Easy Rice Krispie Valentine Hearts

I was making regular rice krispie treats with my kids when my daughter asked if we could turn them into hearts for Valentine’s Day. Growing up, my mom only ever made the classic square version – it never occurred to me they could be anything else.

Turns out, shaping rice krispie treats is actually pretty simple. Unlike cookies or cakes that need special pans or careful timing, these treats stay soft just long enough to mold them however you want. And with a heart-shaped cookie cutter, you can transform the usual squares into something that’ll make your Valentine’s Day a bit more special.

What Kind of Rice Cereal Should I Use?

While Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are the classic choice for these treats, any crispy rice cereal will work just fine in this recipe. Store brands tend to be more budget-friendly and work just as well as the name brand version – just make sure you’re choosing a plain, unflavored variety rather than a frosted or chocolate-coated type. If your cereal has been sitting in the pantry for a while, give it a quick taste test first to make sure it’s still fresh and crispy, as stale cereal can make your treats taste off. For the best results, measure your cereal after gently shaking the box to settle it, rather than packing it down in the measuring cup.

Options for Substitutions

Making these sweet treats but missing something? Here are some helpful swaps you can try:

• Crisp rice cereal: While the original Rice Krispies brand works best, any crispy rice cereal will do. In a pinch, you could even use other crunchy cereals like Corn Flakes or Cheerios – just know the texture will be different.
• Marshmallows: Regular-sized marshmallows work just as well as mini ones – just use the same amount by weight. You can also use marshmallow fluff (about 7 ounces) instead of marshmallows.
• Butter: Margarine can work as a substitute, though butter gives the best flavor. For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil, but reduce the amount to 3 tablespoons as it’s richer.
• White chocolate/almond bark: Any melting chocolate will work here – try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even colored candy melts for fun variations. If you don’t have any, you can skip the coating entirely.
• Vanilla essence: Feel free to skip it or try other extracts like almond or peppermint for a different flavor twist.
• Sprinkles: These are totally optional! You can swap them with crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or mini chocolate chips – or leave them off completely.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making Rice Krispie hearts is using too much heat – melting your marshmallows and butter over high heat will result in tough, hard treats instead of soft, chewy ones, so always stick to low-medium heat and stir constantly.

A common mistake is pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan, which compresses the cereal and creates dense, brick-like treats – instead, gently press the mixture using wax paper or buttered hands just until it holds together.

Working quickly is crucial since the marshmallow mixture starts setting fast – have your heart-shaped cookie cutter ready and lightly greased, and cut the shapes while the treats are still slightly warm but not hot.

For the smoothest white chocolate coating, remember to melt it slowly using 30-second intervals in the microwave or a double boiler, as overheating will make it grainy and difficult to work with.

What to Serve With Rice Krispie Hearts?

These sweet and crispy treats are perfect for serving alongside other Valentine’s Day goodies! A cold glass of milk is the classic pairing that helps balance out the sweetness and makes for the perfect dunking companion. If you’re setting up a dessert spread, try placing these treats next to some fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate or a bowl of pink and red M&Ms to keep with the Valentine’s theme. For a cozy touch, serve them with hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows – it’s like a match made in dessert heaven!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These sweet rice krispie hearts stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Place pieces of wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain their shape and texture.

Prepare Ahead: You can make these treats a day or two before your Valentine’s celebration. Just wait until the white chocolate coating is completely set before storing them. If you’re planning to add sprinkles, it’s best to do so right after dipping while the chocolate is still wet.

Freeze: Want to plan way ahead? These hearts freeze really well for up to 6 weeks. Layer them between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	20-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 80-90 g
• Carbohydrates: 300-320 g

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows
• 6 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup white chocolate or almond bark
• Sprinkles

Step 1: Melt Marshmallows and Butter

In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt a generous amount of butter.

Measure out 1 cup of marshmallows and set them aside for later use.

Add the remaining marshmallows to the pot and stir continuously until they are completely melted.

Once melted, remove the pot from the heat to prevent overcooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

With the pot off the heat, add Rice Krispie Cereal and vanilla to the melted marshmallow mixture.

Also, add the reserved 1 cup of marshmallows.

Stir the mixture until just combined, ensuring the cereal is fully coated and the marshmallows are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Prepare and Cool the Mixture

Generously spray a 9×13″ pan with cooking spray or coat it with butter to prevent sticking.

Transfer the Rice Krispie mixture to the prepared pan and gently press it down to form an even layer.

Allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate or Almond Bark

While the Rice Krispies are cooling, microwave chocolate or almond bark at 50% power.

Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between each time, until just melted.

Be cautious not to overheat to avoid burning the chocolate.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Once the Rice Krispie Treats are fully cooled, carefully remove them from the pan and place onto wax or parchment paper.

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out treats.

Using a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over the heart-shaped treats.

Add sprinkles for a decorative touch.

Allow the chocolate to cool and set completely before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

With the chocolate fully set, your beautiful heart-shaped Rice Krispie Treats are ready to share and enjoy!

Perfect for a festive occasion or just as a sweet treat.