These Chocolate Dipped Heart Rice Krispies are adorable and fun! Made with crispy rice cereal and gooey marshmallows, they’re shaped like hearts and coated in rich chocolate.
Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself—no judgment here! I love how easy they are to make, plus they look super cute on any treat table. Just be ready for a sweet, crunchy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies Cereal: This gives the treat its signature crunch. If you can’t find Rice Krispies, use any crispy rice cereal. A gluten-free option is also available if needed!
Mini Marshmallows: They are essential for making the mixture sticky and sweet. In a pinch, regular marshmallows work too; just cut them into smaller pieces before melting.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness. You could swap it for coconut oil if you want a dairy-free version. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: This is for dunking. Dark chocolate is a tasty alternative if you like it less sweet. You could also use white chocolate for a different flavor.
Sprinkles: Get creative! Use any color combination you like to match occasions—think pastels for spring or red and green for Christmas.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chocolate Dip?
Getting a smooth chocolate dip can feel tricky, but it’s simple with a few tips. First, melt the chocolate on low heat or in short intervals in the microwave, stirring each time. This prevents scorching.
- Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or shortening to the chocolate. This helps it thin out and get that lovely glossy finish.
- Dip the Rice Krispies hearts quickly in the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. It’s best to do this step while the chocolate is warm for easier coating.
- Work quickly to sprinkle the decorations on before the chocolate sets. This creates a fun and colorful topping that sticks well!
Chocolate Dipped Heart Rice Krispies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or shortening (to thin the chocolate)
- Red, white, and pink round sprinkles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and assembly, plus 15-20 minutes for cooling. If you decide to refrigerate to speed up the chocolate setting, it’ll take an additional 15-20 minutes. Overall, you can enjoy your treats in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice Krispies mixture:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir them continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat, and mix in the vanilla extract and optional ground cinnamon for an added flavor boost.
2. Combine with Rice Krispies:
Next, pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently stir the cereal until it’s evenly coated. Take your time to ensure every piece is covered in that gooey marshmallow goodness!
3. Shape the Mixture:
Transfer your mixture to a lightly greased baking sheet or pan. Use a greased spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly into an even layer, about 1 inch thick. Let it cool and set for 15-20 minutes.
4. Cut out Heart Shapes:
Once the mixture is set, take a large heart-shaped cookie cutter and cut out heart shapes from the Rice Krispies sheet. Carefully lift the hearts and place them on parchment paper to allow them to set completely.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. This should only take a couple of minutes.
6. Dip the Hearts:
Now for the fun part! Dip the top half of each Rice Krispies heart into the melted chocolate, letting the excess chocolate drip off back into the bowl.
7. Add the Sprinkles:
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle your red, white, and pink sprinkles on top for a festive touch!
8. Let the Chocolate Set:
Place your dipped hearts back on the parchment paper. Allow the chocolate to harden completely at room temperature or, if you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious Chocolate Dipped Heart Rice Krispies! They make the perfect treat for any occasion—great for sharing or as a sweet little indulgence for yourself!
Can I Make These Rice Krispies Treats in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Rice Krispies mixture and cut out the hearts a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Wait to dip them in chocolate until you’re ready to serve for the best texture and freshness.
How Should I Store Leftover Heart Rice Krispies?
Store any uneaten Chocolate Dipped Heart Rice Krispies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can make the treats stale or chewy over time.
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate for Dipping?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. Each option will offer a unique flavor profile and look great with colorful sprinkles on top!
What if I Don’t Have a Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter?
No worries! You can use a regular knife to cut the Rice Krispies mixture into squares or rectangles instead. They’ll still taste just as good, even if they’re not heart-shaped!