Introduction

These Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and colorful twist on the classic snack. Combining the crunch of Rice Krispies with the sweet flavor and bright decorations of circus animal cookies, they are perfect for parties or an indulgent treat.

Two square rice cereal treats with multicolored sprinkles mixed inside and on top sit on a white rectangular dish. Each treat has several layers of crispy, light pink cereal bits tightly packed together. Pink icing swirls decorate the top layer along with white chocolate pieces and a generous sprinkle of round, colorful candy dots. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and a clear glass container filled with more treats is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

9 ounces Circus Animal Cookies
10 ounces mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons multi-colored nonpareils (divided)
3 tablespoons colored sprinkles (divided)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Red food coloring

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Place all of the circus cookies into a food processor and pulse 3 to 4 times until the cookies are broken into crumbs and small pieces. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cookie pieces to sprinkle on top.
Step 3: In a large pot, melt the butter and mini marshmallows over low heat, stirring often until smooth.
Step 4: Remove from heat. Add the Rice Krispies, crumbled cookies, 1 tablespoon of nonpareils, and 1 tablespoon of sprinkles. Mix until well combined. Then sprinkle in another tablespoon of nonpareils and sprinkles and mix again.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly using a rubber spatula.
Step 6: Sprinkle the reserved crumbled cookies evenly over the top.
Step 7: Divide the white chocolate chips evenly between two small bowls. Microwave each for 30 seconds, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 8: Place the melted white chocolate from one bowl into a zipper-top sandwich bag, cut a small corner, and drizzle over the treats.
Step 9: Add a very small amount of red food coloring to the other bowl of melted white chocolate, stirring to achieve a pink hue. Add more coloring gradually to avoid turning it too red. If the chocolate becomes too thick, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of heavy cream until smooth. No reheating is necessary.
Step 10: Place the pink chocolate into a separate zipper-top bag, cut a small corner, and drizzle over the treats in the opposite direction to the white chocolate.
Step 11: Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of nonpareils and sprinkles on top.
Step 12: Let the treats cool until the chocolate is set before cutting and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a rubber spatula sprayed lightly with cooking spray to press the mixture evenly without sticking.
Substitute your favorite festive sprinkles to match different holidays or themes.
If you don’t have a food processor, place cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
For extra creaminess in the drizzle, add a bit more heavy cream to the white chocolate as needed.

Storage

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week. If chilled, let the treats come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid microwaving as the drizzle may melt.

How to Serve

Two square rice cereal treats sit on a white rectangular plate on a white marbled surface. Each treat has three visible layers: the bottom and middle layers are light tan with colorful specks of pink, blue, and orange, showing the rice cereal mixed with small candy bits. The top layer is decorated with bright pink icing swirls, white candy pieces, and a heavy sprinkle of multicolored round sprinkles. In the background, more treats are visible inside a clear container. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, regular marshmallows will work just fine. Use the same weight (10 ounces) and melt them carefully over low heat to avoid burning.

What if I don’t have Circus Animal Cookies?

You can substitute with any colorful sugar cookies or spritz cookies to give a similar texture and sweetness, though the iconic circus animal flavor is unique to those cookies.