Valentines Snacks Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts

Name: Valentines Snacks Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 hearts
Ingredients: 3 cups puffed rice cereal; 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or dark); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Highlighted under: Celebration Food

I love making these delightful Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts for Valentine's Day! They are not only fun to create, but the combination of crunchy rice cereal and creamy chocolate makes them an irresistible treat. I enjoy personalizing them with sprinkles or edible decorations, adding an extra touch of love. Whether you make them for your partner, friends, or for a sweet family snack, they're sure to bring smiles all around. This recipe is simple to follow, and it’s a fantastic way to get everyone involved in the kitchen!

Created by

Dahlia Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:37:34.783Z

Last Valentine's Day, I decided to surprise my loved ones with homemade treats, and these Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts were a hit! When I combined the melted chocolate with the puffed rice, I was amazed by how easy it was to shape them into hearts using a cookie cutter. The process is not only satisfying but also allows for endless creativity!

One tip I discovered is to let the chocolate cool slightly before mixing it with the cereal. This way, it coats everything evenly without becoming too clumpy. Plus, adding a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor beautifully, bringing a gourmet twist to these fun snacks!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Adorable heart shapes perfect for Valentine's Day celebrations
Quick and simple to make with just a few ingredients
Endless customization with toppings and flavors

The Perfect Chocolate Blend

When melting chocolate for these treats, choose quality chocolate chips and ensure your saucepan is on low heat to prevent scorching. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. A good indicator of doneness is when the chocolate no longer feels gritty; it should be velvety. If you find your chocolate is too thick, a tiny splash of milk or cream can help loosen it for a better blend with the cereal.

Chocolate type can greatly influence flavor and sweetness. For a richer taste, opt for dark chocolate, but if you prefer something sweeter, milk chocolate works beautifully. If you're trying to reduce sugar intake or make the treat dairy-free, use coconut or almond chocolate alternatives—just keep in mind that melting properties may vary, so monitor closely to avoid clumping.

Customizing Your Hearts

This recipe is a canvas for creativity. Besides sprinkles, consider adding other decorations like mini marshmallows, crushed nuts, or dried fruit. When choosing toppings, add them while the chocolate is still warm, as this will allow them to adhere better. If you're feeling adventurous, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top for a beautiful contrast!

You can also infuse flavors into the chocolate by adding a splash of extracts, like almond or mint. This small tweak can elevate your hearts into a whole new experience. Keep in mind that too much extract can overpower the chocolate, so start with just a quarter teaspoon and adjust to your taste as needed.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients:

For the Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts

3 cups puffed rice cereal
2 cups chocolate chips (milk or dark)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

These ingredients will help make these delicious snacks.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Valentine’s snacks:

Melt the Chocolate

In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter together. Stir continuously until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Combine with Cereal

Add the puffed rice cereal to the melted chocolate mixture and gently fold until every piece is coated evenly. Be careful not to crush the cereal.

Shape the Hearts

Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and press it into an even layer. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the shapes once cooled slightly.

Decorate

If desired, sprinkle the top with decoration sprinkles while the chocolate is still warm. Allow the hearts to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

Serve

Once set, carefully remove the hearts from the dish and serve on a pretty platter for your loved ones.

Enjoy your delightful Valentine’s snacks!

Pro Tips

You can make these hearts in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Feel free to switch the chocolate to white chocolate or mix in some nuts if you like a little crunch!

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chocolate mixture becomes too thick to coat the cereal properly, it might be overheating. In this case, remove it from the heat immediately and stir in a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable oil until it reaches a more workable consistency. This can help restore the smoothness needed for even coating without sacrificing flavor.

Occasionally, the mixture can become too crumbly when pressed into the pan. This can happen if there was an imbalance of wet to dry ingredients. If you encounter this, try drizzling a bit more melted chocolate over the mixture and knead it gently until it clumps together better. Press it again into the baking dish for shaping.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Once set, store the Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you're making them ahead, they can also be refrigerated for longer freshness without losing their delightful texture. Just remember that cold temperatures can cause condensation, so let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to restore their delightful crunch.

If you want to prepare them even further ahead of time, you can freeze the hearts as well. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a container or freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can enjoy a sweet treat on-demand whenever the craving strikes!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to use milk, dark, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.

→ How should I store the Chocolate Rice Crispy Hearts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.

→ Can I make these without butter?

Yes, you can use coconut oil or even a non-dairy butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

→ Is there a way to add more flavor?

Definitely! Adding a dash of almond extract or a few drops of peppermint extract can give them a unique twist.