Pioneer Woman Stars and Stripes Cereal Treats

Found in Pioneer Woman magazine Summer 2026 here

 

4 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for the pan
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
6 cups rice cereal
1/4 cup white candy melts
1 cup red candy melts
1 cup blue candy melts
White star sprinkles, for decorating

 

Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Line with 2 overlapping sheets of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.

 

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
 

Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in the cereal until combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press into an even layer with damp fingers. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
 

Use the parchment paper to gently lift out the sheet of treats and transfer it to a cutting board. Trim the edges, if needed, then cut into 12 rectangles; they’ll be about 2 by 4 inches each. Insert a lollipop stick or craft stick into the bottom of each rectangle.
 

Put the white candy melts, red candy melts, and blue candy melts in 3 separate microwave-safe bowls and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring, until melted and smooth.
 

Transfer the white candy melts to a resealable plastic bag; snip off a small corner. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
 

Dip the top corner of half of the treats into the red candy melts and place the dipped treats on the prepared baking sheet. Dip the remaining treats in the blue candy melts. Sprinkle the white star sprinkles over the blue treats. Drizzle the white candy melts in thin lines over the red treats. Let the candy set, about 20 minutes.