Name: Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 10 oz. bag mini marshmallows; 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 11 oz. bag of Mother’s circus animal cookies; 3 tablespoons colored nonpareils; 1/2 cup pink candy melts; 1/2 cup white candy melts; Non-stick cooking spray; Two piping bags or plastic baggies

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 86 reviews

If you’re ready to take a classic childhood favorite to the next level, the Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is here to brighten your snack time and bring pure joy with every colorful bite. These treats combine the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with the whimsical sweetness and festive flair of vibrant Circus Animal Cookies, all tied together with buttery marshmallows and playful candy drizzle. This recipe is not just fun to make but also a delightful crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or anytime you want a cheerful, delicious treat that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several clear glass bowls and a white plate arranged neatly. The largest bowl in the center holds pink and white small dog bone-shaped snacks with sprinkles on top. To the top right, there is a bowl filled with light brown crushed cereal pieces on a red and white polka dot cloth. Next to that is a small bowl full of rainbow-colored round sprinkles. On the right side, two medium-sized bowls have pink and white candy melts inside. On the bottom left, a white plate holds a stick of butter, and to its right, there is a small bottle of red food coloring placed upright. Scattered across the top left side of the surface are miniature white marshmallows. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a starring role. From the rich, creamy butter that binds everything together to the sweet and crunchy Circus Animal Cookies that add texture and color, every element contributes to making these treats irresistible.

4 tablespoons butter: Provides a smooth, luscious base and helps everything hold together perfectly.
10 oz. bag mini marshmallows: The gooey, sweet binder that’s the heart of any Rice Krispie treat.
4 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The classic crunchy foundation that offers a light, crispy texture.
11 oz. bag of Mother’s Circus Animal Cookies: Adds playful shapes, colors, and an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.
3 tbsp colored nonpareils: Tiny sprinkles that boost the festive look and add a bit of extra fun.
1/2 cup pink candy melts: Used for drizzling a pop of pastel color and a creamy chocolate taste.
1/2 cup white candy melts: Provides a contrasting drizzle that enhances both flavor and appearance.
Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for greasing the pan to make cleanup and serving easy.
Two piping bags or plastic baggies: For artistically drizzling the melted candy melts over the treats.

How to Make Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter and the entire 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows together in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat them for 1 minute, then stir gently to combine. If some marshmallows are still stubborn, give them short bursts of 15 to 30 seconds more in the microwave while stirring until everything reaches that perfectly smooth, molten marshmallow stage we all love.

Step 2: Mix in Cereal, Cookies, and Sprinkles

Once your marshmallow mixture is silky and ready, fold in 4 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, 1 tablespoon of those bright colored nonpareils, and 2 cups of the Circus Animal Cookies chopped into fun-sized pieces. Mixing these all in while the marshmallows are warm helps the ingredients meld together into a wonderfully sticky, colorful treat that’s bursting with texture.

Step 3: Press Into Prepared Pan and Cool

Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray so your treat doesn’t stick, then press the marshmallow-and-cereal mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. The pressure is key to getting those solid, neat bars once cooled. Let the entire thing cool completely—about 30 minutes—so it can set just right before moving on to the next exciting decorating step.

Step 4: Melt Candy Melts for Drizzling

While your treat cools, prepare the candy melts. Heat the pink and white candy melts separately in microwave-safe bowls at 30-second intervals. Stir between every heating to avoid burning and to keep the consistency smooth and drizzle-ready. This is where your creative spirit can shine in decorating the goodies.

Step 5: Decorate With Candy Melts, Cookies, and Sprinkles

Transfer each melted candy into its own piping bag or a snipped plastic baggie. Drizzle the pink and white candy melts artfully over the cooled Rice Krispie treats. Before the candy hardens, sprinkle on more of the colored nonpareils and decorate generously with whole Circus Animal Cookies on top for that signature festive pop. Let the candy melts set fully for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares and serving the colorful magic.

How to Serve Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

The image shows nine square dessert bars arranged in a 3x3 grid on a white marbled surface. Each bar has a light pink base with visible colorful sprinkles throughout, topped with a thin drizzle of white icing in crisscross lines. On top of each bar, there is a small, flat animal-shaped decoration in bright pink or white, with some decorated with tiny colorful sprinkles. Around the dessert bars, there are a few extra animal-shaped decorations scattered on the surface, alongside a small clear bowl filled with multicolored sprinkles placed on a white cloth with red polka dots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The magic of these treats doesn’t stop at baking—adding extra Circus Animal Cookies on top creates an irresistible visual and textural punch with each bite. The sprinkle of nonpareils adds a fun crunch and brightens up the presentation. You can even add a light dusting of edible glitter for an extra sparkle at birthday parties or festive occasions.

Side Dishes

Serve these treats alongside a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot chocolate, or even a fresh fruit platter to balance the sweetness. They pair wonderfully with simple, fresh items because the treats themselves are bold and packed with flavor, offering guests a perfect combination of indulgence and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party or gift idea, stack individual Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats squares in a clear jar or wrap them in colorful cellophane with a matching ribbon. You can also use cupcake liners for portioned servings or create a dessert platter with colorful sprinkles, more cookie toppings, and even themed decorations that match your event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe bars fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, which means you can enjoy that colorful fun even after your party ends.

Freezing

If you want to make these treats in advance or save some for later, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep their texture and flavor well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature for about an hour.

Reheating

Since these treats are best enjoyed soft and chewy, there’s no need to reheat. However, if you prefer a slightly warmed snack, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to melt the candy decoration too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized Circus Animal Cookies instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Just chop your regular-sized Circus Animal Cookies into small pieces before mixing so they integrate well with the Rice Krispies and marshmallows.

What if I don’t have candy melts? Can I use something else?

You can substitute candy melts with white and colored chocolate chips or even drizzle some melted white chocolate and food coloring mixed together. Just make sure to melt them gently so they don’t seize up.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and confirm your Circus Animal Cookies are gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free cookie you love.

Can these treats be made without butter?

Butter helps with the rich texture and binding, but you can try substituting with coconut oil or margarine. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and consistency.

How long does it take for the candy melts to fully set?

Typically, candy melts harden in about 15 minutes at room temperature. To speed this up, you can place the treats in the refrigerator for a few minutes, but don’t leave them there too long to avoid condensation.

Final Thoughts

This Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is pure happiness captured in a colorful, crunchy, chewy bite that’s easy enough for a spontaneous snack but special enough to impress at any gathering. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this playful twist on a classic—trust me, once you try it, these vibrant treats will become a staple in your kitchen and a party-life favorite you can’t wait to make again.