These treats are a crowd-pleaser, easy to make and sure to bring smiles. They arrive in classic Valentine heart shapes, but the real appeal is the chewy cereal blend and the bold color that echoes the holiday. When someone bites in, they experience a nostalgic, kid-friendly dessert that still feels festive and fresh.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Three tablespoons margarine — three tablespoons of margarine help create the glossy, cohesive coating that binds the marshmallows to the Rice Krispies, forming a sturdy no bake base.
- Six cups mini marshmallows — six cups of mini marshmallows provide sweetness and a smooth melt that gives the mixture its soft, chewy texture.
- Red food coloring — a dash or two of red food coloring yields a vibrant shade that can be tuned from bright red to gentle pink.
- Nine cups Rice Krispies cereal — nine cups of Rice Krispies provide the crisp bite and structure that make these treats hold their heart shapes.
- Heart shaped cookie cutter to form the mixture into perfect Valentine shapes.
- A light spray of cooking spray — a light spray of cooking spray helps keep the mixture from sticking so it presses evenly.
HOW TO PREPARE:
- Prepare a shallow pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray and setting it aside within easy reach to ensure the treats can be removed cleanly later.
- Gently melt the margarine over low heat, add the marshmallows, and stir steadily until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. If younger helpers are involved, an adult should supervise to keep things safe.
- Stir in a drop of red food coloring and keep adding small amounts until the color reaches the desired shade of red or pink.
- Fold in the Rice Krispies, stirring gently so every piece picks up the marshmallow coating and looks evenly colored.
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared pan and press it flat with lightly buttered hands until the surface is smooth and even.
- When the mixture is pliable, press it with the heart shaped cookie cutter to form the desired Valentine shapes.
- Then enjoy the colorful, festive treats with friends and family.
Tip: For sharing, place one or two treats in small plastic favor bags and tie them with a bit of yarn to create ready-to-give keepsakes.
Tip 2: For extra sweetness, melt chocolate chips and dip part of each heart into the melted chocolate, then sprinkle with decorative sprinkles for a playful finish.