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Cranberry Orange Rice Krispie Treats are simple yet delightful. Here’s what you need: - 4 cups Rice Krispie cereal - 1 cup mini marshmallows - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped - 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional for drizzling) Each ingredient plays a key role. The Rice Krispie cereal gives the treats their crunch. Mini marshmallows add sweetness and chewiness. Unsalted butter helps bind everything together while providing rich flavor. Vanilla extract enhances the taste, bringing warmth. The zest of orange adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the dish. Dried cranberries give a tart contrast, balancing the sweetness. Sliced almonds provide added texture and flavor, but they are optional. Salt is crucial for flavor balance, even in sweet treats. Finally, white chocolate chips can add a creamy drizzle. This extra touch can make the treats feel fancy. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a tasty treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Melting the butter and marshmallows Start by placing three tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large saucepan. Set the heat to low. As the butter melts, add one cup of mini marshmallows. Stir the mix until the marshmallows melt and blend smoothly with the butter. 2. Mixing in vanilla, orange zest, and salt Once the mixture is smooth, take the pan off the heat. Now, add one teaspoon of vanilla extract, the zest of one orange, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix all the flavors together. 3. Incorporating Rice Krispies and additional ingredients Next, fold in four cups of Rice Krispie cereal. Make sure each piece is coated with the marshmallow mix. Then, gently add ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries and ¼ cup of sliced almonds if you want some crunch. Be careful not to crush the cereal. 1. Pressing the mixture into the baking dish Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the mixture into the dish and press it down evenly. Use a spatula or your hands, but wet your hands first to keep it from sticking. 2. Optional chocolate drizzle If you want to drizzle some white chocolate, melt ½ cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave. Do this in 20-second bursts, stirring until it’s smooth. Drizzle it over the top of the treats for a sweet touch. 1. Allowing the treats to cool Let the treats sit at room temperature until they are completely cool. This helps them set properly. 2. Cutting instructions for serving Once cooled, cut the treats into squares. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts. Enjoy serving them on a nice platter, and consider garnishing with extra cranberries or orange zest for flair. When you melt the butter and marshmallows, use low heat. This lets them blend well without burning. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Keep a close eye on it. This step is key to getting that perfect gooey texture. Next, when you fold in the Rice Krispie cereal, be gentle. Use a large spatula to lift and fold. This keeps the cereal crisp and light. If you stir too hard, you might crush them. That would change the texture. You can switch up the flavors with different ingredients. Try adding dried apricots or coconut flakes for a twist. If you want a nutty taste, use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. For those with dietary needs, you can make simple swaps. Use dairy-free butter and marshmallows for a vegan option. Gluten-free Rice Krispies are also available for those avoiding gluten. Get creative with how you present your treats. You can cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange them on a colorful platter to make them pop. Add a sprinkle of extra orange zest or cranberries on top for a nice touch. Pair these treats with warm apple cider or a glass of milk. They also taste great with ice cream for a sweet dessert. Enjoy experimenting with different serving ideas! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange zest enhances the flavor significantly, giving your treats a vibrant citrus note. Don’t Overheat the Marshmallows: Gently melting the marshmallows prevents them from becoming too sticky, ensuring a better texture in your treats. Press Firmly: When packing the mixture into the dish, press down firmly to create dense squares that hold together well. Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out cranberries and almonds for your favorite dried fruits or nuts to create personalized variations. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors in your treats by adding different dried fruits. Try using chopped apricots, raisins, or even mango. Each fruit gives a new twist to the taste. You can also mix in other nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or even peanuts add crunch and flavor. Experimenting with these options keeps your treats fresh and exciting. Make your treats fit the season! For holiday-themed treats, add festive sprinkles or colored chocolate. You can also use seasonal fruits, like cranberries in fall or strawberries in summer. These small changes make your treats perfect for parties or family gatherings. It’s fun to match your snacks to the season. If you want a lighter version, replace the butter with coconut oil. This change keeps the flavor rich while cutting calories. You can also use organic or gluten-free Rice Krispie cereal. This way, your treats become friendly for different diets. Enjoy a tasty treat without the guilt! To keep your Cranberry Orange Rice Krispie Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents air from making them stale. You can use a plastic container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to press out all the air before sealing the bag. For added freshness, place a piece of wax paper between layers if you stack them. You can freeze these treats for later enjoyment. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped treats in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to eat them, take out the treats and let them thaw at room temperature. It usually takes about an hour to soften. At room temperature, these treats last about a week. Keep them in a cool and dry place. If they start to feel hard or lose flavor, they are likely stale. Signs of staleness include a dry texture or a crumbly feel. If you notice these changes, it’s best to toss them out. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? You can use fresh cranberries, but they are very tart. Dried cranberries give a sweet touch. If you use fresh, add some sugar to balance the tartness. What can I use instead of butter? You can use coconut oil or margarine. Both will work well and still give your treats a nice flavor. How do I make these treats nut-free? To keep it nut-free, simply skip the sliced almonds. The recipe will still taste great without them. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can make these treats a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container. Is it necessary to use white chocolate for the drizzle? No, it’s not necessary. You can skip the drizzle or use dark chocolate instead. Both options taste delicious! This recipe for Cranberry Orange Rice Krispie Treats combines simple ingredients for fun, tasty treats. You melt butter and marshmallows, mix in flavors, and fold in Rice Krispies. Adjust the recipe with different fruits or nuts to fit your needs. Store them properly for freshness, or freeze extras for later. These treats are easy to make and perfect for sharing during holidays or cozy weekends. Enjoy the process and get creative! Your snacks will be a hit with family and friends.

Cranberry Orange Rice Krispie Treats

A delightful twist on classic Rice Krispie treats with the flavors of cranberry and orange.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Rice Krispie cereal
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 zest orange
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 0.25 cup sliced almonds (optional)
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup white chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and add the vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
  • Fold in the Rice Krispie cereal until evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  • Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and sliced almonds, if using. Make sure not to crush the cereal.
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the cereal mixture into the dish and press it down evenly with a spatula or clean hands (wetting your hands can prevent sticking).
  • If you want a chocolate drizzle, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled Rice Krispie treats.
  • Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Notes

Serve on a decorative platter and garnish with extra cranberries and orange zest for a festive touch.
Keyword cranberry, dessert, orange, Rice Krispie Treats