Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie Treats with Cranberry Seeds
Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie Treats are crunchy, chewy, sweet, and made with a festive touch. Thanks to the addition of cranberry seeds they’re just as pretty as they are tasty!
Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie Treats with a Twist
Who doesn’t love rice crispy treats? Whether you’re making them from scratch or buying them from the store, they always hit the spot! And they’re so easy to customize for different flavors and holidays.
Take these valentines rice krispie treats for example. They’ve got all the traditional ingredients you expect to find. in classic rice krispie treats. Then, we include a sprinkle of bright cranberries for a festive touch. Sweet, tart, and speckled with red, they’re perfect for school parties, lunchbox treats, and snacks!
If you love rice krispie treats, this holiday version is a must-make!
Recipe Ingredients
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions to make this Valentine rice krispie treats recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Butter – We use unsalted butter, but salted will also work.
- Marshmallows – Use mini or regular marshmallows as the “glue,” adding sweet flavor and holding your treats together! We like mini varieties, because use mini marshmallows melt more quickly!
- Rice Krispie Cereal – We use the classic name-brand cereal, but any crispy rice cereal or puffed rice will work.
- Cranberry Seeds – We buy our cranberry seeds online!
How to Make Valentine Rice Krispie Treats with Cranberry Seeds
Before you begin, grease an 8×8 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Or, use your butter stick!
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the marshmallows, and stir to combine them with the butter and melt them completely.
- Turn off the heat. Then, stir the cereal and cranberry seeds into the mixture, coating it completely. Work quickly to distribute before the marshmallows cool!
- Scoop the warm mixture into the prepared pan. Then, grease your fingers with cooking spray, and gently press the cereal mixture down. Don’t crush it. Just pack it tightly enough for it to hold its shape!
- Sprinkle the top with additional cranberry seeds.
- Set aside to cool and set. Then, slice, and enjoy! Tip: To make this recipe extra festive, use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create cute shapes!
Helpful Tools
Recipe Variations
There are endless ways to make rice crispies. However, when it comes to Valentine’s Day rice krispie treats, some of our favorite variations include:
- Adding holiday M&Ms
- Mixing in white chocolate chips
- Using festive Valentine’s sprinkles
- Dipping the squares into melted chocolate
- Swapping the cranberry seeds with dried strawberries
Common Questions
You can store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
The most common reason for these treats to turn out tough is pressing the mixture too tightly in the pan. You also want to make sure to too overcook the marshmallows! Melt them over medium or medium-low heat, and don’t crank it up to high!
If your treats are soft and gooey, it’s likely because you added too much butter, used too many marshmallows, or simply didn’t let them cool long enough.
More Valentine’s Day Treats
Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie Treats with Cranberry Seeds
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 5 ounces marshmallows, mini or regular
- 3 cups rice krispies or puffed rice cereal
- 2 Tablespoons cranberry seeds +1 teaspoon for topping
Instructions
- Spray an 8×8 pan with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.2 Tablespoons butter
- Add the marshmallows and stir until melted and combined with the butter.5 ounces marshmallows, mini or regular
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the cereal and cranberry seeds until combined.3 cups rice krispies or puffed rice cereal, 2 Tablespoons cranberry seeds
- Scoop the warm mixture into the greased 8×8 pan. Spray fingertips with non-stick cooking spray and press the mixture into the pan. Sprinkle the top with additional cranberry seeds (about 1 teaspoon).
- Once the mixture is cool and set, cut into squares and enjoy. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
I had never heard of cranberry seeds before this recipe! They are slightly tart but also a little sweet. Such a yummy addition to rice krispy treats!