Get ready to meet your new favorite party treat: Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists! These bright, pastel-hued bars take everything you love about classic marshmallow cereal treats and give them an irresistible carnival-inspired makeover. Imagine biting into soft, chewy layers swirled with magical cotton candy flavor, all topped off with a whimsical shower of sprinkles or glitter. Whether you’re surprising kids, dazzling party guests, or simply craving a fun afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe brings a burst of color and joy to any occasion.

Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists is in their simplicity—each ingredient lends its charm to create a treat that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. A handful of pantry staples, with just a whisper of cotton candy magic and a flash of color, makes these irresistible, nostalgic bites come together in a snap.

Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Melts smoothly for the base and keeps the treats rich but not too salty.
Mini marshmallows (1 10-ounce bag): These little clouds melt into the gooey glue that holds the whole creation together.
Cotton candy flavoring or extract (1/2 teaspoon): The secret ingredient that infuses every bite with irresistible funfair flair—look for it online or at baking shops.
Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): The classic snap, crackle, and pop texture—divided for swirling those pretty pastels.
Pink and blue food coloring (optional): A few drops transform this from ordinary to pure party magic.
Pastel sprinkles or edible glitter (optional): Give your treats a sparkly finish to match their playful flavor.
Nonstick spray or butter for greasing: Essential for easy release and mess-free slicing.

How to Make Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and give it a generous greasing with nonstick spray or butter. This one little step ensures that your finished Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists lift out in perfect pastel blocks, no sticking or fussing required.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Set a large pot over medium heat and toss in all the butter, letting it melt into a rich, golden pool. Pile in the mini marshmallows and stir constantly—watch as they become a fluffy, magical goo. Once everything is completely melted and silky smooth, it’s time for the real fun!

Step 3: Add the Cotton Candy Flavor

Remove your sweet, sticky mixture from the heat and quickly stir in the cotton candy flavoring. That tiny half-teaspoon is all you need for maximum carnival vibes! The aroma alone will make you smile.

Step 4: Divide and Color the Mixture

Pour half the marshmallow mixture into one bowl and the other half into a second bowl. Squeeze a few drops of pink food coloring into one and blue into the other—stir swiftly so everything gets coated before the mixture sets. You’ll instantly see the playful Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists colors taking shape!

Step 5: Mix in Rice Krispies Cereal

Now, add 3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to each bowl, stirring carefully to coat every puff in pastel marshmallow goodness. Work a bit fast here so nothing sets on you—you want an even, colorful mix.

Step 6: Swirl and Layer in the Pan

Using large spoonfuls, alternate dropping the pink and blue cereal mixtures into your prepared pan, creating a whimsical swirl effect. Once everything’s in, gently press down into an even layer—try using a buttered spatula or a sheet of wax paper so it doesn’t stick (and don’t compact it too tightly if you want soft, chewy bars).

Step 7: Add Sprinkles or Edible Glitter

If you’re embracing the full sparkle, scatter pastel sprinkles or edible glitter all over the top while the mixture is still warm. It’s the finishing touch that takes these Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists from cute to absolutely magical.

Step 8: Cool and Shape

Let your treat cool at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Then, cut them into classic squares—or for a truly twisty experience, slice and gently twist pieces into festive ropes. Either way, you’ll have a show-stopping party treat.

How to Serve Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists

Garnishes

A light dusting of pastel sprinkles or edible glitter isn’t just for looks—it adds a subtle crunchy sparkle and captures the playful spirit of these bars. You can also top with tiny cotton candy puffs or drizzle a bit of colorful icing if you’re feeling extra creative.

Side Dishes

These treats are stars on their own, but for a party spread, serve them alongside bowls of fresh berries, fruity punch, lemonade, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coolness and tart fruit balance the sweet, whimsical flair of the Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading individual twists onto playful paper straws or lollipop sticks for grab-and-go dessert fun. Mini cupcake liners create a lovely single-serve presentation, or stack bars in clear jars to show off those vibrant layers. Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists also make a charming edible gift—just wrap in cellophane and tie with pastel ribbon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your finished Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists soft and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to three days, making them perfect for party prep or lunchbox surprises.

Freezing

While you can freeze these treats for up to one month, they’re at their best when enjoyed fresh. If you do decide to freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.

Reheating

These bars are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If they’ve become a bit too firm after storage, just let them sit out on the counter for 15–20 minutes—this will bring back that soft, chewy bite you love.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! Just chop large marshmallows into smaller pieces to help them melt evenly. You’ll need about 5 1/2 cups of regular marshmallows to equal a 10-ounce bag of minis.

Where can I find cotton candy flavoring?

Look for cotton candy extract or flavoring in the baking aisle of well-stocked supermarkets, specialty baking stores, or online. A little goes a long way, and it lasts forever in your pantry.

What if I don’t have food coloring?

No worries! The bars will still taste like a carnival, but the signature pastel swirl will be more subtle. Feel free to get creative with any other food-safe colors you might have on hand, or embrace the all-natural look.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes! Kids can stir cereal into bowls, add food coloring, and decorate with sprinkles. Just be sure an adult handles the hot marshmallow mixture and supervises all steps involving heat.

How do I get perfect squares or twist shapes?

Use a sharp, buttered knife to slice clean squares once the bars are cool. For twist shapes, cut long strips and gently twist each one—you’ll love the pretty spiral effect. Greasing your hands or utensils with butter keeps things neat.

Final Thoughts

Life’s too short not to treat yourself (and everyone you love) to a batch of Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists. Sweet, cheerful, and almost too gorgeous to eat, they truly turn any day into a celebration! I can’t wait for you to take your first bite and experience just how fun homemade treats can be.

Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes + cooling
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists are a delightful and colorful twist on the classic Rice Krispies treats. With a hint of cotton candy flavoring and swirls of pink and blue, these treats are perfect for parties or a fun snack for kids.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring or extract
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
pink and blue food coloring (optional)
pastel sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
nonstick spray or butter for greasing

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the cotton candy flavoring.
Color and Mix: Divide the mixture into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one and blue food coloring to the other, stirring quickly. Mix 3 cups of Rice Krispies into each bowl.
Layer and Decorate: Drop spoonfuls of both colors into the pan, alternating colors. Press into an even layer and top with sprinkles or glitter.
Cool and Serve: Let cool for 30–60 minutes, then cut into squares or twist shapes.

Notes

Cotton candy flavoring can be found in baking stores or online.
Avoid overpacking the mixture when pressing into the pan to keep the treats soft and chewy.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American