Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys That Kids Will Love this Thanksgiving
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team
As the fall leaves begin to swirl and Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself dreaming of festive treats that can bring family together in the kitchen. You know the kind of recipes that not only taste delightful but also spark joy for kids and adults alike? Enter my Easy Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys! These charming little creations offer a perfect blend of crunchy cocoa goodness and chocolatey sweetness, making them an exhilarating addition to any holiday dessert table.
When I first made these adorable turkeys, my kids couldn t contain their excitement. Watching their faces light up as they assembled the treats became a cherished memory, adding a sprinkle of magic to our Thanksgiving tradition. So grab your Cocoa Krispies and a handful of colorful candy, and let s whip up some fun together! Not only are these turkeys deliciously simple to create, but they ll also have everyone gobbling for more. Perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night in, these treats capture the essence of the season. Let s get started!
Why You ll Love Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys
Delightful fun for all ages: Kids will love assembling these cute treats, making it a perfect activity for family bonding during the holiday.
Quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time and still impress your guests.
Creative presentation: The vibrant colors from candy decorations elevate the visual appeal, making them standout pieces on any Thanksgiving dessert table.
Nostalgic flavors: Enjoy the classic, crunchy cocoa goodness your taste-buds know and love while embracing the festive spirit.
Customizable fun: Feel free to switch up the candy for unique variations that will make every batch distinctly yours.
Festive joy: They not only taste great but also add an element of whimsy and celebration, ensuring your Thanksgiving is filled with laughter and joy!
Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys Ingredients
- For the Treat Base
- Cocoa Krispies Use store-bought for convenience, or make your own Rice Krispies for a personal touch.
- For the Decorations
- Candy Corn These add vibrant feathers and a festive touch to each turkey.
- Jumbo Candy Eyes Bring your turkeys to life with these fun eyes, or swap them for chocolate chips if needed.
- Candy Orange Slices Perfect for creating a cheerful beak; any gummy candy shaped like a beak will do!
- Small Red Jelly Beans These simulate the turkey s wattle, adding a delightful detail to your creations.
With this simple yet fun collection of ingredients, you re well on your way to creating delightful Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys that everyone will love this Thanksgiving!
How to Make Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys
- Prepare your Cocoa Krispies Treats according to the package instructions. Mix the warm, gooey marshmallow mixture into the Cocoa Krispies until well-coated.
- Shape the treats! Once they set, remove and cut them into turkey shapes using round cookie cutters or your hands to mold them into fun, festive forms.
- Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip the bottom half of the formed treats into the melted chocolate, allowing it to coat generously for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Decorate immediately! Insert candy corn into the treats as feathers. Use the orange slices for beaks and small red jelly beans for the turkey s wattle to bring your creations to life.
- Set the decorations by leaving the chocolate-coated treats to cool. Once the chocolate has hardened, they are ready to serve and share with loved ones.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys?
These delightful treats are a festive addition to your Thanksgiving spread, perfect for bringing family and friends together!
- Pumpkin Pie: The classic Thanksgiving dessert offers a sweet contrast to the crunchy chocolatey turkeys.
- Apple Cider: A warm or chilled glass of spiced apple cider enhances the cozy feel of your holiday gathering.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These provide a comforting savory balance to the sweet treats, making for a well-rounded meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Bright, colorful veggies add a nutritional touch while complementing the richness of your dessert.
- Chocolate Milk: Pairing your sweet turkeys with a chilled glass of chocolate milk makes for a kid-approved combo!
- Gingerbread Cookies: This seasonal favorite adds more festive flair, tying together the flavors of the holiday season.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates an inviting contrast to the chocolaty crunch of the turkeys.
- Coffee or Tea: These warm drinks can help balance the sweetness of your treats, perfect for adult guests.
Mix and match these options to craft a Thanksgiving spread that delights everyone around your table!
