Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

In a large pot, start to melt ¼ cup butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add 5 cups of the mini marshmallows to the butter, stirring often. Once the marshmallows are almost melted, turn the heat to low. Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla and the red food coloring, a few drops at a time, and mix well. If needed, continue to add food coloring until desired color. Remove from heat. Mix in 4 cups of the cereal. Stir until the cereal is well coated. Pour into the parchment lined pan. Spread evenly while pressing down firmly, and smooth the top using the back of a buttered spoon.

Repeat the same process, leaving this second batch white. Pour the white batch on top of the red layer. Press down and smooth evenly.

Repeat the process one last time with the blue food coloring. Place on top of the white layer. Press firmly and smooth out the top layer.

Allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Remove the treats from the pan (use a knife to cut around the edges if needed). Peel off the parchment paper and place on a cutting board.

Cut the treats into star shapes using a cookie cutter. If the cutter isn’t deep enough to completely reach the bottom of the pan, create an indentation with the cutter to use as a stencil, and then cut it out completely using a knife.