Krispy treats are a favorite for everyone, and these fun Valentine’s treats are no exception. Dipped in a creamy candy coating and topped with sprinkles, these adorable pops are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Grab the kids to help you in the kitchen with these tasty treats!
Krispy Treats are a classic and beloved marshmallows and cereal-based dessert that can be made in many ways. This particular recipe takes the traditional square Krispy treats and turns them into adorable Valentine’s Day-themed pops by dipping them in melted chocolate and topping them with festive sprinkles.
Whether you’re making these Valentine’s XO Krispy Treats for a classroom party, a romantic gesture, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they are sure to be a hit.
The combination of the classic Krispy treats and the Valentine’s Day theme makes these treats both nostalgic and festive, perfect for sharing with loved ones or giving as gifts on Valentine’s Day. So gather your ingredients and start spreading some love with these delicious and adorable treats!
Why You’ll Love Them
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires basic baking tools and ingredients that are easy to find in any kitchen. The steps are simple, making it a perfect activity for kids to help with.
- Versatile: While this recipe uses white and pink candy melts, you can get creative and use any colors or designs you like. You can also top the treats with different types of sprinkles or even edible glitter to make them stand out.
- Delicious: The combination of crispy cereal, gooey marshmallows, and creamy chocolate coating makes these treats irresistibly delicious. They are the perfect balance of sweet and chewy, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get the measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for this recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of salt added to the melted marshmallows.
- Mini Marshmallows: Regular-size marshmallows can be used instead of mini if that’s all you have on hand. Just keep in mind that they will take longer to melt.
- Rice Krispies cereal: You can also use any other crispy rice cereal or similar options, such as cornflakes or Cocoa Krispies.
- Candy Melts: Candy melts are the preferred chocolate for dipping treats because they melt smoothly and harden quickly. However, you can also use white chocolate chips or almond bark.
- Sprinkles: These XOXO sprinkles are perfect for Valentine’s Day, but you can use any sprinkles of your choice. You can also skip the sprinkles altogether if desired.
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large saucepan
- Silicone spoon
- 2 – 8×8 inch baking pans, or 1 – 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large knife
- Cutting board
- 6 or 8 inch treat sticks
- Baking sheet
- Small microwave safe bowls for melting candy, or double boiler melting method
How to Make Valentine’s XO Krispy Treats
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Line your baking pans with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This will also prevent the treats from sticking to the pan.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Once melted, add in the mini marshmallows and stir often until fully melted.
Remove the pan from heat and add in the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well-coated. Divide the mixture between the prepared pans and press it down evenly with a buttered spatula.
Place the pans in the refrigerator for 1 hour to cool and set the treats.
Once chilled, remove the treats from the pan by lifting the parchment paper and placing them on a cutting board. Cut the pan of treats in half, then cut each half into three rectangles.
Insert a treat stick into the bottom of each treat.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and melt the candy melts in separate bowls according to package directions.
Dip the top 2 inches of each treat into the melted candy and set it on the prepared baking sheet. Immediately add sprinkles to the top of the melted candy before it hardens.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the candy to set. Once set, remove them from the fridge and enjoy your delicious Valentine’s XO Krispy Treats!
How to Serve
These Valentine’s XO Krispy Treats are best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. You can also leave them at room temperature for a softer texture. They are great as a snack or dessert and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
If you want to get creative, you can serve these treats on lollipop sticks or wrap them individually in cellophane for a cute and portable treat. You can also pack them in your child’s lunchbox or bring them to a party as a festive contribution.
How to Store
Store any leftover Valentine’s XO Krispy Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of Rice Krispies cereal, you can use any other crispy rice cereal or even crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
- Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows for a dairy-free option.
- Get creative with different colors and designs for the candy melts to match any occasion or holiday.
- Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make these treats even more festive for Valentine’s Day.
- Try dipping the treats in melted white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of candy melts for a different flavor profile.
Tips for Making Valentine’s XO Krispy Treats
- Use fresh marshmallows for best results. Stale or hardened marshmallows can affect the texture and taste of the treats.
- For a quicker cooling time, you can place the treats in the freezer for 20 minutes instead of refrigerating them for 1 hour.
- Make sure to press down firmly on the mixture when spreading it in the pan. This will help create a solid base for the treats and ensure they hold their shape when sliced.
- If you don’t have treat sticks, you can use popsicle sticks or even plastic straws as an alternative. Just make sure to insert them into the bottom of the treats before they are set completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount. Use about 5 cups of regular-sized marshmallows for this recipe.
Can I use different types of cereal for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different cereals such as Fruity Pebbles or Cocoa Krispies for a different flavor and color.
Can I make these treats in advance?
Yes, you can make them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Keep them chilled for best results.
These Valentine’s XO Krispy Treats are easy to make and provide a fun and delicious activity for kids to get involved in the kitchen. They are perfect to make as a family or surprise your significant other with a sweet and thoughtful treat.
I hope you enjoy your XO Krispy Treats If so, please leave a star ★★★★★ rating and a comment below! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter for more delicious recipes!
Valentine’s XO Krispy Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 10 oz package mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup white candy melts
- 1 cup pink candy melts
- 3 tbsp XOXO Sprinkles
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large saucepan
- Silicone spoon
- 2 – 8×8 inch baking pans, or 1 – 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large knife
- 6 or 8 inch treat sticks
- Small microwave safe bowls for melting candy, or double boiler melting method
Instructions
- Line baking pans with parchment paper for easy mess free clean up.
- Add butter to a large saucepan, and melt over low heat. Add marshmallows, and stir often until melted. Remove from heat
- Add Rice Krispies and stir until well coated.
- Divide the mixture between the two prepared pans, and use a buttered spatula to press mixture down, in an even layer.
- Transfer pans to the refrigerator to cool and set for 1 hour.
- Remove the treats from the pan by lifting the parchment paper, then set on a cutting board. Cut the pan of treats in half the cut each half into 3 rectangles.
- Insert a treat stick into the bottom of each treat.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the candy melts to bowls, and melt according to package directions.
- Dip the tops 2 inches of each treat into the melted candy, and set on the parchment lined baking sheet. Immediately add sprinkles over the top of the melted candy.
- Chill for 15 minutes to set.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, is intended to serve as an estimate only, and is provided for informational purposes. The accuracy of nutritional information is not guaranteed.