If you want to surprise a friend with a Valentine’s Day treat but don’t have a lot of time to bake, this treat from The Ultimate Kids’ Baking Book by Tiffany Dahle is for you! You can make these dainty yummies in advance of the special day in just a pinch.

Sprinkle-Dipped Crispy Treats

You will need:

• Baking spray, for pan and spoon
• 3 tbsp salted butter
• 1 (10-oz) package mini marshmallows
• 6 cups crisped rice cereal
• 12 oz candy melts
• Sprinkles, for decoration
• Spray a 9 by 13–inch baking pan with baking spray and set aside.

Directions:

1. Find a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to fit all the cereal with room for messy stirring.
2. Add the butter and marshmallows to the bowl and place it in the microwave. Heat on high for 2 minutes. Use oven mitts to remove the bowl and stir the butter together with the marshmallows. If necessary, heat for 1 additional minute and keep stirring until the marshmallows are smooth.
3. Pour the cereal into the marshmallow mixture and stir to combine. Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
4. Spray a cooking spoon with baking spray and gently pack in the cereal with the back of the spoon. Let the treats cool completely.
5. Once cooled, cut the treats into squares, using a butter knife. Place the pan next to a large piece of waxed paper on your counter; this will become your work station.
6. Place the candy melts in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 30 seconds and stir. Heat for 15 seconds and vigorously stir the candy to smooth it out. Heat it in 15-second intervals until the candy is completely melted and smooth.
7. Carefully dip half of each treat into the melted candy. Let the excess candy drip off back into the bowl before placing it on the waxed paper. As the candy starts to cool, it will begin to get very thick. You can use a spoon or butter knife to spread the candy over the top or sides of each treat if dipping becomes too difficult.
8. Decorate with sprinkles while the candy coating is still soft. Let the treats set completely before serving, about 15 minutes.

NOTE: You can carefully insert paper straws or candy sticks to turn your treats into pops. If this is your plan, be sure to cut your treats into small pieces so they don’t get too top-heavy for the sticks.

Reprinted with permission from The Ultimate Kids’ Baking Book by Tiffany Dahle, Page Street Publishing Co. 2019.