You haven’t really lived through fall until you’ve tried these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats – they’re like autumn in every bite! I’ll never forget the first time I whipped these up for my niece’s Halloween party. The kids went wild for them, but honestly? The adults sneaked even more when they thought no one was looking. It’s amazing how just a dash of warm pumpkin spice can transform that classic childhood treat into something so perfectly seasonal.

What I love most is how these come together in minutes – no baking required, just one pot and a little stirring magic. The marshmallows get all gooey and perfect while the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice fill your kitchen with the coziest aroma. Trust me, these disappear faster than you can say “trick or treat”!

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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

Oh my stars, these treats are absolute magic! Here’s why they’ve become my go-to fall recipe:

They come together in under 20 minutes – no baking, no fuss
The warm pumpkin spice makes your whole house smell like autumn
Kids go crazy for them (but adults sneak seconds when no one’s looking)
Perfect balance of cozy spice and that classic rice krispie crunch

I’ve made these for everything from PTA meetings to Thanksgiving dessert spreads, and they never last long.

Perfect for Any Fall Occasion

Whether it’s a Halloween party, Friendsgiving dessert table, or just a Tuesday afternoon craving, these treats fit right in. I’ve packed them in lunchboxes, brought them to tailgates, and even used them as edible place cards at Thanksgiving – just write names on the chocolate drizzle with a food-safe marker!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

Alright, let’s gather the goods! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these autumnal wonders:

6 cups rice krispie cereal – pro tip: use a fresh box for maximum crunch
10 oz marshmallows – that’s one standard bag, don’t skimp!
3 tbsp butter – unsalted is my preference so you control the saltiness
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice – the star of the show (not pumpkin puree – learned that the hard way!)
1/4 tsp cinnamon – for that extra cozy kick
1/2 cup white chocolate chips – optional but oh-so-pretty drizzled on top

See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples with a seasonal twist. Now let’s make some magic!

Equipment You’ll Need

Gather these trusty kitchen tools before you start:

A large pot (I use my favorite enameled Dutch oven)
Wooden spoon – silicone works too but I’m old-school
9×13 inch baking pan (any color will do!)
Cooking spray or butter for greasing

That’s it – no fancy gadgets required! Now let’s make some pumpkin spice magic happen.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

Okay, let’s get our hands sticky! These treats come together faster than you can say “pumpkin spice latte,” but there are a few tricks to getting them just right. First things first – tie your hair back and roll up those sleeves because we’re about to make some marshmallow magic!

Melting the Marshmallow Base

Here’s where most folks mess up – they crank the heat too high! Medium-low is your best friend here. Melt your butter first in that big pot, then add all the marshmallows. Stir constantly like your life depends on it for about 3 minutes – you want everything smooth and glossy, not burnt and clumpy. (I may or may not have ruined a batch this way last year!)

Incorporating the Spices

Once your marshmallows are perfectly melted, it’s spice time! Sprinkle in that pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, then stir like crazy for another 30 seconds. You want those warm flavors evenly distributed – no spice clumps allowed!

Pressing and Setting the Treats

Now the fun part! Dump in all that rice krispie cereal and stir until everything’s coated. Pro tip: spray your hands with cooking spray before pressing the mixture into your greased pan. It’ll save you from sticky fingers! Press firmly but don’t compact it too much – we want some crunch. Let it cool completely (about 1 hour) before diving in with that knife.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my hard-earned secrets:

Fresh cereal is key – that box sitting in your pantry for months won’t give you that satisfying crunch
Spice to your taste – start with the recipe amounts, then add more if you’re a pumpkin spice fiend like me
Work fast – the marshmallow mixture sets quickly, so have everything ready before you start
For clean cuts – use a plastic knife or spray your regular knife with cooking spray
Storage trick – layer treats with parchment paper to prevent sticking in the container

These little tricks make all the difference between good treats and legendary ones!

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Oh, the possibilities! These pumpkin spice treats are like a blank canvas for your fall creativity. Try mixing in 1/2 cup of toasted pecans for crunch or dried cranberries for tart contrast. They’re heavenly with a hot mug of apple cider – the spices play so nicely together! For a fun party twist, cut them into pumpkin shapes with cookie cutters.

Optional White Chocolate Drizzle

Want to gild the lily? Melt those white chocolate chips with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil (makes it extra drizzle-able), then zigzag it over the cooled treats with a fork. Let it set for about 15 minutes – if you can wait that long!

Storing Your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

Here’s the scoop on keeping your treats fresh! Pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers – they’ll stay perfectly chewy for about 3 days at room temperature. (Though let’s be real, they never last that long in my house!) If your kitchen runs warm, you can refrigerate them, but they’ll get firmer – just let them come to room temp before serving.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts might vary a bit depending on brands and how big you cut those squares! Each treat packs about 180 calories with that perfect balance of cozy spices and sweet marshmallow goodness. Not bad for a little taste of autumn, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie spice?
Oh honey, don’t do it! I made this mistake once and ended up with soggy, sad treats. The puree adds too much moisture and completely changes the texture. Stick with the dry pumpkin pie spice – it gives all that wonderful flavor without the mush factor.

How can I make these gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Just grab a box of certified gluten-free rice cereal (they make great ones now) and you’re golden. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’ll get all that pumpkin spice goodness without the gluten.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats?
I don’t recommend it, honestly. Freezing makes them lose that perfect chewy-crunchy texture we love. They’re so quick to make fresh – just whip up a batch when the craving hits! If you absolutely must, wrap them tightly and thaw at room temp, but they’ll never be quite as good.