Valentine’s Rice Krispies

Heart shaped Valentine’s rice krispies are an annual tradition in our house. They are simple to make, delicious, and the perfect Valentine’s treat. 

We have mentioned this before, but will mention it again, our mom is the queen of rice krispies and Valentine’s day is no exception. Instead of passing out the candy boxes on Valentine’s day we would often pass around Valentine’s rice krispies with heart sprinkles on top. To this day, rice krispies at Valentine’s is a must for us. Our favorite way to make them is as heart shaped rice krispies with sprinkles on top.

Tips to make the perfect Valentine’s rice krispies:

1. Shape immediately: When shaping rice krispies instead of creating a rectangle and cutting out shapes, we prefer to shape within the cookie cutters so there is no waste (even though we will never say no to extra rice krispie scraps). To do this, the rice krispies need to be malleable and warm. Be sure to shape right away for the best results.
2. Use a cookie cutter: for the most uniform shapes, we prefer to use a cookie cutter versus shaping by hand. We find that shaping inside the cookie cutter (versus creating a large rectangle and cutting out shapes) is the way that works best and creates the least waste.
3. Use cooking spray: Rice krispies are notoriously sticky (and delicious) due to all the marshmallows. In order to ensure it does not stick to your hands or the cookie cutter when shaping we use cooking spray or butter on both. This allows us to shape with ease without leaving behind half the mixture on our hands. 
4. Use parchment or wax paper: Instead of getting marshmallow all over the counter, lay down a piece of parchment or wax paper underneath the cookie cutter. This will allow you to press the rice krispie into the cutter for shaping without them getting stuck underneath.

Valentine’s Rice Krispies FAQ:

Do these keep well? For the best results, we tightly wrap each rice krispie treat individually with plastic wrap. Although like most things these are best the first day or two, the saran wrap helps keep them from drying out.

How do you get them to be in a heart shape? We like to use a cookie cutter when shaping our rice krispie treats. We find this turns out more uniform than shaping them by hand. For these particular ones, we used a large heart cookie cutter that was about 1” high and 4” long. 

How do you keep the hearts from sticking on the cookie cutter (and your hands)? We have found the best way to do this is with cooking spray (or butter) and wax paper. Place the cookie cutter on a piece of wax paper. Then Simply spray your cookie cutter (and hands!) before adding in the rice krispie treats. Press the rice krispies into the cookie cutter (adding or removing to reach the desired shape/size). Once pressed down and shaped, remove the cookie cutter. This should create the shape you desire without all the sticking. 

Do I need to brown the butter? No, this step is entirely optional! It takes an extra minute or two, but in our opinion is entirely worth the flavor. Browning the butter creates a slightly nutty/toffee flavor that is more complex and adds a unique flavor to rice krispie treats. It is subtle but entirely worth it.

Tips for the best rice krispies:

For standard rice krispies, you can find the recipe here (the same as below just for a 9×13” pan yield vs the 6 large heart shaped) 

1. Marshmallows: Double them. If you are used to following the recipe on the back of the cereal box, we use close to double the marshmallows because well…that’s what our mom did and that’s just how to make them the best.
2. Vanilla: We add some vanilla extract to the melted marshmallows because what doesn’t vanilla make better?
3. Sea Salt*: We like to top each piece with a sprinkle of maldon salt. It balances out the sweetness and pairs perfectly with the browned butter
4. Butter*: Brown the butter. Browning the butter gives the rice krispies a nutty, complex flavor that balances the sweetness of the marshmallows so well. We know it is an extra step, but it is well worth it. Since rice kripsies only have a few ingredients, we find the flavor from browning the butter really adds. While it is browning, keep a close eye on it because it browns quickly!
5. Grease with butter: Spray everything with non-stick spray or coat with butter. This will make your life so much easier. To press down the Rice Krispies into the pan we even use wax paper sprayed with non-stick spray or with butter so our hands don’t stick to the cereal treats.

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Valentine’s Rice Krispies Treats

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter reserve extra softened butter to line the pan
• 1 packages marshmallows we like jet puffed or 6 cups
• 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Flaky Sea salt we like Maldon optional
• Sprinkles optional

Instructions

• In a large non-stick saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until melted or slightly golden and fragrant if browning.
• Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
• Add vanilla extract and salt and stir completely.
• Add cereal. Stir until well coated. Set aside
• Place down a large piece of wax paper. Spray a cookie cutter with cooking spray. Add enough of the rice krispies to fill the cookie cutter. Press down with a buttered spatula or your fingers to create an even layer. Remove the cookie cutter and top with sprinkles (and flaky salt if using). Repeat until they are all shaped