Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes
Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes are a delightful blend of festive flavors that bring the joy of the holiday season right to your kitchen. I remember the first time I tried making these treats; the aroma of warm, spiced gingerbread filled my home, transporting me back to my childhood. As we gathered around the kitchen, with laughter and anticipation in the air, I couldn’t help but feel that these cupcakes were more than just a dessert—they were a memory in the making. The combination of crispy rice cereal and creamy frosting, topped with colorful sprinkles, makes each bite a joyful experience. Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family gathering, these cupcakes add a special touch to any occasion.
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
20 mins
0 mins
Medium
210 kcal
1 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
9 g
Wooden Spoon, Frying Pan, Mixing Bowl
What Makes This Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes Special
A Perfect Holiday Treat
Every bite of the Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes is reminiscent of holiday cheer. The unique blend of flavors gives each cupcake a warm, comforting feel that perfectly matches the season. It’s a delightful treat that appeals not just to children but to adults as well, making it a perfect dessert for family gatherings.
Easy to Make
The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. If you’re a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe incredibly forgiving yet rewarding. Plus, involving kids in the process can make for wonderful family bonding moments.
Visually Appealing
These cupcakes are not just delicious; they are visually stunning. Topped with colorful sprinkles and gingerbread marshmallows, they are a feast for the eyes. Their festive look makes them an excellent centerpiece for any holiday table.
Customizable
You can easily customize the Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes to suit your preferences. Whether you’d like to adjust the sweetness, change up the toppings, or even make them gluten-free, the possibilities are endless. This flexibility ensures that everyone at your gathering can enjoy them.
Great for Gift Giving
These cupcakes make for a wonderful homemade gift! Package them up in a festive box, and you have a sweet present for teachers, neighbors, or friends. Sharing the joy of baking is a beautiful way to spread holiday cheer.
Key Ingredients for Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes

The ingredients in Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes come together to create a delightful treat that’s perfect for the season. The combination of unsalted butter, gingerbread marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and festive colorful sprinkles ensures every bite is filled with joy. The creamy frosting made from powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla ties it all together, making these cupcakes irresistibly delicious.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for richness, it adds a creamy texture to both the cupcake base and the frosting.
- Gingerbread Marshmallows: These add a festive flavor and playful texture, making the treats fun and unique.
- Crispy Rice Cereal: The star of the base, providing crunch and structure to the cupcakes.
- Colorful Sprinkles: A fun addition that enhances the visual appeal, making these cupcakes delightful for any holiday occasion.
- Powdered Sugar: Used for the frosting, it gives a sweet touch while ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of flavor that rounds out the sweetness of the frosting.
- Milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency, allowing it to be spreadable or piped onto cupcakes.
The Method for Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes

Making these Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes is a simple yet rewarding process. You’ll love how quickly they come together, allowing you to enjoy them in no time. Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful treats!
- Start by spraying the wells of a 12-cup standard cupcake pan with nonstick cooking spray. This helps ensure that your cupcakes come out easily once they’re set.
- In a large pan over low heat, melt unsalted butter. As it melts, enjoy the aromatic scent filling your kitchen, which signals that the fun is about to begin.
- Add the gingerbread marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir thoroughly until the marshmallows are completely melted and well combined. You’ll want a smooth, creamy consistency without any lumps.
- Once melted, gradually add the crispy rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir continuously until all the cereal is well coated. Be cautious not to over-stir, as this may cause the colors from the sprinkles to bleed into the mixture.
- Now, add in the colorful sprinkles and stir until just incorporated. This step adds a festive touch, making the mixture even more appealing.
- Using a buttered spatula or your clean, buttered hands, firmly press the crispy mixture into the wells of the prepared pan. Work quickly to avoid the mixture setting up in the pan.
- Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, gently remove the treats from the pan, ensuring they hold their shape.
- While the treats cool, prepare the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a large bowl with an electric mixer), beat the remaining unsalted butter on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until it’s fluffy and light.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined, ensuring there are no dry patches.
- Next, add in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of milk. Mix on low speed until incorporated, and then increase the speed to high to achieve a smooth and fluffy frosting, about 4-5 more minutes.
- If your frosting is too thick, gradually add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. It should be easy to spread or pipe.
- Finally, spread or pipe the frosting onto your cooled marshmallow treat cupcakes. Top with additional colorful sprinkles and gingerbread marshmallows for the ultimate festive finish.
Things Worth Knowing
- Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can still be delicious after a couple of days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted marshmallow treats for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
- Texture Tips: For best results, ensure that the marshmallows are fully melted before adding the cereal. This ensures a cohesive mixture.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in the frosting to achieve the right consistency for spreading or piping. It should be creamy and smooth.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with the type of sprinkles you use. There are so many fun options to choose from that can create a unique look for each batch.
Recipe Notes about Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes

Creating the perfect Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes involves a few handy tips. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these pointers will help you achieve the best results.
- This buttercream frosting: The recipe makes enough frosting to generously frost 12 cupcakes. If you prefer a lighter frosting layer, feel free to halve the frosting recipe.
- Serving suggestion: Consider serving these cupcakes with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat during the chilly months.
- Variations: You can add different flavors to the frosting, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance the holiday spice theme.
- Decorating: Get creative with your toppings—try adding crushed cookies or festive candies for a fun twist.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, ensuring they stay fresh and tasty.
Great Combinations for Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes
- Perfect for Christmas gatherings: These cupcakes are ideal for holiday parties, bringing festive cheer to your table.
- Pair with warm beverages: Serve them alongside hot chocolate or spiced cider for a comforting winter treat.
- Great for gifting: Package these cupcakes in decorative boxes to share with friends and family, making them a delightful homemade gift.
- Complement with other desserts: Consider serving alongside other holiday treats, like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark, for a sweet spread.
- Celebrating occasions: They’re perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any celebration where you want to add a festive touch.
- Store properly: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and flavor.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes offer a unique twist on traditional holiday desserts, making them a delightful addition to your seasonal repertoire. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch your loved ones delight in every bite. They are not just cupcakes; they are memories waiting to be made!

Gingerbread Marshmallow Treat Cupcakes
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 package Campfire® Gingerbread Marshmallows
- 5 cups Crispy Rice Cereal
- ¼ cup Colorful Sprinkles
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter room temperature
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1-2 tablespoons Milk as needed
- Sprinkles and additional Campfire® Gingerbread Marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Spray the wells of a 12-cup standard cupcake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In large pan, melt unsalted butter over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows to the pan and stir until completely melted.
- Gradually add crispy rice cereal, stirring until well coated.
- Add in sprinkles and stir until just incorporated.
- Use a buttered spatula or clean, buttered hands to firmly press the mixture into the wells of the prepared pan.
- Cool for about 15 minutes.
- Remove marshmallow treat cupcakes from the pan and prepare the frosting.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat unsalted butter on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in powdered sugar, and continue beating until well combined.
- Add in vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of milk. Mix on low speed until incorporated.
- Beat at high speed until frosting is smooth and fluffy; about 4-5 more minutes.
- If your frosting is too thick, gradually add a little more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled marshmallow treat cupcakes and top with colorful sprinkles and gingerbread marshmallows.


