Festive Fun: Easy Gingerbread Spiced Rice Krispie Christmas Trees for Kids

Transform simple ingredients into magical holiday treats! These delightful gingerbread-spiced rice krispie trees are a fantastic, hands-on project to create with kids. Shaped in paper cones and adorned with festive decorations, they make for perfect edible centerpieces or charming holiday gifts. Get ready to embrace the spirit of the season with a sprinkle of spice and a dash of creativity.

Embracing the Holiday Spirit with Sweet Treats

Oh, ’tis the season for joy, laughter, and plenty of festive baking! As the holidays draw near, there’s nothing quite like gathering the family to create wonderful memories. This year, my trusty little helper, Meredith, and I decided to dive headfirst into the Christmas spirit by crafting our very own edible “O Tannenbaums” – gingerbread-spiced rice krispie trees! Forget the traditional ornaments; our trees were decked with sweet sugar, vibrant icing, and cheerful sprinkles, bringing a unique and delicious twist to our holiday decor.

This project takes a beloved classic – the humble rice krispie treat – and elevates it with warm gingerbread spices, transforming it into an irresistible holiday showstopper. The process is incredibly simple, making it ideal for aspiring young chefs. We started with my tried-and-true Gingerbread Rice Krispie Squares recipe, then cleverly shaped the mixture into charming Christmas trees using paper cones. The beauty of these treats lies in their versatility. You can opt for a beautifully natural and rustic look, leaving them unadorned to showcase their golden hue and inviting texture. Alternatively, unleash your creativity with colorful squeeze-on icing and an array of festive sprinkles for a bright, fun, and utterly kid-friendly masterpiece.

With these two fantastic decorating options, you’re guaranteed to create an eye-catching and incredibly easy edible Christmas decoration that will impress both young and old. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to bond, get creative, and make sweet memories that last a lifetime.

Kitchen Frau Notes: Expert Tips for Perfect Rice Krispie Trees

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, here are a few insider tips to ensure your gingerbread spiced rice krispie trees turn out perfectly every time:

• Yield Flexibility: The recipe provided below is designed to be flexible. It yields enough mixture to create one impressive 12-inch (30 cm) tall tree accompanied by a charming pile of small “presents.” Alternatively, you can opt for one slightly larger 14-inch (35 cm) tree, or even a delightful duo of one medium-sized tree and one smaller tree. For the whimsical grouping of three trees pictured, I actually prepared two batches of the gingerbread rice krispie mixture. This gives you plenty of flexibility depending on how many trees you wish to create and how big you want them to be.
• Decorating Made Easy: When it comes to decorating, you have choices! For ultimate convenience, readily available squeeze tubes of pre-coloured icing are a fantastic option, especially when little hands are involved. They offer vibrant colors and require minimal clean-up. However, if you prefer a homemade touch, you can easily whip up your own icing and transfer it into a plastic baggie. Simply snip a tiny corner off the bag to create a makeshift piping bag – it works like a charm and allows for beautiful, personalized decorations.
• Ingredient Quality: Using fresh ingredients, especially your spices, will make a noticeable difference in the flavor profile of your gingerbread rice krispie treats. Make sure your crispy rice cereal is fresh and crunchy, and if gluten-free is a concern, ensure you use a certified gluten-free brand.

Crafting Your Christmas Spiced Rice Krispie Tree: The Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to involve children in the kitchen. It teaches valuable skills like measuring, stirring, and decorating, all while producing a festive treat.

Paper cone shaping idea inspired by: well nourished blog

Skills used: measuring, cooking & stirring, folding, decorating, and plenty of teamwork!

Ingredients:

• 5 cups (1200ml) crispy rice cereal (ensure gluten-free if necessary)
• 1 cup (90gms) quick-cooking oats (note: not instant oats)
• ½ cup (60gms) dried cranberries
• ¼ cup (115gms) butter, coconut oil, or margarine
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 6 cups, slightly heaped (250gms) mini marshmallows or 40 regular marshmallows
• A large sheet of stiff paper or poster board (approx. 16×16 inches or 40×40 cm)
• Tape
• Parchment paper
• Squeeze tubes of coloured icing, sprinkles, or sugar pearls (for decorating, if desired)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Paper Cone Form:

Begin by creating the mold for your tree. Cut a square of stiff paper or poster board, approximately 16 inches (40 cm) by 16 inches. This robust material will provide the necessary structure. Roll the paper tightly into a cone shape, ensuring the tip is pointed and the base is wide and stable. Secure the seam thoroughly with tape. A well-taped cone will hold its shape beautifully as you fill it. This foundational step is crucial for achieving that classic Christmas tree silhouette.

Next, cut a piece of parchment paper roughly the same size as your stiff paper square. Roll this parchment into a slightly skinnier cone. Gently slip this parchment cone inside your stiff paper cone. The parchment paper will naturally unroll a bit, conforming to the shape of the larger cone, and will sit snugly inside without needing additional fastening. This parchment liner is key for easy removal of your finished rice krispie tree later on, preventing sticking and ensuring a smooth finish.

2. Prepare for Rice Krispie “Presents” (Optional):

If you’d like to create some adorable rice krispie “presents” to arrange around the base of your tree, prepare a small square plastic container. Lightly spray the inside with cooking oil or wipe it generously with butter. Alternatively, you can use one half of a standard loaf pan. We found a 4½ inch (approx. 11.5 cm) square plastic food storage container worked perfectly for this. Having these molds ready beforehand streamlines the process when the mixture is hot and sticky.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, measure out your crispy rice cereal, quick-cooking oats, and dried cranberries. Give them a quick stir to combine. Set this bowl aside. Having your dry ingredients pre-measured and ready ensures you can work quickly once the marshmallow mixture is prepared, which is essential for uniform coating.

