Sweet & Salty Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats

guest post by ashley schuering - https://confessionsofagroceryaddict.com

Valentine’s day is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with heartfelt, homemade treats — especially when they’re made extra special with Chuao’s gourmet chocolate? These sweet and salty milk chocolate-dipped heart-shaped Rice Krispie treats are a snap to make but taste like a million bucks. 

Why you’ll love these Valentine’s rice crispy treats

Whether you’re looking for a gourmet upgrade for classroom valentines, an inexpensive treat for your galentines, or just want to make something special for your SO, these heart-shaped Rice Krispie treats with chocolate fit the bill. Aside from being absolutely adorable, they’re also:

• Quick & easy - these fancy Rice Krispie treats dipped in salty chocolate might look and taste like they took hours to make, but in reality, they couldn’t be simpler! All you need is about 30 minutes of active time in the kitchen to make a homemade Valentine’s Day chocolate heart they won’t soon forget.
• Made with just 4 simple ingredients - butter, marshmallows, cereal, and a couple of bars of Chuao chocolate are all it takes to make these insanely delicious browned butter Rice Krispie treats.
• Nutty, caramelly, salty-sweet perfection - as we like to say, if it’s not a “wow,” it’s not Chuao! taking a few extra minutes to brown your butter takes these simple snacks from ho-hum to haute cuisine. Add our sweet & salty milk chocolate to the mix and you’ll have the hands-down best chocolate-covered Rice Krispie treats in the land. 

Ingredients & equipment

How to make chocolate-covered Rice Krispie treats

Our Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie treats come together in just a few simple steps:

Prep: line a baking tray or work surface with parchment paper.

Step 1: brown butter. Place the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. It will melt, bubble, turn clear, and then begin to smell nutty as it browns. You’re looking for a golden-brown color in the milk solids at the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: melt marshmallows. Add the marshmallows to the pot, stirring to melt. Continue to cook until lightly caramelized, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: add cereal. Stir in the cereal, using a silicone spatula to thoroughly coat all the pieces.

Step 4: shape & cool. While the mixture is still warm and soft, press it into the heart-shaped wells of your molds.

Step 5: melt chocolate. As the brown butter Rice Krispie treats firm up, chop the chocolate bars finely and melt them in a double boiler, stirring often.

Step 6: dip & chill. One at a time, cover the rice crispy treats with chocolate, using two forks or chopsticks to help you cover them completely. Once covered, remove the treats, shake off the excess chocolate, and place them on the parchment to firm up. You can pop them in the fridge to speed the process along.

Step 7: drizzle & sprinkle (optional). For added panache, garnish with white chocolate and sprinkles. Once the chocolate has set on the treats, melt white chocolate melts either in the microwave or using a double boiler. Drizzle the white chocolate across the tops using a mini pastry bag or a fork, then top with sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to set, then serve & enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The New York Times.

Expert tips

• Browning butter is a simple process, but it seems to happen all at once. Make sure you’re attentive and stir the butter often to prevent burning. As soon as it smells rich and nutty, it’s done.
• For the shiniest chocolate exterior, temper your chocolate.
• Use parchment for easy clean-up. If any chocolate sticks to the paper, store it in an airtight container for later!
• Grease your hands. If you’re having trouble with the treat mixture sticking to your hands as you press it into the molds, give your hands a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or rub a bit of neutral flavored oil (e.g. canola) on your hands.

Faq’s 

How should I store chocolate-dipped Rice Krispies treats? How long do they last?

They should keep well in an airtight container at a cool room temperature for about 4-5 days. Make sure to separate any layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To extend the shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months. 

What is the right way to make Rice Krispies treats with big marshmallows?

We recommend cutting any large marshmallows into smaller bits to make it easier for them to melt into the butter. Scissors that have been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray make it the easiest!

How do you keep Rice Krispies treats from falling apart?

The trick is all in the proportions. You don’t want to add too much butter, or the marshmallow mixture will break. Also, make sure to gently press the treats down into their mold — think of it like you’re packing brown sugar.

More chocolate gifts for Valentine’s Day

• love child - Port wine and balsamic macerated strawberries enrobed in dark chocolate. sensual, sweet, and tangy. Made only once a year just for Valentine's Day!
• passionate hearts - Passionfruit caramel bonbons available in dark and milk chocolate.
• ultimate valentines Day - our most grand Valentine's gift for that special someone who deserves it all. Bars, mini bars, bark, bonbons, chocolate seashells, and drinking chocolate!
  
  For more great Valentine's Day Gift Ideas:
• chocolate gifts for valentine's day
• diy valentines gifts
  
  Interested in other recipes featuring our sweet & salty chocolate bars?
• sweet & salty chocolate cake pops
• sweet & salty cosmic brownies