Description
Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats combine the nostalgic crunch of classic Circus Animal Cookies with gooey marshmallow and crispy Rice Krispies cereal in a fun, colorful dessert. Drizzled with white and pink tinted white chocolate and sprinkled with multicolored nonpareils and sprinkles, these treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime you want a playful, sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 9 ounces Circus Animal Cookies
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Toppings and Decoration
- 3 tablespoons multi-colored nonpareils, divided
- 3 tablespoons colored sprinkles, divided
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- red food coloring
- 12 teaspoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Process cookies: Place all Circus Animal Cookies into a food processor and pulse 3 to 4 times until the cookies break down into a mixture of crumbs and small pieces. Reserve ½ cup of crumbled cookies to sprinkle on top later.
- Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large pot over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and mini marshmallows together, stirring frequently to prevent burning and create a smooth melted mixture.
- Combine cereal and toppings: Remove pot from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal, crumbled cookies (except the reserved ½ cup), 1 tablespoon of nonpareils, and 1 tablespoon of colored sprinkles. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat all cereal pieces. Then sprinkle in another tablespoon each of nonpareils and sprinkles and mix again for additional color and texture.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press evenly into the pan using a rubber spatula to compact the treats.
- Add cookie crumb topping: Evenly sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of crumbled Circus Animal Cookies over the top of the pressed mixture for extra cookie flavor and decorative effect.
- Melt white chocolate (first batch): In two small microwave-safe bowls, divide the white chocolate chips equally. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir each until melted and smooth. Transfer one bowl’s melted white chocolate into a zipper-top sandwich bag, cut off a small corner, ready for drizzling.
- Drizzle white chocolate: Drizzle the plain white chocolate in a desired pattern over the Rice Krispie treats in the baking dish.
- Color second batch of white chocolate: Add a very small amount of red food coloring to the second bowl of melted white chocolate, stirring until fully incorporated. Add more red food coloring little by little until you achieve a soft pink hue, being careful not to over-color.
- Adjust consistency if needed: If the pink chocolate becomes too thick or difficult to stir, add ½ teaspoon of heavy cream and stir until smooth and drizzle-friendly.
- Drizzle pink chocolate: Transfer the pink chocolate into another zipper-top bag, cut a small corner, and drizzle in the opposite direction to the white chocolate drizzles for a fun two-tone effect.
- Add remaining sprinkles: Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon each of nonpareils and colored sprinkles over the entire top to complete the colorful decoration.
- Cool and set: Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate has set before slicing and serving, ensuring the treats hold together well.
Notes
- Use fresh Circus Animal Cookies for the best flavor and texture.
- Be careful when melting the marshmallows and butter over low heat to prevent burning.
- The red food coloring can easily overpower the white chocolate; add gradually for the perfect pink.
- If you do not have a food processor, place the cookies in a sturdy plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin, but some larger chunks are preferred.
- Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute vegan butter and white chocolate chips accordingly.
