If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that brings together the perfect balance of nostalgic crunch and spooky charm, these Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts are exactly what you need. Imagine crispy cereal coated in luscious, gooey marshmallow sweetness, shaped into adorable ghostly figures with chocolate eyes that add just the right amount of playfulness. They’re simple to make yet impressively delightful, perfect for sharing at Halloween parties or surprising your family with a little homemade magic.

Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor combination. From the rich cocoa candy melts that give the ghostly eyes their deep color to the fluffy marshmallows that bind everything together, every item here is essential for crafting your spooky Rice Krispie delights.

Dark cocoa candy melts: Perfect for piping the striking chocolate eyes, lending contrast and a touch of dramatic flair to your ghosts.
Rice Krispies Cereal: The crispy, airy base that brings that beloved crunch in every bite.
Salted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly for a luscious coating.
Mini marshmallows: The key to that satisfyingly gooey texture that keeps the cereal treats chewy and fun.
White candy melts or white chocolate chips: Give the treats their iconic ghostly look with a creamy, sweet coating that’s easy to shape.

How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts

Step 1: Create the Chocolate Eyes

Start by melting your dark cocoa candy melts carefully in the microwave with 30-second bursts, stirring regularly to avoid burning. Once fully melted and smooth, transfer the chocolate to a small zip-top bag and snip off a corner to create a piping bag. Pipe 24 small teardrop-shaped eyes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze them for about 3 minutes until firm. These little eyes will give your ghosts their character and charm, so patience here is key!

Step 2: Prepare the Marshmallow Mixture

Spray a large mixing bowl lightly with baking spray and pour in the Rice Krispies cereal to have it ready. Then, cut your salted butter into smaller pieces for even melting and place them in a medium-large saucepan over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and white chocolate simultaneously, stirring often. When approximately 75% of the marshmallows and chocolate have melted, remove the pan and stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. This luscious blend will coat the cereal beautifully and help shape those spooky forms.

Step 3: Combine and Shape the Ghosts

Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and mix thoroughly to ensure every crisp is coated with that sticky, sweet goodness. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it’s manageable to touch. Then pinch off twelve half-cup portions, rolling each into balls before molding them into cones. Pinch the top of the cones into pointed tips and curve these slightly to perfectly capture that ghostly silhouette. Finally, press the frozen chocolate eyes onto each ghost—if they don’t stick right away, use a dab of melted candy melt as “glue.”

Step 4: Let the Ghosts Set

Let your Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts rest at room temperature for about an hour to fully firm up. This final step locks in their shape and gives the marshmallow coating time to set, resulting in treat ghosts that hold their spooky pose perfectly. After that, they’re ready to be packaged, gifted, or devoured!

How to Serve Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts

Garnishes

While these ghosts are adorable all on their own, you can take their presentation up a notch with seasonal garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar can create a haunted, frosty effect. Alternatively, a drizzle of colored candy melts (like orange or green) adds festive pops of color. Sprinkles shaped like bats or pumpkins can also be pressed gently into the marshmallow surface for an extra spooky touch that your guests will love.

Side Dishes

Pair your Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts with warm apple cider or rich hot chocolate to complement their sweet flavors. If you want to offer a balance of savory, try serving alongside a simple cheese and cracker platter or roasted pumpkin seeds. These sides provide a nice texture contrast and keep the snack spread feeling well-rounded without clashing with the treat’s sugary charm.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun with these treats! Arrange your ghostly Rice Krispie creations on a black or orange serving tray to enhance the Halloween vibe. You could also use small clear treat bags tied with festive ribbons for individual gifting. For kids’ parties, setting them atop cupcake stands or incorporating them into a Halloween-themed dessert table creates a whimsical atmosphere that’s sure to be a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness and chewy texture. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the spookiness without rushing through your treats.

Freezing

You can freeze these rice cereal ghosts if you want to prepare them well ahead of time. Wrap each ghost tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To avoid sogginess when thawed, let them come to room temperature naturally before unwrapping. Frozen, they keep well for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead option for busy Halloween planners.

Reheating

Because the charm of Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts is in their chewy texture, reheating is generally unnecessary and not recommended. However, if you prefer them slightly softer, you can microwave on a low setting for just a few seconds—watch carefully to prevent melting the chocolate eyes or losing the ghost shape.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Rice Krispies cereal with another cereal?

Absolutely! While Rice Krispies are classic for their light crunch and neutral flavor, you can try puffed corn cereal or even gluten-free crispy rice cereal if you need an alternative. Just keep in mind that texture and taste might vary slightly.

How do I prevent the candy melts from seizing or clumping?

Melting candy melts slowly in short bursts with stirring in between is the trick. Avoid overheating and ensure you don’t introduce any moisture, as even a drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize.

What if my chocolate eyes don’t stick to the marshmallow ghosts?

If the eyes aren’t sticking well, use a tiny dab of melted candy melt or corn syrup as “glue” to secure them. Press gently and allow to set at room temperature; it works like a charm!

Can I make these treats vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and choose vegan marshmallows and dairy-free candy melts. The texture may differ slightly, but the overall deliciousness remains intact.

How long do Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts last fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain fresh and tasty for about 3 days. Beyond that, they may start to harden or lose their chewiness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts blend simplicity with creativity, making them an irresistible seasonal treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a spooky dessert spread, these ghosts are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how these light, fluffy, and delightfully creepy treats can light up your celebrations!