If you’re ready to bring a bit of whimsy and pastel joy into your kitchen, these Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists are your ticket there. With the same chewy crunch of the beloved classic, these treats add a twist of carnival-inspired flavor and dreamy color that makes them perfect for parties, sleepovers, or just a midweek mood lift. Imagine pink and blue swirls of cotton candy flavor mingled with gooey marshmallow and crispy rice cereal—it’s a nostalgic, sweet bite of fun.

These bars aren’t just cute—they’re incredibly easy to make and customize. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or looking for something unique to share at a bake sale, this twist on the traditional Rice Krispies Treats is eye-catching, flavorful, and totally crowd-pleasing. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love?

What Kind of Marshmallows Work Best for This?

Mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly than large ones, making them the go-to choice here. Look for fresh, soft marshmallows to ensure your mixture is silky and smooth. If you’re using large ones, just be sure to chop them up a bit beforehand so they melt without clumping.

Ingredients for the Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists

Rice Krispies cereal: This classic cereal provides the perfect crunch and structure for the bars.
Mini marshmallows: The essential binding ingredient that adds gooey sweetness and holds everything together.
Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking. Salted or unsalted both work—just adjust salt levels accordingly.
Cotton candy flavoring: The star of the show! This extract delivers that signature carnival sweetness.
Pink and blue food coloring: Adds the fun cotton candy swirl effect. Gel food coloring is ideal for vibrant color without watering down the mixture.
Sprinkles (optional): For extra flair and texture, especially fun for party vibes.

How To Make the Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Tools

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray and set aside. It’s also helpful to have two mixing bowls ready if you want distinct pink and blue swirls.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. Once melted, remove from heat.

Step 3: Divide and Color the Mixture

Divide the marshmallow mixture evenly into two bowls. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl and blue to the other. Stir in the cotton candy flavoring to both, mixing well.

Step 4: Mix in the Cereal

Working quickly, stir half the Rice Krispies cereal into each bowl until fully coated with the colored marshmallow mixture.

Step 5: Swirl and Press

Drop spoonfuls of the pink and blue mixtures into the prepared pan in a random pattern. Gently press down with a greased spatula to create an even layer while preserving the swirl effect. Don’t overmix—just lightly swirl for that classic cotton candy look.

Step 6: Add Sprinkles (Optional)

Before the mixture sets, scatter your favorite sprinkles over the top for a touch of sparkle and crunch.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Let the pan cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting into twists or squares. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store These Twists

Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists are best served at room temperature when the texture is chewy and soft with just the right amount of crunch. For fun presentation, twist cut them into spirals, rectangles, or even use cookie cutters for themed shapes—great for kids’ parties or gifting.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep their texture perfect, layer parchment paper between each layer. Avoid refrigeration, as it can harden the marshmallows and dull the flavor.

They also freeze well: wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my Rice Krispies treats soft?

Don’t overcook the marshmallow mixture—once everything is melted and smooth, remove it from heat right away. Overheating leads to stiff treats.

Can I use cotton candy instead of flavoring?

Real cotton candy will dissolve when mixed in and won’t deliver consistent flavor. Stick with the extract for a stronger, more reliable result.

What if I don’t have food coloring?

You can skip it, but you’ll miss out on the iconic cotton candy look. Natural food coloring is a good alternative if you’re avoiding artificial dyes.

Are these safe for school lunches?

Yes, just be mindful of any school policies around food coloring or allergens. These don’t contain nuts unless added.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes! Use vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter alternatives. Double-check your cereal brand to ensure it’s fully vegan.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists, check out these other playful and colorful treats on Life with Jam:

Cotton Candy Cupcakes for the perfect blend of soft sponge and carnival charm.
Birthday Cake Fudge if you’re into creamy bites loaded with sprinkles.
Neapolitan Marshmallow Squares combining chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers.
Unicorn Swirl Sugar Cookies for vibrant colors and buttery flavor.
Confetti Meringue Kisses to add a crisp and airy treat to your dessert table.

These recipes are fun, festive, and guaranteed to light up any occasion. Try them all and mix up your dessert lineup with flair.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use extra sprinkles? Play with different colors?

I’d love to see your version of these Rice Krispies Twists. And for even more whimsical treats, follow along on my Pinterest board where I share daily recipe inspiration from Life with Jam.

Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists

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Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cotton Candy Rice Krispies Twists are a whimsical, pastel treat that blends the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy with the chewy, crispy magic of classic Rice Krispies bars. Swirled with pink and blue marshmallow, they’re perfect for parties, lunchbox surprises, or when you’re just in the mood for something fun and festive.

Ingredients

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring

A few drops pink food coloring

A few drops blue food coloring

Sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray and set aside. Prepare two mixing bowls for swirling colors.

2. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth and melted. Remove from heat.

3. Divide the marshmallow mixture evenly into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one and blue to the other. Stir in cotton candy flavoring to both.

4. Quickly mix 3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into each bowl and stir until fully coated.

5. Drop spoonfuls of each mixture into the greased pan in a random pattern. Lightly swirl and press with a greased spatula to create a colorful layer.

6. If using, scatter sprinkles on top while still warm.

7. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cut into bars, twists, or fun shapes and enjoy!