Instructions

1. 1

   Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the treats out later (about 2 minutes). It's ready when the paper covers the bottom and extends over two opposite sides.

2. 2

   Place the butter and mini marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes total. It's ready when the marshmallows are mostly melted and the mixture is smooth after stirring.

3. 3

   Stir the vanilla extract, salt, and orange gel food coloring into the warm marshmallow mixture until evenly colored (about 1 minute). It's ready when the mixture has a consistent orange color without visible streaks.

4. 4

   Add the crispy rice cereal and fold gently with a heatproof spoon until every piece is coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it into an even layer with lightly buttered fingers or the back of the spoon, using gentle pressure (about 4 minutes). It's ready when the cereal is evenly coated and the layer holds together without being tightly compressed.

5. 5

   Let the treats cool in the pan at room temperature for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 rectangles. It's ready when the slab holds its shape and can be cut without sticking excessively to the knife.

6. 6

   Place the green candy melts and semisweet chocolate chips in separate microwave-safe bowls. Microwave each on medium power in 20-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until melted and smooth; repeat with the purple candy melts if using (about 5 minutes). It's ready when each melted coating is smooth and flows easily from a spoon without scorching.

7. 7

   For pumpkin decorations, drizzle green candy coating over some treats to make stems and add pumpkin-shaped candies if desired. For monster treats, drizzle melted chocolate or purple candy coating over the remaining treats and immediately press two candy eyes onto each one. Finish with orange sprinkles if desired (about 3 minutes). It's ready when the decorations adhere to the treats and the monster eyes stay in place.

8. 8

   Allow the decorated treats to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or until the candy coatings no longer smear when lightly touched. Allow additional setting time if needed before serving. It's ready when the coatings no longer smear when lightly touched.

Used in this recipe: 9x13 Baking Pan · Silicone Spoon Spatula · Silicone Basting Brush (Amazon, affiliate links)