These adorable penguin treats take minutes to make using store-bought Rice Krispie Treats, candy melts, and candy.
Easy & Adorable Penguin Rice Krispie Treats: A Fun No-Bake Recipe for Kids
There’s something undeniably magical about creating festive treats, especially when they’re as simple and delightful as these Penguin Rice Krispie Treats. As a devoted fan of Rice Krispie Treats, I’ve always found joy in transforming these classic crispy squares into seasonal masterpieces. From Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats during the holidays to other imaginative creations, the possibilities are endless.
Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that combines the beloved crunch of Rice Krispie Treats with the undeniable cuteness of penguins. These little guys are not just a treat for the taste buds, but also an absolute feast for the eyes. They’re perfect for winter parties, holiday gatherings, or simply a fun afternoon activity with the kids. Get ready to fall in love with these charming, chocolate-covered delights!
Why You’ll Adore These Penguin Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly easy, you’ve found it! These Penguin Rice Krispie Treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and offer numerous benefits:
- Effortlessly Simple: No baking required! We’re starting with pre-made Rice Krispie Treats, which cuts down prep time dramatically.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The decorating process is straightforward enough for even little hands to help, making it a fantastic family activity.
- Adorable Appeal: Let’s be honest, who can resist a treat shaped like a cute penguin? They bring smiles to faces of all ages.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While they scream winter, these treats are fantastic for any animal-themed party, school event, or just a delightful everyday snack.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of readily available items to bring these penguins to life.
- No Special Skills Required: Forget intricate piping or advanced baking techniques. If you can melt candy and stick on candies, you can make these!
Dive into the Magic of Penguin Rice Krispie Treats!
Aren’t these the most captivating little treats you’ve ever laid eyes on? I’m completely smitten! Their charm lies not just in their adorable appearance, but also in the sheer simplicity of their creation. You don’t need any special decorating skills or years of culinary experience to make these treats look fantastic. In fact, getting all your ingredients and supplies together is arguably the “hardest” part – and that just involves a quick trip to the store or a few clicks online. The actual assembly? It’s an absolute breeze!
These penguins are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Imagine the delighted faces of children (and adults!) when they see these little fellows waddling across your dessert table. They add a whimsical touch to any spread and are guaranteed to be a conversation starter. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday party, or simply want to brighten a dreary winter day, these treats are your go-to recipe for joy.
Gathering Your Supplies: The Easiest Part of This Festive Treat
Before we embark on our sweet adventure, let’s ensure we have everything ready. A little preparation goes a long way in making the decorating process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients:
- Rice Krispie Treats: For ultimate convenience, we highly recommend using store-bought, pre-packaged Rice Krispie Treats. They come in perfectly sized squares and save you a significant amount of time. However, if you’re a purist or simply enjoy making things from scratch, feel free to whip up your own batch using this bakery-style Rice Krispies treats recipe. The choice is entirely yours! Just ensure they are firm enough to handle.
- Black Candy Melts: These will form the main body of your penguin. Candy melts are specially designed for easy melting and provide a smooth, consistent coating that sets quickly. You can find them in the baking aisle of most craft stores or supermarkets.
- Bright White Candy Melts: These are crucial for creating the distinctive white “belly” of your penguins. Again, candy melts are preferred for their texture and setting properties.
- Orange M&Ms (Regular Size): You’ll need these for the penguin’s feet. The vibrant orange color provides a wonderful contrast against the black and white.
- Orange M&M Minis: These tiny candies are perfectly shaped to become the adorable little beaks of your penguins. If you can’t find minis, you can carefully cut regular M&Ms or use other small orange candies.
- Large Candy Eyes: These edible eyes instantly bring your penguins to life, giving them that irresistible, cute expression. They are available in the baking section alongside sprinkles and other decorating supplies.
Recommended Equipment:
- Popsicle Sticks: These are incredibly helpful for dipping the Rice Krispie Treats into the melted candy, allowing for easy handling and less mess. Plus, they make the treats look like fun pops!
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: Essential for lining your baking sheets. This prevents the dipped treats from sticking as they set, making cleanup a breeze.
- Microwave-Safe Bowls: For melting your candy melts.
- Spoons or Small Spatulas: Useful for coating the treats and handling melted candy.
- Baking Sheets: To hold your lined paper and finished treats.
With your ingredients and equipment assembled, you’re more than halfway to creating these delightful treats!
Crafting Your Cute Penguins: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Now for the fun part – assembling your adorable penguin army! The process is incredibly straightforward, almost as easy as “peasy lemon squeezy.” Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to bring your penguin treats to life, complete with tips for success:
- Prepare Your Workspace: First, line a large baking sheet with either wax paper or parchment paper. This non-stick surface is crucial for letting your treats set without sticking. Set it aside so it’s ready when your penguins are formed.
- Chill Your Treats: Unwrap each store-bought Rice Krispie Treat and gently insert a popsicle stick into the base of each one. Be careful not to push it all the way through the top. This stick will serve as a handle for dipping. Place the skewered treats on a plate and chill them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps the treats firm up, making them easier to dip and less likely to fall apart in the warm candy melts.
- Melt the Black Candy Melts: Place your black candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt them in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval. Continue until the candy melts are smooth and completely melted, with no lumps. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for a more controlled melting process. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the candy melts to seize or become too thick.
- Dip and Decorate – Work Quickly! This is the most exciting step!
