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Easy Mini Football Rice Krispie Treats: Best Game Day Snack

mini football rice krispie treats - featured image

Classic buttery, marshmallow-crisp bars shaped into tiny footballs and dressed up with chocolate lacing. No fancy molds or special tools needed, just your hands and a bit of patience for a crowd-pleasing game day snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 10 ounces marshmallows (one standard bag of mini marshmallows)
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, stirring occasionally, until fully melted and just starting to bubble around the edges (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add the entire 10-ounce bag of marshmallows. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the marshmallows are completely smooth and fully melted (about 3-4 minutes). Do not walk away during this step.
  4. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract if using. The mixture should look glossy and stretchy.
  5. Pour in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal all at once. Fold gently but thoroughly until every piece of cereal is coated (about 20-30 folds). Do not overmix.
  6. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a greased spatula or greased hands to press it into an even layer. Press gently to keep the treats light and airy.
  7. Let the treats cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until firm but still slightly warm.
  8. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the treats into small rectangles about 1.5 inches by 2 inches. You should get about 20-24 pieces. Wipe the knife clean between cuts.
  9. Shape each rectangle into a football: gently round the corners with your fingers, then taper the ends slightly. Dip your fingers in water or grease them lightly to prevent sticking.
  10. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted (about 60-90 seconds total).
  11. Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe a small line down the center of each football, then add 3-4 short perpendicular lines across it to mimic football laces.
  12. Place the footballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set at room temperature for about 30 minutes (or 10-15 minutes in the fridge).

Notes

Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before shaping the footballs to prevent sticking. Keep a small bowl of water nearby for dipping fingers. Use low heat when melting marshmallows to avoid scorching. Press the mixture gently into the pan to keep treats light and airy. For best results, shape the footballs when the mixture is set but still pliable (about 15-20 minutes after pressing into pan). Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Do not refrigerate.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rice Krispie treats, football shaped, game day snack, Super Bowl snack, no bake dessert, easy dessert, mini footballs, chocolate laces