Football Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Game day just isn’t complete without fun snacks, and these football rice krispie treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Shaped like little footballs and finished with sweet chocolate and icing laces, they bring team spirit straight to the dessert table. Whether you’re gearing up for the Super Bowl, hosting a tailgate, or planning a kid-friendly sports party, these no-bake bites add the perfect playful touch.
What makes this recipe so special is how quick and simple it is to pull together. With just marshmallows, cereal, butter, and chocolate, you’ll have everything you need for a dessert that’s chewy, sweet, and festive. Plus, this is a recipe kids love helping with—from shaping the footballs to piping the laces, it’s hands-on fun that turns into edible decorations.
Serve them alongside classic game day favorites like sliders, wings, and nachos, and you’ll have a winning lineup. These treats are easy, portable, and make-ahead friendly—perfect for keeping the focus on the game while your dessert steals the show..
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Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of football rice krispie treats is that they come together with just a few pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Rice Krispies cereal – the crunchy base that gives the treats their classic texture.
- Mini marshmallows – melt smoothly for the perfect sticky coating.
- Unsalted butter – adds flavor and keeps the mixture soft.
- Semi-sweet chocolate or candy melts – for dipping and creating that football look.
- White icing or melted white chocolate – to pipe on the laces.
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Krispies cereal | 6 cups | Use gluten-free crisp rice cereal if needed |
| Mini marshmallows | 10 oz bag (about 5 cups) | Large marshmallows work too—just cut them smaller |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons | Coconut oil or margarine as alternatives |
| Semi-sweet chocolate or candy melts | 2 cups (melted) | Milk or dark chocolate works as well |
| White icing or white chocolate | ½ cup (melted) | Great for piping football laces |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Melt and Mix
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Once melted, remove from the heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until every piece is coated and sticky. This mixture forms the base for your football rice krispie treats.
2. Shape into Footballs
Lightly grease your hands or a piece of wax paper to prevent sticking. Scoop out portions of the mixture and press into oval football shapes. Place them on a lined baking sheet to cool slightly. If you want uniform treats, you can also press the mixture into a 9×13 pan first, then cut out football shapes with a knife or cookie cutter.
3. Dip in Chocolate
Melt the chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Dip each treat into the melted chocolate, coating evenly. Place back on the baking sheet and let the coating set. The chocolate shell not only makes them look authentic but also adds delicious flavor to your football rice krispie treats recipe.
4. Add the Laces
Once the chocolate has set, use white icing or melted white chocolate to pipe the laces on top of each football. A simple horizontal line with a few small vertical lines is all you need to complete the look. Now your treats are ready to impress at your Super Bowl party or any game day gathering.
These steps create chewy, chocolatey, and perfectly themed desserts that everyone will love. The best part? These football rice krispie treats don’t require baking and can be made ahead of time, leaving you more moments to enjoy the game.
Tips for Perfect Football Rice Krispie Treats Every Time
Even though football rice krispie treats are simple to make, a few smart tips will guarantee the best results every time:
- Use fresh marshmallows. Stale ones don’t melt as smoothly and can make the treats hard.
- Low and slow heat. Melt butter and marshmallows over low heat so the mixture stays creamy and doesn’t burn.
- Don’t overpack the mixture. Press gently when shaping—packing too tightly makes the treats tough instead of chewy.
- Shape while warm. The mixture is easiest to form into footballs while still slightly warm and pliable.
- Grease your hands or tools. Lightly buttered hands or wax paper prevent sticking when shaping or pressing.
- Thin your chocolate. Add 1 tsp coconut oil if the melted chocolate feels too thick for dipping.
- Decorate last. Always wait until the chocolate shell has hardened before piping on the white laces.
With these simple tricks, your football rice krispie treats will come out chewy, chocolatey, and perfectly football-shaped—ready to impress at any Super Bowl or game day party.
Variations & Creative Twists
One of the best parts about football rice krispie treats is how easy they are to customize. With just a few tweaks, you can give them a fresh twist and make them stand out on your game day dessert table.
- Peanut Butter Footballs: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter when melting the marshmallows for an extra rich, nutty flavor.
- Mini Football Pops: Insert a popsicle stick before dipping in chocolate—perfect for kids or serving on a party platter.
