I recently crafted a fun treat using unsalted butter, mini marshmallows, Rice Krispies cereal, and a hint of vanilla extract. Infused with playful red food coloring and optional Valentine-themed sprinkles, this heartfelt recipe ranks among my favorite Heart Desserts. I truly enjoy the burst of color and joy it brings.

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I’m excited to share my latest creation, Rice Krispie Valentine Hearts. I really think you’ll love how fun and simple it is to bring a little bit of edible art to your Valentines table.

I started by melting 3 tbsp unsalted butter (make sure to save a bit extra for greasing your pans) then stirring in a 10 oz package of mini marshmallows until they’re completely melted. After mixing in 6 cups of Rice Krispies, a splash of 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and a few drops of red food coloring for a fun pink twist, the process felt like magic on the stove.

I even tossed in some Valentine-themed sprinkles for a decorative touch. Its a dessert that’s both heartwarming and perfect for valentines baking meals or even sharing at potluck desserts.

Trust me, these snacky treats are not only a great conversation starter, but also irresistibly yummy. Enjoy making them as much as you savor eating them!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, the combo of gooey melted marshmallows and crunchy Rice Krispies totally brings back fun childhood memories and gives me that nostalgic vibe. Second, it’s super easy to throw together – even if I’m not a master chef, I can whip up this treat in no time. Third, I really enjoy playing around with the red food coloring, adding a few drops at a time until I get the perfect pink shade that makes the treats feel extra special for Valentine’s. And lastly, cutting everything into cute heart shapes is just the best part – it feels like I’m creating my own little edible love decorations, which is awesome for sharing (or not sharing) on a special day.

Ingredients

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Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and smooth texture while helping bind all the ingredients together.
Mini Marshmallows: Offer a gooey, sweet, and soft base that makes the treat uniquely delicious.
Rice Krispies Cereal: This carbohydrate-packed cereal delivers an absolutely light, crispy crunch every delightful bite.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall mix by infusing a subtle, sweet aroma that ties flavors together.
Red Food Coloring: Imparts a vibrant, festive red shade, transforming treats into romantic, delightful confections.
Valentine-themed Sprinkles: Optional, fun decorations that add a sweet crunch and extra festive charm here.

Ingredient Quantities

3 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing your pans)

1 (10 oz) package mini marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Red food coloring (add a few drops at a time until you reach your desired pink hue)

Optional: Valentine-themed sprinkles for extra decoration

How to Make this

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1. Grease a baking pan lightly with extra butter so the treats won’t stick.

2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons unsalted butter.

3. Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir until they’re completely melted.

4. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring until the mixture gets a nice pink shade.

5. Quickly remove the pot from the heat and add all 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Mix thoroughly so every piece gets coated.

6. If you want, sprinkle in some Valentine-themed sprinkles and stir them lightly into the mix.

7. Transfer the hot mixture into your prepared pan, pressing it down a bit with a spatula.

8. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it’s firm enough to handle.

9. Once set, cut the mixture into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.

10. Enjoy your Rice Krispie Valentine Hearts, but be careful—they might be too yummy to share!

Equipment Needed

1. Baking pan (that you’ll lightly grease with extra butter)
2. Large pot (for melting butter and marshmallows over medium heat)
3. Measuring spoons (for measuring the 3 tbsp butter and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
4. Stirring utensil (like a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the marshmallows and later mixing in the cereal)
5. Stove (to provide medium heat while melting the ingredients)
6. Cookie cutter or sharp knife (for cutting the cooled mixture into heart shapes)

FAQ

What type of butter should I use?

Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness, and remember to grease your pans with extra butter for best results.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?

You can try that but mini marshmallows melt more evenly, so it's best to stick with the 10 oz package for the perfect texture.

How do I get the perfect pink color?

Add a few drops of red food coloring at a time and mix well until you reach the hue you want. Slow and steady wins the race!

When should I add the Valentine-themed sprinkles?

Add the sprinkles after you've colored the mixture, either by stirring a few in or sprinkling on top for extra decoration.

How should I store these Rice Krispie Valentine Hearts?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Theyre best enjoyed within a couple of days.

How To Make Rice Krispie Valentine Hearts Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but you might want to reduce any extra salt in other parts of your recipe.
If you cant get mini marshmallows, you can chop up regular marshmallows instead though they might melt a little different than mini ones.
You can swap Rice Krispies for any puffed rice cereal if you’re in a pinch.
If you want a twist on vanilla extract, try almond extract though it will give your treats a slightly different flavor.
Instead of red food coloring, a few drops of beetroot juice can work to give your hearts a natural pink tint.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to grease your pan really well with extra butter so the sticky mixture won’t ruin your treats by stuckin’ to the pan.
2. Keep stirring those melted marshmallows constantly when you add the food coloring so you don’t end up with uneven pink spots.
3. Add the red food coloring slowly, a few drops at a time, to get that perfect pink hue without risking it becomin’ too dark.
4. When pressing the mixture into the pan, take your time and press it down evenly, so you get solid heart shapes that don’t crumble apart too easily.

How To Make Rice Krispie Valentine Hearts Recipe

Recipe by Tina Bueller

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

104

kcal

Equipment: 1. Baking pan (that you’ll lightly grease with extra butter)
2. Large pot (for melting butter and marshmallows over medium heat)
3. Measuring spoons (for measuring the 3 tbsp butter and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
4. Stirring utensil (like a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the marshmallows and later mixing in the cereal)
5. Stove (to provide medium heat while melting the ingredients)
6. Cookie cutter or sharp knife (for cutting the cooled mixture into heart shapes)

Ingredients

3 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing your pans)
1 (10 oz) package mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring (add a few drops at a time until you reach your desired pink hue)
Optional: Valentine-themed sprinkles for extra decoration

Directions

Grease a baking pan lightly with extra butter so the treats won't stick.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons unsalted butter.
Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir until they're completely melted.
Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring until the mixture gets a nice pink shade.
Quickly remove the pot from the heat and add all 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Mix thoroughly so every piece gets coated.
If you want, sprinkle in some Valentine-themed sprinkles and stir them lightly into the mix.
Transfer the hot mixture into your prepared pan, pressing it down a bit with a spatula.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it's firm enough to handle.
Once set, cut the mixture into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
Enjoy your Rice Krispie Valentine Hearts, but be careful—they might be too yummy to share!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.