Make Ahead Options
These Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, allowing you to enjoy festive fun without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the Cocoa Krispies Treats themselves up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delightful crunch. As for the decorations, assemble the candy elements and store them separately; this will keep them fresh and prevent any melting. When you re ready to serve, just melt the chocolate, dip the treats, and add the decorations simple as that! These make-ahead tips save you time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities with your family!
How to Store and Freeze Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys
Room Temperature: Keep the Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crunchiness.
Refrigerator: If you want them to last a bit longer, store in the fridge for up to a week. This will keep the decorations intact and fresh.
Freezer: For extended storage, you can freeze the treats for up to a month. Wrap each turkey individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Reheating: When you re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or so. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.
Expert Tips for Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys
- Melted Chocolate Glue: Use melted chocolate as glue to help decorations stick better; it ensures candy corn and eyes stay in place.
- Transport Safely: If you re taking your turkeys on the go, reinforce decorations with a thicker chocolate coating for added stability during travel.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the finished treats briefly to ensure the chocolate sets quickly; this will make handling and serving easier.
- Cut Carefully: When cutting shapes, use a sharp knife or cookie cutters for clean edges. This avoids crumbling that may occur with uneven cuts.
- Storage Tips: Keep Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; ensure they don t become too soft.
Variations & Substitutions for Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys
Feel free to get creative with these delightful treats, adding fun twists that will dazzle your guests.
- Different Cereals: Swap Cocoa Krispies for Fruity Pebbles for a colorful and fruity turkey twist that adds flair to your plate. Each bite will be a little party in your mouth!
- Mini Marshmallows: Replace candy decorations with mini marshmallows for a softer, squishier appearance. They bring a fluffy texture that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in some creamy peanut butter into the marshmallow layer for a nutty flavor boost. It s a yummy surprise that will keep everyone guessing!
- Nut-Free Version: Use sun butter instead of peanut butter to make a nut-free treat, perfect for schools or gatherings where allergies are a concern.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Jazz up the chocolate coating with a drizzle of white chocolate or colored candy melts for an artistic touch. It adds not only sweetness but also a beautiful finish!
- Heat Element: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the chocolate for a sweet and spicy turkey! It s a surprising kick that adventurous eaters will love.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Top with colorful fall-themed sprinkles to celebrate the season. These little touches will create a fun finishing touch everyone will adore!
- Gummy Candy Variations: Use different gummy candies to change up the flavor profile for each turkey, like sour gummies for a little tartness. Creative combinations can lead to delightful discoveries!
Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys Recipe FAQs
How should I choose my Cocoa Krispies for the treats?
You want to use fresh Cocoa Krispies that are crisp and well within their expiration date. Check the package for any signs of moisture or clumping, which can affect the texture of your treats. If you prefer, you can also make your own Rice Krispies as a nostalgic alternative!
How can I store Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys to keep them fresh?
Absolutely! Store the Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful crunch. If you d like, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they are well-sealed to prevent them from becoming too soft and chewy.
Can I freeze Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys?
Certainly! Freezing is a great option if you want to extend their shelf life. Wrap each turkey individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to a month! When you re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Avoid microwaving as it might make them chewy.
What can I do if the chocolate decorations won t stick?
No worries at all! If your decorations aren t adhering properly, simply warm some additional melted chocolate and use it as glue. Dip the back of each candy corn or candy eye in the melted chocolate and gently press them onto the treats. Allow everything to set, and they ll stay put!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you re making these treats for kids, be mindful of allergies to ingredients like chocolate or gelatin (from gummy candies) which can affect some individuals. It s a good idea to read the labels carefully, especially if you re accommodating dietary restrictions. For pet owners, keep these treats far from curious paws as they are not suitable for pets due to high sugar content.
Can I customize the decorations on my Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys?
Absolutely! One of the joys of making these treats is the creative freedom they offer. Feel free to switch the candy toppings based on what you have on hand or what your kids enjoy! You could use mini marshmallows for a softer look, or even different colored candies for a festive flair. The more the merrier when it comes to decorating!
Cocoa Krispies Treat Turkeys Recipe FAQs