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I came up with these adorable matcha Christmas trees last year when I was looking for something different to bring to our holiday cookie swap. Everyone was so excited to see something besides the usual sugar cookies! The matcha gives them this beautiful natural green color and adds such a lovely flavor. My kids had a blast helping decorate them we ended up making three batches because they kept disappearing as fast as we could make them!
Why These Are Always A Hit
You know what's great about these treats? They're super simple to make but look like you spent hours on them. The matcha adds this grown-up twist that even my tea-hating husband loves. Plus there's no baking involved which is perfect when your oven's already full of holiday cookies. Last time I made them for my daughter's class party the other moms couldn't believe how festive they looked without any artificial coloring.
What You'll Need
- Butter: Just 3 tablespoons unsalted the good stuff makes a difference
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This makes them extra creamy and rich
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors
- Mini Marshmallows: Make sure they're fresh and fluffy
- Vanilla: Real extract not the fake stuff
- Matcha Powder: Get the good stuff it's worth it for color and taste
- Rice Crispies: Six cups regular ones work great
- White Chocolate: For that snowy drizzle on top
- Fun Sprinkles: Whatever makes you happy
Let's Make Some Trees
- Get Ready
- First thing I do is butter my pan really well or line it with parchment these guys can be sticky!
- Make The Magic Happen
- Melt your butter in a pot throw in that condensed milk and salt. Add marshmallows and keep stirring until they're all melted and smooth. Then comes the fun part sifting in that matcha powder it turns such a pretty green!
- Mix It Up
- Pour this gorgeous green mixture over your cereal and fold it in gently. I usually count to 30 while stirring to make sure everything's coated just right.
- Shape Those Trees
- Press it all into your pan but don't squish too hard or they'll get tough. Let them cool then cut into triangles I use a big sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Time To Decorate
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate this is when my kids go crazy with the sprinkles. You've got to work fast before the chocolate sets!
Mix It Up
Sometimes I make these dairy-free for my niece using coconut oil instead of butter they turn out just as good! My friend tried them with crushed pistachios on top totally genius. The best part is you can change up the toppings to match any holiday I've done them with mini candy canes pink sprinkles for Valentine's Day and even rainbow colors for birthdays.
Your Way Your Style
Don't feel stuck with the tree shape! Sometimes I just cut them into squares when I'm in a hurry. My son loves when I drizzle dark chocolate instead of white says it looks like tree branches. Once I sprinkled some sea salt on top before the chocolate set wow talk about amazing! It's really all about what makes you and your family happy.
Tips For Success
Trust me always start with fresh marshmallows those stale ones from last summer just won't cut it. Take that extra minute to sift your matcha nobody wants green lumps! And here's my secret tip spray your hands with a little cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan saves so much sticky mess. Your arms will thank me later!
Putting It All Together
Once everything's cooled I like to set up a little assembly line especially if the kids are helping. Cut all the triangles first then get your chocolate melted and decorations ready. We lay them out on wax paper for easy cleanup. The hardest part is keeping little hands from sneaking bites before the chocolate sets!
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Getting Them Just Right
My biggest tip? Work quickly once that marshmallow mixture is ready it starts setting fast! I keep everything laid out before I start like a cooking show. If things get too sticky I use plastic wrap to press the mixture down works like a charm. And always always put parchment between layers when you're storing them learned that one the hard way!
Keeping Them Fresh
These treats stay good for about 3 days in a container if they last that long! I've started making extra batches to freeze they're perfect for last-minute holiday visitors. Just pull them out about an hour before you need them. They make such cute gifts too I stack them in clear bags tie them with ribbon and everyone thinks I bought them from a fancy bakery!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why are my treats hard?
Don't press too firmly when spreading in the pan. Gentle pressure keeps them soft. Also, fresh marshmallows make softer treats than older ones.
- → Can I use regular marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows melt more evenly, but regular marshmallows work too. Just cut them into smaller pieces first for better melting.
- → Why sift the matcha?
Sifting prevents matcha clumps in your treats. It helps the powder blend smoothly into the marshmallow mixture for even color and flavor.
- → Can I skip the condensed milk?
The condensed milk adds richness and helps keep treats soft. You can omit it but might want to add an extra tablespoon of butter.
- → Why line the pan with parchment?
Parchment makes it much easier to lift out and cut the treats. Butter alone works but can make removal trickier.
Conclusion
Matcha rice crispy treats are a unique twist on the classic dessert, combining the nostalgic crunch of rice crispies with the sophisticated flavor of green tea. By incorporating matcha powder into the marshmallow mixture and adding a white chocolate drizzle, these treats offer a delightful blend of sweetness and earthy notes.