Magical Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees Recipe

Festive Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees Recipe for Holidays

Green swirls of matcha dance through classic rice crispy treat trees that sparkle with festive charm.

Winter’s sweet magic unfolds in these delightful dessert decorations.

Soft, chewy marshmallow goodness merges seamlessly with vibrant matcha flavor in each delectable bite.

Traditional holiday treats get a sophisticated Japanese-inspired twist with this simple recipe.

Crisp edges and smooth green hues make these trees a stunning centerpiece for any seasonal celebration.

Each handcrafted tree promises a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern culinary creativity.

You’ll love how quickly these elegant treats come together for a memorable holiday dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 152 kcal

Servings: 13

Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees Ingredient List

For Base:
  • Rice Crispies Cereal: Crunchy foundation that provides delightful texture and structural support for the treats, choose fresh and crisp cereal for maximum crunch.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind ingredients, select high-quality unsalted butter for best taste.
For Binding and Sweetening:
  • Mini Marshmallows, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Create gooey, stretchy binding that holds everything together, look for fresh marshmallows without clumping and smooth condensed milk.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note.
For Flavor and Decoration:
  • Matcha Powder: Provides earthy green tea essence and vibrant color, choose high-grade ceremonial or culinary matcha for intense flavor.
  • White Chocolate or Candy Coating: Creates elegant drizzle and decorative finish, select smooth melting variety for clean lines.
  • Sprinkles: Adds festive visual appeal and playful texture, choose colors that complement matcha's green tone.

Tool for Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining rice crispies cereal.
  • Medium Pot: Essential for melting butter and marshmallows.
  • Rubber Spatula: Helps gently mix and fold ingredients smoothly.
  • 13-by-9-inch Baking Pan: Used for setting and shaping the treats.
  • Parchment Paper: Makes removing treats from pan easier.
  • Cutting Board: Provides surface for cutting treats into shapes.
  • Sifter: Used to evenly distribute matcha powder.
  • Microwave or Double Boiler: Melts white chocolate for decoration.
  • Piping Bag or Squeeze Bottle: Helps create decorative drizzles.
  • Sharp Knife: Cuts treats into triangles or desired shapes.

Making Instructions for Matcha Treat Trees

  • Preparation Space

Create a clean work area with all necessary tools and a baking pan ready for your matcha rice crispy treat adventure.

  • Matcha Magic Base

Combine melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and marshmallows into a silky smooth mixture, then sprinkle in matcha powder for a vibrant green color and earthy flavor.

  • Crispy Fusion

Gently fold the luscious matcha marshmallow mixture into rice cereal, ensuring every crisp piece gets coated with the green goodness.

  • Shaping Wonderland

Press the mixture into your prepared pan, creating a smooth landscape that will become your delightful tree-shaped treats.

  • Cool and Transform

Allow the mixture to set and cool completely, then slice into festive triangle shapes that resemble charming little trees.

  • Decorative Finale

Drizzle white chocolate over your matcha trees, adding a wintery touch with delicate sprinkles that sparkle like freshly fallen snow.

  • Sweet Storage

Keep your magical matcha trees in an airtight container, ready to delight taste buds for several days.

Helpful Tips & Tricks for Matcha Treats

  • Increase the matcha powder by 1/2 teaspoon for a more intense green tea taste that pops in every bite.
  • Swap sprinkles for edible glitter, crushed candy canes, or festive colored sugar to match any holiday or celebration theme.
  • Substitute regular rice crispy cereal with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing the classic treat texture.
  • Drizzle milk or dark chocolate alongside the white chocolate for a more complex and rich decorative pattern that adds depth to the treats.
  • Try using flavored marshmallows like vanilla or strawberry to add an unexpected subtle undertone to the matcha base.

Serving Matcha Crispy Treat Trees

  • Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Create a charming holiday display by arranging matcha rice crispy treat trees on a decorative platter, using different sizes and heights to mimic a winter forest scene.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individual trees in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them perfect homemade gifts for friends, teachers, or holiday party hosts.
  • Tea Time Companion: Pair these matcha-infused treats with green tea or hot cocoa for a delightful afternoon snack that brings a touch of Japanese-inspired elegance to your dessert spread.
  • Kids' Craft Activity: Invite children to help decorate the trees with sprinkles, edible glitter, or additional white chocolate drizzles, turning the recipe into a fun family bonding experience.

Storage for Matcha Rice Crispy Trees

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep treats in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their crispy texture.
  • Freshness Countdown: Enjoy these delightful matcha trees within 3-5 days for optimal taste and texture, checking for any moisture buildup that might soften the crispy edges.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These goodies can stay frozen for up to 2 weeks, perfect for make-ahead snacking or surprise dessert stashes.
  • Temperature TLC: Refrigeration works well but might slightly change the treat's texture, so room temperature storage remains the top recommendation for maintaining that perfect crispy crunch.
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Magical Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees Recipe

Magical Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Matcha rice crispy treat trees offer a festive Japanese-inspired dessert with a green tea twist. Crisp marshmallow squares decorated like miniature pine trees provide a whimsical winter treat you can enjoy during holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsps (12 g) matcha, sifted
  • 10 oz (283 g) mini marshmallows
  • 6 cups (170 g) rice crispies cereal
  • 3 tbsps (42 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsps (58 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt
  • 3 oz (85 g) white chocolate or candy coating, optional
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Pan Preparation: Thoroughly coat a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for effortless treat removal.
  2. Base Creation: Melt butter in a medium pot over low heat, then blend in sweetened condensed milk and salt until smoothly combined and warm.
  3. Marshmallow Integration: Introduce mini marshmallows to the pot, stirring continuously until they dissolve completely, forming a glossy liquid base.
  4. Matcha Infusion: Delicately sift matcha powder into the marshmallow mixture, whisking meticulously to ensure uniform green tea distribution.
  5. Cereal Coating: Pour the vibrant matcha marshmallow blend over rice crispies in a large mixing bowl, gently folding with a rubber spatula to ensure comprehensive coverage without crushing the cereal.
  6. Setting and Shaping: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula or greased hands, then allow to cool and set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
  7. Decorative Finishing: Once cooled, transfer the treat sheet to a cutting board and slice into festive tree-shaped triangles, then embellish by drizzling melted white chocolate and sprinkling decorative toppings.
  8. Storage: Preserve the matcha rice crispy treats in a loosely covered container at room temperature or refrigerate for optimal freshness up to five days.

Notes

  • Prep Surface Strategically: Use parchment paper or butter the pan generously to prevent sticky residue and ensure seamless treat removal.
  • Matcha Mixing Mastery: Sift matcha powder carefully to avoid clumps and guarantee smooth, even green color distribution throughout the marshmallow mixture.
  • Gentle Folding Technique: Use a wide rubber spatula and fold delicately to maintain crispy cereal’s light texture, preventing dense or hard treats.
  • Storage Secret: Keep treats in a loosely covered container at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness and optimal texture for up to five days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 152
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 96 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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