- Coat the Treat: Take a chilled Rice Krispie Treat on its popsicle stick. Use a spoon to generously coat about two-thirds of the treat with the melted black candy. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. You want a good, even layer.
- Add the Eyes: Immediately, while the black candy is still wet and pliable, carefully press two large candy eyes onto the upper front portion of the black-coated treat.
- Create the Beak: Below the eyes, gently press one orange M&M Mini sideways into the wet black candy to form the penguin’s beak.
- Form the Belly: For the white belly, you have two options. You can either gently dip the lower third of the treat (the part not covered in black) into melted white candy melts and let it set, or, for an even easier approach, simply press a bright white candy melt onto the lower front, allowing it to adhere to the slightly wet black candy.
- Attach the Feet: Finally, for the feet, press two regular-sized orange M&Ms onto the very bottom of the treat, at a slight angle, to resemble little flippers. Ensure they stick firmly.
- Set and Chill: Carefully place each decorated penguin on your lined baking sheet. Repeat the dipping and decorating process with all the remaining Rice Krispie Treats. Once all penguins are decorated, place the baking sheet back into the refrigerator to allow the candy melts to fully set, which typically takes another 15-20 minutes. The candy should be firm and dry to the touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once fully set, your adorable Penguin Rice Krispie Treats are ready to be served!
I genuinely hope that you and your little ones have an absolute blast making and, of course, devouring this fun and easy Penguin treat recipe! It’s a wonderful way to bond over a shared sweet creation.
Tips for Penguin Perfection & Variations
To ensure your Penguin Rice Krispie Treats turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and creative variations:
- Melting Candy Melts: When melting candy melts, always use a low heat setting. If using a microwave, stir frequently to prevent scorching. If your candy melts seem too thick, you can add a tiny bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (about 1/2 teaspoon per cup of melts) to thin them slightly, making them easier to dip.
- Working Quickly: Candy melts set relatively fast, especially if your treats are chilled. Have all your candies (eyes, M&Ms) laid out and ready before you start dipping so you can decorate immediately after coating each treat.
- Uniform Coating: For a smoother finish, gently tap the popsicle stick against the side of the bowl after dipping to remove excess candy.
- Storage: Store your finished Penguin Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. In warmer climates, or if you prefer them firmer, you can store them in the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Involving Kids: Kids love to help! Let them unwrap the treats, insert the popsicle sticks, and, under supervision, help place the candy eyes, beaks, and feet. They’ll be so proud of their creations!
- Creative Variations:
- Scarves: Use thin strips of fruit leather or red licorice to wrap around the penguin’s neck for a cozy winter scarf.
- Sparkle: Before the candy melts fully set, sprinkle a bit of edible glitter on the black coating for a magical touch.
- Different Colors: While black and white are classic, imagine pink penguins or blue penguins for a whimsical twist! Simply use different colored candy melts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Penguin Rice Krispie Treats
Here are answers to some common questions you might have while making these fun treats:
- Can I make my own Rice Krispie Treats from scratch for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While store-bought treats offer convenience, homemade Rice Krispie Treats are delicious. Just ensure they are well-pressed and firm before chilling and inserting the popsicle sticks.
- How long do these Penguin Rice Krispie Treats last?
- When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they typically stay fresh for 3-4 days. If refrigerated, they can last a bit longer, but the texture might become slightly chewier.
- Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of candy melts?
- You can, but it might be trickier. Chocolate chips often require tempering to set properly and prevent blooming (white streaks). Candy melts are specifically designed to melt smoothly and harden quickly without tempering, making them much easier for dipping and decorating.
- Can I make these treats in advance for a party?
- Yes, you can make them 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature (or in the refrigerator if your home is warm). Just make sure they are completely set before stacking them to prevent sticking.
- What if my candy melts seize or become too thick?
- If your candy melts seize (become grainy and hard) from overheating or if they’re just too thick to dip, try adding a small amount (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) of shortening (like Crisco) or coconut oil, stirring well until smooth. Add more if needed, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Avoid adding water, as this will cause them to seize instantly.
Penguin Rice Krispie Treats
Author: Jaclyn
Equipment
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Popsicle Sticks (200 ct)
Ingredients
- 8 ct package Rice Krispie Treats or make your own
- 16 orange M&Ms
- 8 orange M&M Minis
- 12 ounce black candy melts
- 24 bright white candy melts
- 16 large candy eyes
Instructions
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Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper and set aside.
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Open Rice Krispie Treats and insert a popsicle stick into the base of each. Place on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 15 – 20 minutes.
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Melt black candy melts in double broiler or in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring occasionally until melted.
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Use a spoon to coat a treat with melted chocolate, allowing the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Then immediately add candy eyes, a mini M&M nose (standing up sideways), a white candy melt “belly”, and 2 M&M feet on the bottom (at a slight angle). Set on lined baking sheet to set. Repeat with all the penguins.
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Allow to set fully before serving.
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Don’t Miss These Other Fun & Creative Treats
If you enjoyed making these adorable penguins, be sure to check out some of my other fun and easy treat recipes:
- Chocolate-covered Strawberry Ladybugs
- Pumpkin Cookie Dough Pops
- Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats
- Clam Shell Cookies
Pin for Later:
Don’t forget to save this fantastic recipe for later! Pin the image below to your favorite dessert or holiday board on Pinterest, so you can easily find it when you’re ready to create some penguin magic.
This recipe was shared on the Weekend Potluck.