Valentines Snacks Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts

Name: Valentines Snacks Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 hearts
Ingredients: 4 cups Rice Crispy cereal; 3 cups mini marshmallows; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Sprinkles or nuts (optional, for topping)

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts for Valentine's Day! The combination of marshmallows and crispy rice cereal coated in rich chocolate creates a delightful treat that's both fun and easy to make. It's the perfect recipe for sharing with loved ones, and the heart shape adds a charming touch to any celebration. Plus, I enjoy experimenting with different toppings, like sprinkles or nuts, to give each batch a unique flair. Nothing warms my heart quite like creating these delicious snacks!

Created by

Lauren Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:49:35.678Z

When I first tried making these Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts, I was amazed by how simple and fun they were to create. I melted the marshmallows just right—not too long or short—and the texture turned out perfectly gooey. I added a bit of vanilla extract to give them an extra boost of flavor, and everyone went crazy for them!

One of my favorite tips is to let the mixture cool just enough before shaping it into hearts. It keeps the chocolate from melting too much when you dip them, making for a lovely finish. Now, they’re a go-to gift for friends and family, especially around Valentine’s Day!

        Why You'll Love These Treats
        Rich chocolate flavor with a delightful crunch
Cute heart shapes perfect for sharing
Easy and fun to make with loved ones
Customizable with your favorite toppings

      

Perfecting Your Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts

When making Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts, the key to achieving the perfect texture is the melting process. Melt the butter slowly over low heat to prevent browning; you want it just soft enough to coat the marshmallows. Once added, stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is glossy. This step ensures you won’t have any gritty bits, leading to a smoother consistency that binds well with the cereal.

After combining the melted marshmallows and Rice Crispy cereal, it’s crucial to work quickly. The mixture thickens rapidly, making it harder to shape into hearts if you wait too long. Press the mixture firmly into the molds, ensuring that no air pockets remain, which can lead to uneven shapes or weak spots in the hearts. If they seem too soft after cooling, don’t hesitate to pop them in the fridge for a quick firming up.

Customizing Your Treats

One of the joys of making Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts is that you can personalize them with various toppings. While sprinkles add a festive flair, consider using a mix of nuts for added crunch or coconut flakes for a chewy texture. If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor, you can even drizzle white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer for an appealing contrast. Just ensure that any toppings you use are finely chopped so that they adhere well to the chocolate surface.

If you need to consider dietary restrictions, you can make simple substitutions. Swap out the Rice Crispy cereal for a gluten-free alternative or use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version. The mini marshmallows can also be replaced with gelatin-based vegan marshmallows if desired. Experimenting with these alternatives can make your treats inclusive while keeping them equally delicious and delightful.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts

4 cups Rice Crispy cereal
3 cups mini marshmallows
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles or nuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Heart Molds

Lightly grease a heart-shaped silicone mold with cooking spray and set aside.

Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Add Cereal and Vanilla

Quickly remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Rice Crispy cereal and vanilla extract until well combined.

Shape the Hearts

Spoon the mixture into the prepared heart-shaped molds, pressing down firmly. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

Melt the Chocolate

While the hearts are cooling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.

Dip the Hearts

Once the hearts are set, carefully remove them from the molds and dip the tops in the melted chocolate. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.

Add Toppings and Set

Sprinkle with your choice of toppings and allow the chocolate to set completely before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra indulgent treat, you can drizzle white chocolate on top after the dark chocolate has set. Also, feel free to experiment with adding different flavors, such as almond or peppermint extract, to the marshmallow mixture.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts have fully set, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a softer treat, try storing them in the fridge, but be mindful that cooler temperatures can change their texture slightly. If stacking them, place a layer of parchment paper between each layer to avoid sticking.

These treats are perfect for various occasions beyond Valentine's Day. Package them in clear bags tied with ribbons for a charming party favor or place them on a dessert table to complement other sweet treats. If you’re making them for a celebration, consider creating a variety of shapes using different molds to add an extra touch of festivity.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts are crumbling when you try to remove them from the molds, it’s likely that the mixture was not pressed firmly enough or was too warm when molded. Press down on the mixture using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to compact it better. If they are still too soft, refrigerate them for an extra 10-15 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Another common issue is chocolate not coating smoothly on the hearts. Ensure your chocolate is melted just until it is glossy and don't overheat it, as this can cause it to thicken. If you accidentally overheat, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to restore its smoothness. Additionally, dipping should be done quickly; lingering in the warm chocolate can cause the Rice Crispy base to soften, leading to a messy dip.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of cereal?

Yes, you can substitute Rice Crispy cereal with any puffed cereal or even granola for a different texture.

→ How should I store these hearts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free rice cereal and ensure that your chocolate chips are gluten-free as well.

→ What toppings work best?

Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even mini marshmallows work great as toppings. Get creative!