight down and twist gently to release. You should get about 12-15 pumpkins.
  8. Place orange candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
  9. Dip each pumpkin into the melted candy coating, using a fork to turn and coat evenly. Let excess drip off, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in a separate bowl using the same microwave method. Transfer to a small piping bag or zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and pipe Jack-O-Lantern faces onto each treat. Let chocolate set for about 15 minutes.

Notes

Don’t overheat the marshmallows—low and slow is key. Grease everything (hands, spatula, cookie cutter, pan) to prevent sticking. Let the cereal cool completely before cutting for clean edges. If candy coating thickens, microwave for 10 seconds. For smaller details, use a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; do not refrigerate. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween treats, Rice Krispie treats, Jack-O-Lantern, no-bake dessert, easy Halloween recipe, kid-friendly, pumpkin treats