These valentine rice krispie treats are the sweetest way to show love this February! Shaped like hearts and loaded with colorful M&M’s, they’re simple enough to whip up on any busy day.
This recipe addresses difficulties with shaping Rice Krispie treats and adds festive touches to create a fun and easy Valentine’s Day treat.
I always seem to run into trouble when making treats for Valentine’s Day. Between melted marshmallows and sticky fingers, it can get a little messy. But trust me, the smiles on my family’s faces make it all worthwhile.
This easy-to-follow recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll end up with soft, chewy treats, and no one will believe how simple it was. Just get ready for some delightful giggles when you serve them up!
If you’re up for more fun, check out my Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies for another treat!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fun and Festive Shape Making heart-shaped rice krispie treats adds a charming twist to this classic snack. These treats visually capture the spirit of Valentine’s Day, making them ideal for sharing with loved ones.
- Quick to Prepare In less than 35 minutes, you can whip up a batch, from melting the marshmallows to shaping your treats. This speedy process means you can easily make them for unexpected visitors or last-minute parties.
- Customizable Ingredients Feel free to switch up the mix-ins; using different colored M&M’s or themed sprinkles lets you make these treats tailored to any holiday or personal favorite, ensuring everyone can enjoy a treat that suits their taste.
- Storage Potential These treats stay fresh for several days when kept in an airtight container, making them a fantastic dessert to prepare ahead of time. They’re a fantastic option for school lunches or surprise snacks throughout the week.
Heart Shaped Valentine Rice Krispie Treats
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stove-top melting and no-bake setting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious heart-shaped Valentine Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s, perfect for celebrating love.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons (71g) salted butter
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) sea salt
- 6 cups (180g) mini marshmallows
- 6 cups (180g) Rice Krispies cereal (gluten free if needed)
- 10 ounces (283g) Valentine M&M’s
- 1/4 cup (40g) Valentine sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly spray the entire surface of a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup and removal of treats.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over low to medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of salted butter, stirring continuously to ensure even melting without burning.
- Step 3: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to the melted butter. Stir thoroughly until well combined, enhancing flavor and balancing sweetness.
- Step 4: Stir in 6 cups of mini marshmallows. Continue stirring over medium heat for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, watching for a smooth, lump-free consistency as the marshmallows fully melt into the butter mixture.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Gently fold in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, mixing until the cereal is evenly coated. Use a light touch to avoid crushing the cereal, preserving the treats’ texture.
- Step 6: Fold in the 10 ounces of Valentine M&M’s gently, distributing them throughout the mixture. If M&M’s tend to sink, add them about 2 minutes before finishing stirring for more even placement.
- Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down evenly using your hands or a spatula. Do not press too tightly; allowing a little air will keep the treats lighter and crispier. If the mixture sticks to your hands, wet your hands slightly before pressing. Let the mixture cool completely in the pan.
- Step 8: When cooled and set, use a sturdy metal heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual Valentine’s Day treats.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, protecting them from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Refrigeration: Keep treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to avoid condensation.
- Freezing: Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level; melt it slowly over medium-low heat while stirring for best results.
- When melting marshmallows, continuous stirring for about 6-8 minutes is key for a smooth, lump-free texture.
- If treats feel too dense after cooling, avoid compacting them too much during pressing to maintain a lighter feel.
- To increase chewiness, add an additional 1 cup of mini marshmallows into the mixture just before transferring to the pan.
- Wetting your hands lightly prevents sticking when pressing the mixture into the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Ingredient Notes
- Rice Krispies: Choose the classic variety for that perfect crunch. Other puffed rice cereals can work but may lack the unique texture and taste that Rice Krispies provide.
- Marshmallows: Use large marshmallows for a gooey consistency. Mini marshmallows can be used too, but they’ll melt faster, making the mixture stickier.
- Butter: I suggest using unsalted butter. It melts evenly, giving richness without overpowering the sweet marshmallow flavor. Make sure to melt it slowly to avoid burning.
- Food coloring: Gel food coloring works best for vibrant hues without altering the texture. Liquid dye can make the treats gummy, so stick to gel for a clean color.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter: Opt for a sturdy metal cutter to easily shape the treats. Plastic ones might bend, making it tough to get those neat heart shapes.
Recipe Tips
- If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly before pressing the treats into the pan to prevent sticking during shaping.
- When melting the marshmallows, stir continuously over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes to achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.
- If the treats are too dense after cooling, gently press them into the pan without compacting, which can help maintain a lighter texture.
- For softer treats, consider adding 1 cup of mini marshmallows into the mixture just before pouring, giving added chewiness to the final result.
- If the Valentine’s M&M’s sink to the bottom, add them 2 minutes before finishing stirring, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the treats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve heart-shaped Valentine Rice Krispie treats with fresh strawberries or dark chocolate-dipped fruit. Pair with a side of whipped Greek yogurt for dipping or a berry compote.
Add to dessert platters alongside gluten-free brownies or chocolate-covered pretzels. These treats also fit well in gift baskets for Valentine’s celebrations or as colorful party favors.
Top these treats with melted dark chocolate drizzle or colorful frosting. Consider adding crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor contrast.
Recipe variations
- You can use puffed wheat cereal instead of Rice Krispies for a crunchier base in your Valentine Rice Krispie Treats, adjusting the volume to 6 cups for consistency.
- Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract along with vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to the butter mixture for a subtle nutty flavor variation.
- Either sprinkle Valentine M&M’s or chop dried strawberries before mixing into the treats for added festive color and taste.
- If making a larger batch, double the ingredients for a 9×13 pan, or halve them to fit an 8×8 pan, adjusting baking time accordingly for best results.
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How to Store?
To keep your Heart Shaped Valentine Rice Krispie Treats fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place treats in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, protecting from moisture and direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days, preventing condensation by sealing tightly before refrigerating.
Freezing: Wrap each treat in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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