Ghost Rice Krispie Treats: A Spooky Sweet Halloween Dessert
Halloween is one of those times when I love taking simple snacks and giving them a festive twist. These Ghost Rice Krispie Treats are a perfect example. They start with the classic marshmallow-and-cereal bar we all know and love, but with a little help from candy melts and a cookie cutter, they turn into adorable (and tasty!) ghosts. They only take about twenty minutes from start to finish, which makes them a great option for busy parents, teachers, or anyone who wants a no-stress Halloween treat.
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I like these because theyโre equal parts cute and easy. Starting with premade Rice Krispies treats saves so much time, and the ghost shape instantly makes them feel special. The candy melts give a smooth finish, and adding little eyes and cheeks turns each one into its own little character. Theyโre simple enough for kids to help with but still look impressive on a party table or wrapped up as favors.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Ghost Rice Krispie Treats
To make them, youโll need 8 premade Rice Krispies treats, a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, 10 ounces of white candy melts, plus a little bit of black and pink candy melts for the details. Youโll also want parchment paper and a small pastry brush or toothpick for decorating.
How To Make Ghost Rice Krispie Treats
Start by pressing two Rice Krispies together so theyโre thick enough to cut with the cookie cutter. Press down firmly to cut out your ghost shape and repeat until youโve made as many as you can.
Next, melt the white candy melts in the microwave on defrost (or 50% power) for about two minutes. Stir, then continue in one-minute intervals until smooth. Dip each ghost halfway into the candy melts, tap off the excess, and set them on parchment paper to dry.
For the details, melt the pink and black candy melts separately. Use a pastry brush or toothpick to paint on eyes and cheeks. If you want to simplify things even more, you can skip the painting and just press on candy eyeballs while the coating is still wet.
The fun part is that each ghost comes out looking a little different. Some might be wide-eyed and silly, others a little shy or spooky. Kids really enjoy giving their ghosts โpersonalities,โ which makes this recipe feel more like a craft project than baking.
How To Use These Ghost Rice Krispie Treats
These are great to make at home on a weekend afternoon, but they also work really well in classrooms. Teachers can prep the ghost shapes ahead of time, and kids can decorate their own during a Halloween party. Since thereโs no oven involved, itโs a low-mess project thatโs doable with groups of kids.
Pair With Read-Alouds
If you want to pair this activity with a story, ghost-themed books are a fun tie-in. My kids love Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago, and The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt is such a sweet seasonal read. For something a little more classic (and a little spookier), The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything is always a hit.
Final Thoughts
When the ghosts are dry, you can package them in clear treat bags with ribbon or just store them in an airtight container. Theyโll stay fresh for a few days, so theyโre perfect to make ahead for a party or bake sale.
In the end, Ghost Rice Krispie Treats are exactly the kind of recipe I reach for in October: quick, festive, and kid-friendly. Theyโre fun to decorate, delicious to eat, and bring just the right amount of Halloween magic without a lot of extra work.
Thank You! nom nom