Making Homemade Sweets for the Sweet

Memories of my childhood Valentine’s Days always include piles of paper heart doilies, red and pink construction paper, glue and glitter. I adored creating what I was certain were masterpieces, despite the likelihood I misspelled names or inadvertently created glue globs on my homemade hearts.

Though I would love to recreate those memories with my own children, I don’t seem to be raising any crafters. I can, however, cajole them into making sweets, especially if those confections include frosting and sprinkles.

This year we are making heart-shaped Rice Krispie treats, decorated with melted white chocolate, frosting and sprinkles. They are incredibly easy and fun to make.

First, make a batch of Rice Krispie treats - as per the original recipe - in a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.  Press down to make compact, and allow to cool and set for 3-5 minutes. 

While the treats are cooling, coat the interior of a large heart shaped cookie cutter with non-stick cooking spray. Cut out the hearts from the pan of treats, and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil-wrap. You can press the leftover scraps together in order to make more hearts from the recipe.  I was able to cut out 14 two-inch hearts from the batch.

At this point, I placed lollipop sticks into the hearts to make a “pop”; however, this step is certainly optional. The treats would be cute as stand-alone heart cookies as well. I bought the sticks from Party City, but they can also be found at any cookware or craft store with a cake baking section.  

While the hearts are setting further, pour a bag of white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe container. In the microwave, melt the chocolate on high for about 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the chocolate is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a non-reactive bowl over simmering water on the stovetop, stirring until smooth.

Use a small off-set spatula, or a table knife, to cover one side of a heart with the melted white chocolate.  Let the kids do this, though make sure it is covered completely on that side.  

Now it’s time to release the creative juices—decorate the heart as desired.  Coat the heart with red and pink sprinkles. Or maybe outline the heart with Valentine’s Day-colored M&M’s.  Kids can have fun with this step.

If desired, you can use piped store-bought or homemade frosting to write the recipients name or candy-heart phrases such as “cutie pie” or “be mine.” You may need to help youngsters with this task.  

Continue with the decorating until all the hearts are completed. Allow the frosting and decorations to dry and set completely for 1-2 hours.

After the hearts are completely dry, the hearts can be placed into individual clear cellophane bags and tie it up with festive ribbon. Don’t forget to add a gift tag to let the intended Valentine know who has bestowed such sugary affection upon them!

Tip for leftover melted chocolate: rewarm the chocolate in the microwave, and dip mini pretzels or even raisins into this for an additional snack. Coat the pretzels with sprinkles, and you have yet another delicious gift.

What you’ll need to make 12-14 hearts...

1 prepared recipe of Rice Krispie Treats

1 large heart-shaped cookie cutter

1 bag white chocolate chips

tubes of red and/or pink frosting

sprinkles and/or candy pareils in shades of red and pink.

other candies of your choice, preferably in shades of pink and/or red

lollipop sticks, optional

cellophane bags

red or pink ribbon

gift tags