Cupid’s Chex Mix of Love

This Valentine’s Day snack mix — affectionately nicknamed “Cupid’s Chex Mix of Love” — balances sweet, salty, and crunchy for an irresistible treat. Soft melted marshmallows bind Rice Chex cereal and pretzel twists into bite-sized pieces you can sprinkle with heart-shaped confetti, mini candy-coated chocolates, or edible glitter for extra festive flair. It’s quick, kid-friendly, and simple to customize for allergies, flavors, or whatever candies you have on hand.

Ingredients you need

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 10 oz. mini marshmallows
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups small pretzel twists, lightly crunched
• 5 cups Rice Chex cereal (or substitute Rice Krispies)
• 1 cup Valentine’s Day mix-ins, such as mini M&M’s, red and pink sprinkles, and edible glitter

How to make Cupid’s Chex Mix of Love

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside so the mixture has a place to cool and set.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue stirring until the marshmallows are fully melted and silky. Keep the heat low or off to avoid scorching.
3. Add the pretzels and Rice Chex to the pot. Fold gently but thoroughly so the cereal and pretzels become evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
4. Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. While the marshmallow is still soft, scatter your Valentine’s Day mix-ins evenly over the top. Press them gently into the marshmallow surface so they stick.
5. Allow the mix to set for a few minutes at room temperature. For faster firming, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
6. Once set, break the mix into pieces or chips and transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container for storage.

How to serve

Serve the mix on a large tray for parties, or portion it into small bags or cups for classroom treats and take-home favors. This mix also makes a sweet addition to gift baskets. If you want cleaner bites, chill the tray briefly so pieces break more cleanly before portioning.

Variations and substitutions

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pretzels and gluten-free cereal.
• Nut-free: Keep the mix free of nuts and use certified nut-free candies if required for schools or events.
• Popcorn or Rice Krispies: Swap Rice Chex for popped popcorn or Rice Krispies for a different texture.
• Chocolate-drizzled: After the mix sets, drizzle melted chocolate over the top and chill to create extra decoration.
• Extra crunch: Add chopped pretzel rods, cereal clusters, or cereal squares for more variety.

Tips & notes

• Work quickly when adding mix-ins — marshmallows set fast as they cool. Have your toppings ready to go before coating the cereal.
• To avoid burnt marshmallows, melt over low to medium heat and remove from the heat as soon as the marshmallows begin to collapse into the butter.
• If the mixture feels too sticky, cool it briefly in the fridge before breaking into pieces; this makes portioning easier.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. If you add chocolate or very soft toppings, refrigerate to keep them firm.

Nutrition (approximate)

Calories: 268 kcal • Carbohydrates: 66 g • Protein: 5 g • Fat: 10 g • Fiber: 2 g • Sugar: 21 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

More Valentine’s Day inspired ideas

• Easy Heart Cookies
• Healthy Sugar Cookies made with almond meal and honey
• Chocolate Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
• Raspberry Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls
• Raspberry Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Cups