Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The shamrock shapes and green hue make these treats perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, these treats are easy to whip up without a trip to the store.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of about 30 minutes, including cooling, you can have these ready in a snap.
- Kid-Friendly: Both the preparation and the final product are great for involving children in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 (10-ounce) package marshmallows
- 3 drops green food coloring, or as needed
- 6 cups frosted toasted oat cereal with marshmallows (such as Lucky Charms®)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and mix in the green food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- Combine with Cereal: Place the cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and stir until the cereal is well coated.
- Transfer to Pan: Evenly and gently press the cereal mixture into the prepared pan using a greased spatula. Set aside to cool.
- Cut into Shapes: Once cooled, remove the treats from the pan using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to cut the treats into festive shapes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 treats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Different Shapes: If you don’t have a shamrock cookie cutter, use any other festive shape or simply cut into squares.
- Additional Mix-Ins: Incorporate extra marshmallows or sprinkles into the mixture for added texture and color.
- Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the treats tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter?
You can use any other cookie cutter shape you have on hand or simply cut the treats into squares or rectangles.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. If you do, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Is it necessary to use green food coloring?
No, the food coloring is optional. It adds a festive touch, but the treats will be delicious without it.
Can I add extra marshmallows to the mixture?
Yes, adding extra marshmallows can enhance the gooey texture of the treats.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands when pressing it into the pan?
Grease your hands or spatula with a bit of butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
What other cereals can I use for this recipe?
Other cereals like Rice Krispies, Cheerios, or Fruity Pebbles can be used as alternatives.
How do I add extra decorations to the treats?
After cutting the treats, you can drizzle melted chocolate over them or add extra cereal marshmallows on top for decoration.
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes, large marshmallows can be used; just ensure they are fully melted to achieve a smooth mixture.
How do I keep the treats from becoming too hard?
Avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan, and ensure you don’t overcook the marshmallow mixture.
Conclusion
Shamrock Lucky Charms Treats are a fun and festive way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a sweet, whimsical treat. With their simple preparation and delightful appearance, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the blend of gooey marshmallows and crunchy cereal in every bite!
PrintShamrock Lucky Charms Treats
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 treats
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Shamrock Lucky Charms Treats are a festive and easy St. Patrick’s Day dessert made with marshmallows, Lucky Charms cereal, and a hint of green food coloring. These no-bake cereal bars are fun to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 (10-ounce) package marshmallows
- 3 drops green food coloring (adjust as needed)
- 6 cups frosted toasted oat cereal with marshmallows
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pan
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
-
Melt Butter and Marshmallows
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Add marshmallows and stir until fully melted.
- Remove from heat and mix in green food coloring.
-
Combine with Cereal
- Place the cereal in a large bowl.
- Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and stir until evenly coated.
-
Press into Pan
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
- Gently press into an even layer using a greased spatula.
-
Cool and Cut
- Let the treats cool for about 10 minutes.
- Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to cut into festive shapes.
Notes
- If you don’t have a shamrock cookie cutter, cut into squares or use any festive shape.
- For extra texture, mix in additional marshmallows or sprinkles.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for added decoration.
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake