Easy & Fun: Transform Classic Rice Krispies into Candy Coated Snow Cones
There’s nothing quite like a blast from the past, especially when it comes to beloved childhood treats. We’re taking a classic, old-school favorite – the humble Rice Krispies Treat – and giving it a delightful, colorful, and utterly fun twist! Get ready to dive into the world of homemade, candy-coated Rice Krispies Snow Cones. This recipe is not just easy to make; it’s an incredibly enjoyable activity to share with kids, perfect for celebrating any day that calls for a little extra sweetness and creativity.
Celebrating Cereal Day with a Creative Twist
Did you know there’s a National Cereal Day? It’s the perfect excuse to celebrate all things crunchy, sweet, and comforting. While a bowl of milk and cereal is a timeless pleasure, we believe in embracing innovation, even with the most traditional treats. That’s why we’re taking those beloved crispy cereal squares and reinventing them into charming, hand-held snow cones. This idea has been brewing for a while, and there’s no better time to bring these easy Rice Krispies Snow Cones to life than on a day dedicated to cereal!
Our goal for this site has always been to simplify projects while continuously adding innovative ideas. Rice Krispie treats, though wonderfully old school, offer a fantastic canvas for creativity. By shaping them into snow cones and adding a vibrant candy coating, we’re transforming a simple dessert into something truly special and visually appealing.
A Walk Down Memory Lane: The Enduring Charm of Rice Krispies Treats
Every time I whip up a batch of Rice Krispies Treats, I’m instantly transported back to my college days, specifically to my time working in the campus bakery. There’s one particular memory that always stands out: one of the veteran bakers asked me to stir a colossal pot of Rice Krispie mixture – it was genuinely a 3×4 foot vat of gooey goodness – with what looked suspiciously like a canoe paddle. Being the confident (and perhaps naive) young chap I was, I thought, “No problem, I’ve got this!” I’d seen her make it look effortless.
However, after just two minutes of grappling with what felt like a 50-pound ball of sticky, resistive rice krispies, I was utterly exhausted. It was a Herculean task, and suffice to say, that was the last time I was ever asked to stir the “rice krispie trough.” This experience, while memorable for its sheer physical challenge, solidified my deep appreciation for the simple joy these treats bring. It also taught me that while the basics are easy, scaling up can be quite an adventure!
Thankfully, the recipe we’re making today is a fraction of that mega batch, making it incredibly manageable and a pleasure to prepare. No canoe paddles required! These individual Rice Krispies Snow Cones are perfect for a fun afternoon project or a unique sweet gift.
Crafting Your Delightful Rice Krispies Snow Cones
The beauty of these candy-coated Rice Krispies Snow Cones lies in their simplicity and the instant gratification they offer. After preparing the warm, gooey Rice Krispies mixture on the stove, the fun truly begins. Here’s a quick overview of the creative process:
- Shape the Base: Press a generous amount of the warm, sticky Rice Krispies mixture into the bottom of paper snow cone cups, ensuring they are well-packed and form a solid base.
- Create the “Snow” Dome: Take another handful of the mixture and gently shape it into a rounded dome. This will be the “snow” part of your cone. Carefully press this dome onto the top of the base you’ve already formed in the cup. Don’t over-compress, or you’ll lose some of that delightful chewiness!
- Dip & Decorate: Now for the vibrant transformation! Melt white candy coating according to package directions. Divide it and dye it with your favorite food colorings to create a rainbow of options. Spoon the colored candy coating over the shaped Rice Krispies, letting it drip down the sides for that authentic snow cone look.
- Add Sparkle: Immediately after coating, while the candy is still wet, liberally sprinkle on colored sanding sugar. This adds both texture and a dazzling visual appeal.
Within about 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of gorgeous, gooey, and sweet Rice Krispies Snow Cones ready to devour. I might or might not have enjoyed the pink one for dinner last night – they’re just that irresistible!
Easy Rice Krispies Snow Cones
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Ingredients
Rice Krispies (recipe from box)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Materials & Topping
- Paper Snow Cone Cups
- 12 oz. bag White Candy MeltsFood Coloring
- Colored Sanding Sugar
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Instructions
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In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter (3 tablespoons) over low heat. Add marshmallows (4 cups) and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
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Add Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups). Stir until well coated.
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Press mixture into bottoms of snow cone cups. Shape top dome and press on top.
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Melt white candy melts according to instructions on packaging, dye with food coloring, and spoon on top of snow cones. Immediately after coating, sprinkle on sanding sugar.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe! This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Nutrition
Tips for Perfect Rice Krispies Snow Cones
While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve the best results for your candy-coated Rice Krispies Snow Cones:
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Old or stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly, affecting the texture of your treats. Fresh marshmallows are key for that perfectly gooey consistency.
- Low Heat is Your Friend: When melting butter and marshmallows, keep the heat low. High heat can make the marshmallows tough, leading to hard treats instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Don’t Over-Press: When filling the snow cone cups and shaping the domes, resist the urge to pack the mixture too tightly. A gentle but firm press will ensure they hold their shape while remaining wonderfully soft to bite into.
- Work Quickly: The Rice Krispies mixture becomes harder to work with as it cools. Have your snow cone cups ready and work efficiently to shape them while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
- Customize Your Colors: Don’t limit yourself to just pink! Use various food colorings to create a rainbow of snow cones. Think blue, green, yellow, or even purple for a truly festive display. Gel food coloring provides more vibrant hues without adding excess liquid.
- Sprinkle Immediately: The candy coating sets quickly. Make sure to have your sanding sugar ready to sprinkle on immediately after coating each snow cone for optimal adhesion.
- Storage: Store your completed Rice Krispies Snow Cones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They tend to harden in the refrigerator, so it’s best to keep them out.
Variations and Creative Ideas
The fun doesn’t have to stop with just colored candy melts and sanding sugar. Here are some ideas to take your Rice Krispies Snow Cones to the next level:
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract (or almond, peppermint, lemon!) to your melted marshmallow mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of a full candy coating, you could drizzle melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white) over the top for a different look and taste.
- Different Toppings: Beyond sanding sugar, consider mini chocolate chips, crushed candies, shredded coconut, or even a tiny dollop of whipped cream (add just before serving!) for diverse textures and flavors.
- Alternative Cereals: While Rice Krispies are classic, you could experiment with other puffed cereals like Fruity Pebbles for a colorful base or Cocoa Krispies for a chocolatey treat.
- Surprise Center: For an extra special touch, create a small cavity in the dome and insert a mini marshmallow, a chocolate kiss, or a small gummy candy before sealing it with more Rice Krispies mixture.
- Party Favors: Wrap individual snow cones in clear cellophane bags with a colorful ribbon for unique and delicious party favors or gifts.
Make it a Family Fun Activity!
One of the best aspects of making these Rice Krispies Snow Cones is how kid-friendly the process is. From stirring the cereal (once cooled slightly, of course!) to pressing the mixture into cups and, most importantly, decorating with colorful candy melts and sprinkles, there are plenty of tasks for little hands. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together in the kitchen, fostering creativity and making delicious memories. Plus, they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor almost immediately!
What’s Your Favorite Cereal?
Since we’re celebrating a day (or just the spirit) of cereal, I’d love to hear from you! What’s your all-time favorite cereal? Share your go-to bowl in the comments below, and let me know if you tried these fun Rice Krispies Snow Cones!