Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 10-ounce bag mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Orange food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Mini Tootsie Rolls or Rolos (for pumpkin stems)
- Green M&M’s, candy leaves, or pretzel sticks (for leaves/stems)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until smooth.
- Add Food Coloring: Stir in a few drops of orange food coloring until you reach a pumpkin-like hue.
- Mix in the Cereal: Remove from heat. Add the Rice Krispies and stir until fully coated.
- Cool Slightly: Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes—it should still be warm but not hot.
- Form Pumpkins: Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Scoop out small handfuls and shape into balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Add Stems and Leaves: While still warm, press a Tootsie Roll or Rolo into the top center of each ball. Add green M&M’s or candy for leaves. Let set on wax paper.
- Cool and Serve: Let them firm up for 15–20 minutes, then serve or store.
Notes
Work fast once the cereal is mixed—if it cools too much, shaping becomes a chore. Don’t overheat the marshmallows or they’ll go stiff instead of gooey.