The Story Behind Monster Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats were invented in 1939 by Mildred Day and Malitta Jensen, home economists working in the Kellogg's test kitchen who were developing recipes to raise funds for Camp Fire Girls. The recipe — melted butter and marshmallows mixed with Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal — was first published in the Camp Fire Girls handbook and quickly became one of the most replicated no-bake dessert recipes in American history. By the 1940s, the recipe appeared on every box of Rice Krispies, and for generations of American home cooks it became the quintessential introduction to kitchen confidence: requiring no oven, no precise measurements, and almost no skill, yet producing something undeniably delicious.

The cereal's iconic "snap, crackle, pop" sound — and its three cartoon elves of the same names — were introduced in 1933 as one of the first successful uses of sound in advertising. The elves became among the most enduring mascots in food marketing history. For Halloween, Rice Krispie Treats are transformed into "monsters" by coloring the marshmallow mixture green, blue, or purple with food coloring before mixing in the cereal, then decorating the pressed squares or shaped balls with candy eyes, frosting, and edible decorations. The moldable nature of the warm mixture makes it ideal for Halloween shapes — skulls, pumpkins, and ghosts can all be formed before the mixture sets. It is maximally forgiving, maximally festive, and maximally consumed.

Time and Servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 12 servings

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Food coloring (green, purple, orange)
  • Candy eyes
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Make Rice Krispie Mix: Melt butter and marshmallows in a saucepan. Stir in food coloring.
  2. Shape Treats: Press the Rice Krispie mixture into a greased pan and let cool.
  3. Decorate: Cut into squares and decorate with candy eyes and sprinkles.

Tips for Success:

  • Butter your hands lightly before shaping the Rice Krispie mixture to prevent sticking.
  • Do not press the mixture too firmly into the pan or the treats can become dense and hard.
  • Add the candy eyes while the marshmallow mixture is still slightly warm so they adhere better.
  • Use gel food coloring for brighter monster colors without thinning the mixture.
  • Store the treats tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Wine, Cocktail, or Drink Pairing:

  • Pair these monster treats with a sweet Moscato, a playful Melon Vodka Punch, or a cold green apple soda.