Now I need to address the elephant in the room, no pun intended, when it comes to this recipe. Strictly speaking, this isn’t a full cookie recipe. But, it does have cookies within it, and they are so sweet and delicious, that we just had to include the recipe for you. These circus animal cookies rice krispie treats have crunchy cookies running through them, marshmallows, and are sprinkled with rainbow sprinkles. They are such a delight!

Perfect for the kids, or the big kids amongst us, they are so sweet and delicious. Perfect because we all need a few more no-bake desserts in our lives, and this one is ready in no time at all. Best served at room temperature and on the same day, they are such a fun treat. You are going to love them.

Why do we love these Circus Animal Cookies Rice Krispie Treats

We love anything that gives us a bit of nostalgia, and many of us will have memories of using rice krispies within recipes and cooking with our loved ones growing up. The taste of these circus animal cookies rice krispie treats is sweet and delicious.

They are so easy to make and it is a recipe that you will love to make for yourself or with your children. We know it isn’t exactly a cookie recipe, but the cookies in the sweet treats are the absolute star of the show. They provide the crunch, the texture, and a delicious flavor. You have to try them.

Ingredients – What you need for the Circus Animal Cookies Rice Krispie Treats

Dry Ingredients

Rice Krispie Cereal

The main ingredient when it comes to these sweet treats is the rice krispie cereal. This is what creates the crunch that we know and love from the nostalgic childhood favorites. You will need 7 cups for this recipe.

Mini Marshmallows

The mini marshmallows are also another key element to this recipe. They will add sweetness and a chewy texture to these cute circus animal cookie rice krispie treats. You will need a 16oz bag of the mini marshmallows. You will need to divide the bag.

Mother’s Circus Animal Crackers

One of those favorite kid cookies you will know and love you can’t beat this classic cookie. Strictly speaking this recipe isn’t an entire cookie, but it does have some of the best cookies within it so we had to share. You will need 2 9oz bags of these animal-shaped cookies. You will want to get 4 cups of the cookies chopped and reserve 12 whole pieces for the topping.

White chocolate chips

You can’t enjoy these classic treats without the inclusion of white chocolate chips. They will add an extra depth of sweetness to these cereal treats. You will need 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips.

Salt

Salt will balance out the sweetness of these treats. Even if you have a sweet tooth you won’t notice the addition of salt. You only need a little, about 1/8tsp to be exact.

Sprinkles

You will also be stirring through some sprinkles, you will need 3 tbsp of your chosen colored sprinkles.

Wet Ingredients

Vanilla extract

The Vanilla is a great way to add a little extra flavor to the circus cookies krispie treats.

Food coloring

Making these fun is important. This circus animal cookies recipe is all about the fun factor. The food coloring we have used is red, but you can use pink, or whatever color you like. You only need 2-3 drops to get the desired color you want.

Decorations

Lastly, you can have so much fun decorating. `We have used candy melts and drizzled it across these crushed cookies rice krispie treats. You just melt the red and white candy melts in the microwave and then add it to a piping bag ready for decoration. We also use sprinkles. You would only need around 3 tbsp of colored sprinkles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store these Circus Animal Cookies Rice Krispie Treats?

These should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They will be at their best for up to two days. We recommend that you enjoy these on the day you make them. Some people might think storing them in the refrigerator is a good idea, but this will harden them up and you will lose that amazing chewy texture.

I can’t get marshmallows what can I use instead?

If you can’t get any marshmallows then almond butter makes a great substitute for them. It will add a different flavor but it will still deliver on the texture.

How to make the Circus Animal Cookies Rice Krispie Treats

One of the first things you need to do is line a 11×14 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray, set aside until you are ready to add your rice krispie mixture.

Melt the butter in a large pot on the stove over medium heat, and stir in the salt. You can then measure out and set aside 1 ½ cups of marshmallows to mix in at the end. Then add the remaining marshmallows to the pot to melt with the butter and stir until you have a smooth consistency. This is what will give you that chewy texture with the other ingredients.

Take the pot off of the heat before adding in the vanilla and food coloring, add a few drops until you get your desired color. Stir until you get the color you are looking for. It might be more or less than the recommended suggestion.

Fold in the rice krispies cereal, crushed circus animal cookies, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Add the 1 ½ cups of marshmallows you set aside earlier and fold gently until combined. Spread the mixture into the baking pan into an even layer. It helps to use a rubber spatula to press it in so that you know everything will set together.

If you are using, melt the candy melts in the microwave and drizzle it on top. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Have fun. Then place the full circus animal cookies on top and add extra sprinkles.

Allow the circus animal cookies rice krispie treats to cool on the counter for 30 minutes and up to 1 hour before cutting. Then enjoy!

Take these Circus Animal Cookies Rice Krispie Treats to the next level

You could crumble up some other cookies you love as well and add this to the mix. The more crunch, the better.

Add some other chocolates to these fun treats. The more creative you get, the tastier they will be.

Circus animal cookie rice krispie treats

Ooey gooey delicious rice krispie treats with a cookie twist!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course Dessert

Servings 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
16 oz bag mini marshmallows, divided
2-3 drops red food coloring *or pink
7 cups rice krispie cereal
2 9 ounce bags mother’s circus animal cookies, divided (4 cups chopped + 12 whole pieces for topping)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
3 tbsp colored sprinkles

Optional topping

white & pink chocolate melts for drizzle- melt chocolate in the microwave for 30 second intervals stirring each time, place in a small bag, cut of tip and drizzle on top.

Instructions

Line a 11×14 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray, set aside.
Melt butter in a large pot on the stove over medium heat, and stir in the salt.
Measure out and set aside 1 ½ cups of marshmallows to mix in at the end. Add the remaining marshmallows to the pot to melt with the butter and stir until it is a smooth consistency.
Take the pot off of the heat before adding in the vanilla and food coloring. Stir until you get a nice pink color. Add another drop at a time of food coloring if needed.
Fold in the rice krispies cereal, crushed circus animal cookies, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
Add the 1 ½ cups of marshmallows you set aside earlier and fold gently until combined. Spread the mixture into the baking pan into an even layer. It helps to use a rubber spatula to press it in.
Melt the candy melts in the microwave and drizzle it on top. Then place the full circus animal cookies on top and add extra sprinkles.
Allow it to cool on the counter for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cutting.

Notes

These rice krispie treats are best eaten the same day but you can store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days. I do not recommend refrigerating them as they will harden.

Keyword animal circus cookies, rice krispie squares