A romantic dinner, roses and chocolates. It is easy to go out and buy something for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Have you ever thought about making something special to show them how much you care?

I love handcrafted treats for any holiday. The kids like to get in there and create something special too! This is why I took a kid’s classic, Crispy Rice Treats, and put my spin on them. I made them a bit “more adult” by adding chocolate, cherries and almonds. Instead of making them in squares, I formed them into heart shapes. This recipe requires no oven or stove, just a microwave which makes it perfect for kids of all ages.

Do something super sweet this year for Valentine’s Day. Create the perfect gift that comes from the heart!

Servings

12-15 hearts

Crispy Hearts


  • ¼ cup (½ stick) Challenge Butter, cut into small pieces

  • 4 cups mini marshmallows

  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla

  • 6 cups crispy rice cereal

  • 1 cup diced dried cherries (cranberries or strawberries can be substituted)

  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

  • ½ cup slivered almonds (optional)

Super White Cream Cheese Frosting


  • 8 ounces Challenge Cream Cheese, softened

  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

  • optional Food coloring

Extras (optional)


  • Lollipop sticks

  • Sprinkles or cupcake decorations

  • Treat bags

Directions

  • 1

    Add marshmallows and butter in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for about 90 seconds, or until butter is melted and marshmallows are soft. Stir until well-blended. Stir in vanilla.

  • 2

    Add cereal. Stir until well coated.

  • 3

    Stir in fruit, chocolate chips and nuts if desired.

  • 4

    Spray or butter heart shaped cookie cutter, size of your choice. Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly and firmly into cookie cutter to form a heart. If desired, push a lollipop stick in bottom.

  • 5

    To create frosting, place cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. With a hand mixer, beat cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add sugar and continue mixing until smooth and creamy. Tint with food coloring if desired.

  • 6

    Place frosting in a piping bag and decorate hearts as desired. Decorate with sprinkles or chocolate chips. Let frosting on your hearts “harden” by placing them on the countertop for a few hours. Place hearts into treat bag and tie with a ribbon or tag. Crispy Rice Heart Pops can also be arranged in a Valentine’s Day coffee cup or box to create an arrangement. This is a great gift for teachers, parents or anyone special.