4. Prepare Marshmallows:

Measure or count out your marshmallows and set them aside. Having them readily accessible is important as the next steps move quickly. Whether you use mini marshmallows or regular-sized ones, the key is to have the correct quantity measured out.

5. Create the Spiced Marshmallow Mixture:

In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter (or coconut oil/margarine) over medium heat. Once melted, add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Cook these fragrant spices for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This crucial step, known as “blooming” the spices, gently heats them in the fat, allowing their essential oils to release and intensify their warm, festive flavors. You’ll notice the butter bubbling and the aroma filling your kitchen – a sure sign the spices are ready.

Immediately add the marshmallows to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring constantly with a sturdy spoon or rubber spatula, until all the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Consistency is key here; ensure there are no lumps for a beautifully cohesive rice krispie treat.

6. Combine and Mix Quickly:

Working swiftly, pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the crispy rice, oats, and cranberries in the large mixing bowl. Tilt the pot and use a rubber spatula to scrape out every last bit of the sticky goodness. This is often easiest with two sets of hands – one to hold the pot steady and the other to thoroughly scrape it clean.

Once the marshmallow mixture is in the bowl, work quickly before it begins to harden. Using your spatula, gently but thoroughly stir and fold the sticky marshmallow mixture into the dry ingredients. Continue until everything is evenly coated with the sweet, spiced goo. The goal is to distribute the mixture thoroughly without crushing the cereal.

7. Fill and Tamp the Cone:

This step is where your rice krispie trees truly take shape! Lightly grease the end of a thick wooden spoon handle with butter or cooking oil spray. Take a small amount of the still-warm rice krispie mixture and plop it into the very bottom of your parchment-lined paper cone. Then, use the greased end of the wooden spoon to gently but firmly tamp (press) the mixture down into the tip of the cone. This ensures the tip of your tree is solid and holds its shape.

Continue adding large spoonfuls of the mixture to the cone, tamping each addition down firmly as you go. This process is often easiest and most fun with two people working together – one to carefully plop the spoonfuls of mixture into the cone, and the other to efficiently tamp it down, ensuring there are no air pockets and the tree is dense and stable.

Once you’ve added enough mixture to achieve your desired tree height, grease your fingers lightly and smooth the top (which will become the base of your tree) to create a flat, level surface. This flat base is essential for the tree to stand upright stably. If you’re also making “presents,” now is the time to reserve a few spoonfuls of the mixture. Press these into your prepared square container or evenly fill one half of a loaf pan to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep.

8. Chill and Harden:

Carefully transfer the filled cone and any containers for “presents” to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for at least one hour, or until the rice krispie mixture is completely hardened and firm. This chilling process is vital; it sets the mixture, making it stable enough to unmold and decorate without collapsing. Patience here pays off for a sturdy, beautiful tree.

9. Unmold and Level:

Once thoroughly chilled and firm, gently pull the parchment paper liner (with the tree still inside) out of the stiff paper cone. The parchment allows for easy, clean removal. If you plan to make more trees, you can reuse the stiff paper cone by simply lining it with a fresh piece of parchment paper.

Now, stand your rice krispie tree upright on a flat surface to check its stability. If it appears slightly crooked or wobbly, use a sharp knife to carefully shave small bits off the bottom of the tree until it stands perfectly straight and level. This ensures your festive creation is proudly displayed.

If you made a batch of rice krispie mixture for “gifts,” carefully remove it from its container. Using a sharp knife, cut the square into either four larger, impressive gifts or nine smaller, charming ones. These add a wonderful touch to your holiday display.

10. Decorate Your Masterpiece:

This is where the real fun begins and creativity knows no bounds! Grab your squeeze tubes of colored icing, sprinkles, and sugar pearls. For decorating the tree with icing garlands, I found it easiest to slowly turn the tree while Meredith precisely applied the icing. This collaboration makes for a beautiful, even application and is a fantastic way for kids to participate.

Beyond garlands, consider adding dots of icing for ornaments, zig-zag patterns, or even drawing tiny stars. Embellish your trees and presents with a variety of sprinkles, from classic nonpareils to glittering sugar pearls and festive shapes. For a delightful tree topper, you can use a small pine cone, a miniature plastic tree ball, or a fuzzy pom-pom. Simply secure it in place with a dab of icing. For our tree, we chose a small, charming gingerbread star cookie to crown our creation, adding another layer of deliciousness and festive flair. Encourage your children to experiment and personalize their trees, making each one unique and special.

Enjoy Your Edible Masterpiece!

Once your gingerbread-spiced rice krispie trees are fully decorated and looking magnificent, you have two delightful options: proudly display your beautiful, festive creation as a charming holiday centerpiece, or simply indulge in its deliciousness! These treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing smiles and festive cheer to any gathering. They are not just desserts; they are edible works of art, imbued with the warmth of gingerbread and the joy of creating together. From our kitchen to yours, may your slide into the Christmas season be full of peace, joy, and plenty of delicious moments.

Guten Appetit!

Looking for more delightful kitchen adventures with your little ones? Discover other engaging ‘Cooking With Kids’ posts here.

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