Rice Krispie Valentine Hearts

By Lily | Last modified on Feb 3, 2026

Featured in: Desserts

Celebrate love and sweetness with these delightful Rice Krispie Valentine Hearts. Perfectly crispy and wonderfully marshmallowy, these treats bring together childhood nostalgia and festive charm in a delicious, eye-catching dessert that’s sure to brighten any Valentine’s Day celebration.

Each heart-shaped bite is dipped in smooth pink candy melts and drizzled with white chocolate, making them as beautiful as they are tasty. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or your special someone, these treats are fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple no-bake dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day or any celebration.
Fun heart-shaped design made with colorful candy melts to impress all ages.
Combines classic Rice Krispies with a festive twist of pink and white chocolate coating.

Ingredients

Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal: 6 cups of crisp and airy rice cereal providing a light, crunchy base for the hearts.
Butter: 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter melted to add richness and help combine the ingredients smoothly.
Mini marshmallows: 4 cups melted marshmallows to bind the cereal with gooey sweetness and soft texture.
Pink candy melts: 1 cup melted for dipping half of each heart, adding a festive and colorful coating.
White candy melts: 1/2 cup melted and piped decoratively to create a pretty swizzle effect on the hearts.

Instructions

Prepare the classic Rice Krispies mixture: Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat to prevent burning. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth, creating a glossy, sticky base perfect for combining with the cereal.
Mix in the Rice Krispies cereal: Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir quickly and evenly to coat all cereal pieces, ensuring each bite remains crisp yet chewy.
Shape the Rice Krispie mixture: Transfer the sticky mixture into a greased or parchment-lined pan and press down firmly to create an even layer. Allow it to cool slightly, then use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual Valentine hearts carefully without breaking.
Melt and dip the pink candy melts: Using a microwave or double boiler, melt the pink candy melts until smooth. Dip half of each heart gently into the melted candy and place on parchment paper to set, giving them a lovely pink coating that adds flavor and vibrant color.
Decorate with white candy melts drizzle: Melt the white candy melts and transfer them into a small ziplock bag. Cut a tiny hole in one corner and drizzle meticulously over the pink-coated halves to create an elegant swizzle pattern. Let the decorated hearts harden completely before serving or storing.

You Must Know

Use a nonstick spray or butter on your cookie cutter to get clean heart shapes without sticking.
Work quickly when mixing marshmallows with cereal as it hardens fast.
If candy melts thicken, gently reheat to maintain smooth consistency for dipping and drizzling.

Storage Tips

Store the Valentine hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and crispy. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the candy coating to sweat or become sticky.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sweet hearts as part of a festive dessert tray or package them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon to give as charming Valentine’s gifts. They pair beautifully with milk, hot cocoa, or a light fruit punch.

Professional Tips

To prevent candy melts from seizing, make sure bowls and utensils are completely dry before heating.
Press the cereal mixture firmly into the pan using a buttered spatula or wax paper to get compact, neat shapes.
For added flair, sprinkle edible glitter or pink sanding sugar on the candy melt before it sets.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?: Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but mini marshmallows melt faster and create a smoother mixture, making the process easier.
How do I store Rice Krispie treats to keep them fresh?: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating to prevent sogginess.
Can I substitute candy melts with chocolate chips?: While chocolate chips can work, candy melts are designed to melt smoothly and harden with a glossy finish, making them ideal for dipping and decorating.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?: You can use any cookie cutter shape or simply cut the mixture into squares or rectangles for easy serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Yes, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal is gluten-free in many countries, but always check your packaging to ensure it’s safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How long do candy melts take to harden?: They typically set within 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature depending on thickness and humidity.
Can I add other decorations on top?: Absolutely, adding sprinkles or edible pearls before the candy coating hardens adds extra color and fun.