These Football Rice Krispies are chewy, chocolatey, and shaped like little footballs—perfect for game day! You only need simple ingredients and a few minutes to make them. No baking, no stress—just classic Rice Krispies cereal with a fun twist.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe brings back memories of tailgates and big games with friends. They’re sweet, soft, and shaped in a fun way without needing any fancy tools.
- Super quick to make
- You don’t have to bake anything
- Classic flavor everyone loves
- Just a few pantry staples
- Easy to shape and decorate
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Brown gel food coloring (for the football color)
- White decorating icing (for the laces)
Makes
12 footballs
Total Time
20 minutes
Tools Needed
- Large nonstick pot
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large bowl
- Oval cookie cutter or use your hands to shape
- Parchment paper
- White icing piping tube
Pro Tips
- Grease your hands with a little butter before shaping—no sticking!
- Let the mixture cool slightly before forming shapes
- Don’t overmix or press too hard—keeps them soft and chewy
- Use brown food coloring for that perfect football look
- Wait until fully cool to pipe the laces
Substitutions and Variations
- Leave out food coloring for a classic look
- Use mini chocolate chips for eyes or decorations
- Swap white icing with melted white chocolate
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm twist
Make Ahead Tips
You can make these up to 2 days before your event. Just store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Marshmallows melt into a sticky base that holds the Rice Krispies together. Butter adds richness and smooth texture. Vanilla and salt balance the sweetness. Brown food coloring gives it the football color without changing flavor or texture.
Common Mistakes
- Shaping while too hot—hurts your hands and ruins the form
- Not greasing hands or tools—it’ll stick like glue
- Using liquid food coloring—makes the mix soggy
- Storing in the fridge—makes them rock hard
What to Serve With
- A tray of fresh fruit or grapes
- Popcorn mix or pretzels
- Sliders or mini hot dogs
- Root beer or iced tea
FAQ
Can I use marshmallow fluff?
No—it won’t set the same way. Use real mini marshmallows.
Do I need a mold to shape them?
Not at all! Your hands or an oval cookie cutter work great.
Can I double this recipe?
Yep—just use a bigger pot and mix quickly.
Let’s Make It!
Step 1: Melt the butter
Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to a large nonstick pot over medium heat. Stir until fully melted.
Step 2: Add marshmallows
Pour in the entire 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Stir in vanilla, salt, and brown coloring
Remove the pot from heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and a few drops of brown gel food coloring. Mix well until evenly colored.
Step 4: Mix in Rice Krispies
Quickly stir in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated in the brown marshmallow mixture.
Step 5: Shape into footballs
Let the mixture cool for about 2 minutes. Butter your hands and shape into oval football shapes (makes about 12). Place on parchment paper.
Step 6: Decorate with icing
Once completely cool, use white decorating icing to pipe laces onto the top of each football.
Leftovers and Storage
Keep leftovers in a sealed container at room temp for 2–3 days. Don’t refrigerate or they’ll harden too much.
Final Thoughts
These Football Rice Krispies are a guaranteed touchdown for any game-day spread. They’re easy, classic, and fun to decorate. Give them a try for your next get-together and let me know in the comments how they turned out—or if you added your own twist!
