Cotton Candy Rice Krispie Treats Recip

Okay, real talk: you’re here because you saw a photo of these pink-and-blue swirled beauties and your brain went full carnival mode. Same. These cotton candy Rice Krispie treats are stupidly fun, taste like childhood nostalgia on a sugar high, and take literally 15 minutes. No baking, minimal dishes, maximum “holy crap I made these?!” bragging rights. Let’s go get sticky.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because regular Rice Krispie treats are great… but these are the glow-up version that shows up to the party in glitter heels. The cotton candy flavor is legit (not just “kinda sweet”), the colors are insane, and the swirl makes every square look like unicorn dreams. Plus, they’re basically fool-proof—I’ve made them half-asleep and hungover and they still slayed. You got this.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cotton Candy Rice Krispie Treats

• 5 tablespoons salted butter (yes, 5—trust me, the extra makes them next-level gooey)
• 16 oz bag mini marshmallows (or 10 cups if you’re fancy and measure)
• 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal (yes, 7—extra crunch, extra joy)
• ¾ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring oil (LorAnn brand is the GOAT—get it on Amazon, it’s cheap and lasts forever)
• Pink gel food coloring (I use Americolor Soft Pink)
• Blue gel food coloring (Americolor Sky Blue or Electric Blue)
• Optional but highly recommended: cotton candy for topping (the pre-packaged kind from the store works best—it melts slower than fresh fair stuff)
• Rainbow sprinkles or edible glitter for extra chaos

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grab a 9×13 pan and grease it like your life depends on it (butter or spray—both work). Also grease a big spoon or spatula. You’ll thank me when nothing sticks.
2. In your biggest pot, melt the 5 tablespoons butter over low heat. Low is key—don’t murder the butter.
3. Dump in all the mini marshmallows. Stir like you’re gossiping with your bestie until everything is smooth, glossy, and making you hungry.
4. Remove from heat. Immediately stir in the ¾ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring. It’s strong—don’t freak out and add more. Taste it. Cry happy tears.
5. Divide the marshmallow goo evenly into two bowls (eyeball it, perfection is overrated).
6. In bowl #1: add pink gel coloring until it’s your dream Barbie pink. Stir fast.
7. In bowl #2: add blue until it’s giving major cotton candy vibes. Stir fast—these start setting quick.
8. Working quickly (speed date mode), dump 3½ cups Rice Krispies into the pink bowl and 3½ cups into the blue bowl. Fold gently but with purpose—don’t overmix or they’ll get tough and sad.
9. Now the fun part: drop big spoonfuls of pink and blue mixture alternately into your greased pan. Keep going until it’s all in there looking like a Lisa Frank fever dream.
10. Lightly press with your greased spatula or hands (butter your hands!) to even it out. Don’t smash—just gentle smooshing for that perfect swirl.
11. Immediately shower with sprinkles or edible glitter if you’re feeling extra.
12. Let cool for 30–60 minutes (or 10 if you have zero self-control). Cut into squares, top each with a fluffy tuft of cotton candy right before serving (it melts fast, so last-minute drama only).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using medium/high heat and burning the marshmallows. Black flecks are not “rustic.”
• Over-stirring the cereal. You want gooey air pockets, not bricks.
• Pressing down like you’re trying to flatten a spider. Gentle, people.
• Adding the cotton candy topping too early. It’ll dissolve into sad sugar water. Wait till serving.
• Skimping on butter. Dry treats are a crime.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No cotton candy flavoring? Use ½ teaspoon vanilla + extra pink/blue coloring + top with real cotton candy. Still delicious, just slightly less carnival-accurate.
• Want them less sweet? Haha good luck. But you can use 4 tbsp butter instead of 5.
• Vegan? Dandies marshmallows + vegan butter + same flavoring = perfection.
• Gluten-free? Rice Krispies are NOT gluten-free anymore (boo Kellogg’s). Use gluten-free crisp rice cereal (One Degree or Barbara’s).

FAQs about Cotton Candy Rice Krispie Treats

Do these actually taste like cotton candy?

Yes! The LorAnn oil is freakishly accurate. People lose their minds when they try them.

Can I use the tub of cotton candy from the fair?

You can, but it melts in like 30 seconds once exposed to air. Store-bought sealed cotton candy (think Lolli & Pops or It’Sugar tubs) lasts longer on top.

How long do they stay fresh?

3–4 days in an airtight container. After that they start getting hard. (But let’s be real—they won’t last 3 hours.)

Can I make them one solid color?

Of course, you basic beauty. Just keep everything in one bowl and pick pink or blue.

My swirl looks like a toddler finger-painted it. Help?

That’s the charm! Uneven swirls taste better—science. But if you want prettier, drop smaller spoonfuls and use a buttered knife to lightly marble the top.

Can kids help make these?

100%. My 6-year-old niece makes the swirl and thinks she’s a wizard. Just supervise the hot marshmallow part.

Related Recipes

• Brownie Cheesecake Recipe
• S’mores Brownie Pie Recipe
• Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe

Final Thoughts about Cotton Candy Rice Krispie Treats

You just made the cutest, most ridiculous, happiest treats on earth. Now go shove one in your face, text a photo to your group chat with way too many heart-eye emojis, and bask in the compliments. You deserve it, you glorious sugar wizard.