Turkey Leg Rice Krispies Treats

These Rice Krispies Turkey Legs are the perfect fun and easy treat for the Thanksgiving holiday, for kids and adults alike. They’re a playful twist on a classic snack, combining crispy cereal, gooey marshmallows, and a fun chocolate “bone” for a whimsical finish. These treats are simple enough to make with kids, yet impressive enough to add a festive touch to your holiday dessert table.

One of the best parts of the Thanksgiving season is getting creative in the kitchen and making fun treats with the whole family. From shaping Rice Krispies into turkey legs to decorating pumpkin-shaped cookies or crafting edible place settings, these projects turn dessert time into a festive activity everyone can enjoy. Kids love helping, and it’s a great way to sneak in some learning about shapes, colors, and teamwork while making lasting holiday memories. Check out some of our other Thanksgiving-inspired food crafts for more easy, playful recipes the kids will love, like our Scarecrow Cupcakes, Turkey Marshmallow Pops, and Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispies Treat.

Update: Last time, I tried dipping Rice Krispies shaped like legs in chocolate melts, but it was tricky—the marshmallow would melt, and the treats sometimes fell apart. This time, I found a much easier and more stable method that still looks fantastic.

What You’ll Love About this Fun Treat

• Easy to Make: Kids can help shape the treats.
• Fun & Festive: Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday table—these turkey legs are sure to bring smiles.
• Kid-Friendly: Crispy, sweet, and chocolatey without being overly complicated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the “Bone” Portion:

• Scooby Snacks (or similar small, sturdy biscuit/cookie)
• White chocolate melts

For the “Turkey” Portion:

• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 5 ½ cups fresh marshmallows (must be fresh, sealed bag for best results)
• 6 cups Chocolate Rice Krispies cereal or chocolate Fruity Pebbles

Equipment Needed

• Cooking spray (for hands)
• Wax paper
• Silicone Spatulas for stirring
• Measuring Cup (1 cup)

How to Make Turkey Leg Rice Krispies Treats

Make the Bones:

• In a small bowl, melt white chocolate melts.
• Dip Scooby Snacks into white chocolate melts and place them on wax paper to dry.

• These will serve as the bone portion of your turkey leg.

Make the Rice Krispies Portion:

• Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large pot over low heat.
• Making sure the burner is on the lowest heat setting, gradually stir in 5 ½ cups of marshmallows, constantly stirring to prevent the butter from burning. This ensures a smooth, pliable mixture.

Add the Cereal:

• Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over 6 cups of Rice Krispies (or chocolate Rice Krispies / Cocoa Pebbles).
• Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow until fully coated.

Shape the Turkey Legs:

• Spray your hands lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Scoop out a small amount of the Rice Krispies mixture and wrap it around the top half of the Scooby Snack. leaving the white chocolate tip untouched.

• Use a measuring cup sprayed with cooking spray to scoop the Rice Krispies mixture and mold it around the white chocolate “bones.”
• Make sure the Rice Krispies are at least halfway down the Scooby Snack so the turkey leg isn’t top-heavy.

Let Them Set:

• Allow the Rice Krispies turkey legs to cool and harden for 20–30 minutes.

Storage:

• When made with fresh ingredients, these treats can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Expert Tips

Use fresh marshmallows: Older marshmallows can make the mixture too hard to work with.

Low heat is key: Keeps the butter from burning while melting the marshmallows smoothly.

Oil your hands: This makes shaping the turkey legs easier and keeps the mixture from sticking.

Be patient: Let the legs set fully so they hold their shape.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal?

Yes! Chocolate Rice Krispies, Cocoa Pebbles, or even Regular Rice Krispies Treats work well.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days if made with fresh ingredients.

What if my marshmallow mixture gets too hard?

Make sure your marshmallows are fresh and your butter is on the lowest heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning and keep it pliable.

Variations

Festive Colors: Add a few drops of food coloring to the marshmallow mixture and regular Rice Krispies Cereal before adding the cereal.

Nutty Twist: Mix in finely chopped nuts or candy pieces for added texture.

What to Serve With

• Serve on a dessert table alongside cupcakes, pumpkin bars, pecan pie, or other Thanksgiving treats like Rolo turkey pretzels, and scarecrow marshmallow pops.
• Pair with hot cocoa or milk for a fun kids’ snack.
• Include as part of a themed holiday party dessert platter.

More Thanksgiving Treats You’ll Love

Serving Size

This recipe will make about one dozen Rice Krispies Turkey Legs

Printable Recipe