- Green “Field Grass” Topping: Sprinkle shredded coconut dyed green with food coloring around the treats for a fun football field presentation.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap in gluten-free crisp rice cereal and allergy-friendly marshmallows.
- Flavor Swaps: Try chocolate or caramel marshmallows for a bolder taste.
Serving Ideas
These football rice krispie treats are as versatile as they are fun, which makes them the ultimate addition to any game day spread. For a Super Bowl party, arrange them on a tray lined with green paper or coconut “grass” to look like a football field—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
They also work great for tailgates and sports-themed birthdays. Wrap each treat in clear plastic with ribbon for party favors, or place them in a basket for grab-and-go snacking.
If you’re hosting a larger game day buffet, pair these sweet bites with savory favorites like nachos, wings, or sliders to balance the menu. They hold up well next to other desserts, too—think brownies, cookies, and cupcakes.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about football rice krispie treats is that they’re easy to prepare in advance, making them perfect for busy game day schedules. Once the treats are decorated, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. To keep them fresh and chewy, place a sheet of wax paper between layers so they don’t stick together.
If you’d like to prep ahead, shape the cereal mixture into footballs and freeze them undecorated. On game day, just dip in chocolate and add the laces for a fresh finish. Avoid storing them in the fridge, since moisture can make the cereal lose its crisp texture.
History & Fun Facts About Rice Krispie Treats
Before they became football rice krispie treats, these chewy little squares had a history of their own. The original Rice Krispie Treat was invented in 1939 by Kellogg’s employees Malitta Jensen and Mildred Day as a fundraiser recipe for the Camp Fire Girls. The combination of crisp rice cereal and melted marshmallows quickly became a household favorite because it was affordable, quick, and easy to make.
Over the years, creative bakers have shaped them into everything from holiday wreaths to Easter eggs—and now into footballs for game day. Fun fact: Kellogg’s even started selling pre-packaged Rice Krispie Treats in the 1990s, making the snack even more popular.
Today, themed variations like these football rice krispie treats are a staple at Super Bowl parties and sports-themed events. They show how a simple classic recipe can be transformed into something fun, festive, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Nutrition Information for Football Rice Krispie Treats
Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving of football rice krispie treats (based on a batch of 12–14 treats):
| Nutrient | Amount (per treat) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands of cereal, marshmallows, and chocolate used.
These football rice krispie treats are sweet, fun, and indulgent—best enjoyed in moderation as part of your Super Bowl or game day spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make football rice krispie treats ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to two days before your Super Bowl party. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them chewy and delicious.
How do I keep my football rice krispie treats from sticking?
Lightly grease your hands or use wax paper when shaping. A little butter or cooking spray goes a long way in keeping things mess-free.
What’s the best chocolate for dipping?
Melting wafers or semi-sweet chocolate are best for smooth, even coating. They set quickly and give your football rice krispie treats that polished look.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely! Kids love shaping the ovals and piping the white laces. It’s a fun family activity and a perfect way to get everyone involved before game day.
Recipe
Football Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 10 oz (about 5 cups) mini marshmallows
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate or candy melts (melted)
- ½ cup white icing or melted white chocolate (for laces)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat; stir in Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
- Shape mixture into football ovals with greased hands or press into pan and cut out shapes.
- Dip each oval into melted chocolate. Place on lined sheet to set.
- Pipe white laces with icing or melted white chocolate.
- Let set before serving.
Notes
- For clean shapes, grease your hands or use wax paper to press and form the footballs.
- Use cookie cutters for uniform sizes.
- If chocolate is too thick, add 1 tsp coconut oil when melting to thin it out.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp—avoid refrigeration, as it makes cereal soggy.
- Freeze undecorated bases up to 1 month, then dip and decorate before serving.
- Want extra flavor? Stir in ½ cup peanut butter with the marshmallows before adding cereal.
- Make them mini-sized on popsicle sticks for kid-friendly party pops.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 215Saturated Fat: 4gSodium: 120mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 1gSugar: 22gProtein: 2g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
And there you have it—fun, festive, and easy football rice krispie treats that will score big at any game day celebration. With their chewy texture, chocolate coating, and playful football design, these no-bake desserts are sure to be a highlight on your snack table.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd for the Super Bowl, bringing treats to a tailgate, or planning a sports-themed birthday party, this recipe is a guaranteed win. They’re simple enough for kids to help with, yet impressive enough to wow your guests.
