Valentines Snacks Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts

Name: Valentines Snacks Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 hearts
Ingredients: 4 cups rice crispy cereal; 4 cups milk chocolate chips; 1/2 cup mini marshmallows; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles (optional)

Highlighted under: Family Collection

I absolutely love creating special treats for Valentine's Day, and these Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts are always a crowd-pleaser. With a delightful mix of crispy rice, gooey chocolate, and a touch of love, I find they beautifully capture the spirit of the occasion. The best part? They're incredibly easy to make! Perfect for sharing with friends or as a sweet gift for that special someone, these hearts instantly brighten up any celebration. Join me in making these delightful snacks that are sure to impress your loved ones.

Created by

Zinnia Fairweather

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:25:34.709Z

I remember the first time I made these Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts for Valentine’s Day. I wanted to create something simple yet special, and these hearts turned out to be just that! Using just a few ingredients, my kitchen was filled with delicious chocolate aromas that made it nearly impossible to resist sampling the mixture before it set.

The best advice I can give is to press the mixture firmly into the heart-shaped mold. This helps to ensure they hold their shape once set. Adding colorful sprinkles on top not only makes them festive but also adds a nice crunch and visual appeal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Irresistibly crispy and chocolatey goodness.
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion.
Customizable with toppings and decorations to make them your own!

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the perfect texture in your Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts lies in the ratios of ingredients. The rice crispy cereal provides the essential crunch, while the milk chocolate chips create a gooey, rich coating that binds everything together. Mini marshmallows enhance that gooeyness and add a touch of sweetness, making each bite melt in your mouth. Be sure to use fresh ingredients, as stale marshmallows can lose their puffiness and affect the overall texture.

Butter not only helps to melt your chocolate chips smoothly but also adds richness to the final product. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor may slightly differ, but the texture will still remain delightful. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can accommodate various preferences!

Tips for Perfectly Shaped Hearts

To get the most out of your heart-shaped molds, be generous with your greasing—whether it's butter or cooking spray. A well-greased mold ensures that your delicious creations release easily, preserving their shape and giving you a flawless presentation. If you find that your mixture is sticking despite greasing, try lightly dusting the mold with powdered sugar or additional sprinkles before adding the mixture.

When shaping the mixture, press down firmly but gently. This helps to compact the Rice Krispies together, preventing them from crumbling apart later. If you notice the mixture is too crumbly and not holding its shape, it may need a bit more melted chocolate. For added flair, you can use cookie cutters with various shapes to create a fun assortment instead of just hearts!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts

4 cups rice crispy cereal
4 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup colorful sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Your Pan

Grease a heart-shaped mold or a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Melt the Chocolate

In a large saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

Add Rice Crispy Cereal

Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the rice crispy cereal and marshmallows until fully coated.

Shape the Mixture

Spoon the mixture into your prepared mold, pressing down firmly to create a compact shape.

Add Toppings

If desired, sprinkle the colorful sprinkles on top of the mixture before it sets.

Let Set

Allow the hearts to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or place in the refrigerator for faster setting.

Cut and Serve

Once set, gently remove the hearts from the mold and serve to your loved ones!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize these treats by using different types of chocolate or adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect option for busy days leading up to Valentine's Day. Once you’ve shaped and set your hearts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigeration can help; however, be careful as they may become slightly firmer than desired, so allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

If you're considering gifting these treats, packaging them in a decorative box lined with parchment paper not only makes for an attractive presentation but also protects them from squishing. For longer storage, you can freeze the formed hearts. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to keep them fresh for up to three months!

Creative Variations to Try

While this recipe is absolutely delightful as-is, feel free to get creative by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings. For instance, you could fold in chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added crunch and nutrition. Dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries, can introduce a pleasing tartness that complements the sweetness of the chocolate beautifully.

And don't forget about decorations! Instead of just colorful sprinkles, consider using a drizzle of white chocolate on top for a sophisticated touch. You can also personalize your treats with themed candies, like heart-shaped gummies or fondant decorations, which can make your snacks even more festive for the occasion!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a richer flavor to the hearts.

→ How long do these snacks last?

They can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these can be made a few days in advance and stored properly until you're ready to serve.

→ What other toppings can I add?

You can experiment with nuts, dried fruits, or different types of sprinkles to make them unique!