When game day rolls around, snacks are just as important as the action on the field. Whether you’re hosting a football party, celebrating a big win, or looking for a fun treat for kids, Football Rice Krispie Treats are a perfect choice. These crispy, chewy, and chocolatey treats are shaped like footballs and decorated with icing to resemble real footballs. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and add a festive touch to any gathering.
In this post, we’ll go through a step-by-step guide on how to make Football Rice Krispie Treats, plus some tips, FAQs, and variations to customize them to your liking.
Ingredients for Football Rice Krispie Treats
To make these fun and tasty treats, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 10 oz marshmallows (one standard bag)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (optional for extra chocolate flavor)
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chocolate candy melts
- White icing or decorating gel
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Marshmallows and Butter
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth. If you want a chocolate-flavored base, mix in the cocoa powder at this stage.
Step 2: Mix in the Cereal
Remove the melted marshmallow mixture from the heat and gradually fold in the crispy rice cereal. Stir well until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 3: Shape the Footballs
Grease your hands with a bit of butter or non-stick spray and scoop out portions of the mixture. Form each portion into a football shape by gently pressing and molding with your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
Step 4: Coat with Chocolate
Melt the chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Dip each rice Krispie football into the melted chocolate, covering it entirely or just the top. Place them back on the parchment paper to harden.
Step 5: Add the Football Laces
Once the chocolate has set, use white icing or decorating gel to draw football laces on top of each treat. Let the icing dry for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Football Rice Krispie Treats
- Use fresh marshmallows – Old marshmallows don’t melt as smoothly and can make the treats too stiff.
- Butter your hands – To prevent the sticky mixture from sticking to your hands while shaping the footballs.
- Work quickly – The mixture sets fast, so shape the footballs immediately after mixing.
- Use a football-shaped cookie cutter – If you want uniform shapes without hand-molding, press the mixture into a greased sheet pan and cut out footballs with a cookie cutter.
- Chill for firmer treats – If the treats are too soft, place them in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before decorating.
Fun Variations
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Footballs – Stir in 1/2 cup of peanut butter with the marshmallow mixture for a richer taste.
- Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel over the chocolate-coated footballs for an extra indulgent touch.
- Team Colors – Use colored icing to match your favorite football team’s colors instead of classic white laces.
- Mini Footballs – Make bite-sized versions for easy snacking.
FAQs About Football Rice Krispie Treats
1. Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes! Football Rice Krispie Treats can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
2. Can I use store-bought Rice Krispie Treats instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, buy pre-made Rice Krispie Treats, shape them into footballs, and decorate them with chocolate and icing.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as they can become too hard.
4. Can I make these treats without chocolate?
Yes! You can skip the chocolate coating and simply decorate the plain Rice Krispie footballs with white icing for a lighter option.
5. How can I make these treats dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make a dairy-free version of Football Rice Krispie Treats.
Conclusion
Football Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate game-day snack, combining fun shapes with delicious flavors. Whether you’re making them for a football party, a tailgate, or a kid’s sports-themed birthday, these treats are sure to be a crowd favorite. Easy to customize, simple to prepare, and irresistibly tasty, they bring the perfect mix of sweetness and crunch to any football event.
Try making a batch for your next gathering and watch them disappear before halftime!
Would you like more creative game-day snack ideas? Let us know in the comments!