Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats

These are classic Rice Krispies treats made with Lucky Charms cereal instead, giving you bursts of fruity marshmallow flavor in every bite.

They take about 15 minutes to make and require no baking at all.

Why You’ll Love It

• No baking required—stovetop only
• Ready in 15 minutes plus cooling time
• Only 4 ingredients needed
• Kid-friendly recipe that children can help make
• Colorful and festive for St. Patrick’s Day
• Budget-friendly party dessert

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 6 cups)
• 6 cups Lucky Charms cereal
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra Lucky Charms marshmallows for topping
• Green sprinkles
• White chocolate drizzle

Steps

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

2. Measure out your cereal into a large bowl so it’s ready to go when you need it.

3. Melt the butter in a large nonstick pot over medium-low heat.

4. Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows and salt to the pot.

5. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Remove the pot from the heat immediately to prevent the marshmallows from getting too hot and making the treats hard.

7. Add the vanilla extract now if using, and stir to combine.

8. Pour the cereal into the marshmallow mixture and fold gently until all the cereal is evenly coated.

9. Work quickly because the mixture will start to set as it cools.

10. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.

11. Use a greased spatula or your hands (also greased or wet) to press the mixture into an even layer.

12. Press firmly enough to compact the treats but not so hard that they become dense and tough.

13. Add extra Lucky Charms marshmallows or sprinkles on top now while the surface is still slightly tacky.

14. Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

15. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife or bench scraper.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

The key to soft, chewy treats is low heat—too high and the marshmallows will caramelize and make the final product hard and crunchy.

Mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly than large marshmallows.

If you only have large marshmallows, use the same weight (10 ounces) and cut them into smaller pieces first.

Greasing your hands or spatula with butter or cooking spray makes pressing the treats much easier.

For extra marshmallow flavor, reserve 1 cup of mini marshmallows and fold them in at the very end before pressing into the pan.

You can use any combination of marshmallow cereal—mixing Lucky Charms with regular Rice Krispies works well too.

Adding a tablespoon of corn syrup to the butter before melting the marshmallows will keep the treats softer for longer.

Serving Ideas

Cut into squares and stack on a festive platter for parties.

Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to create themed shapes for St. Patrick’s Day.

Wrap individual treats in cellophane for lunchbox snacks or party favors.

Drizzle with melted white chocolate tinted green for extra decoration.

Serve alongside a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Do not refrigerate as this will make the treats hard and stale faster.

These treats freeze well for up to 2 months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag.

Thaw frozen treats at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

The mixture can be made and pressed into the pan up to 1 day ahead—just cover tightly with plastic wrap until ready to cut and serve.

One Last Thing

Lucky Charms marshmallow treats are the easiest festive dessert you can make.

The colorful marshmallows do all the decorating work for you, and kids absolutely love them.

Make a double batch because they always go fast.