These heart-shaped brownies are a sweet treat that’s both rich and fudgy. Perfect for sharing with someone special or to brighten up any day!
I love how easy they are to make, and the cute shape makes them extra fun. Just bake, cut, and enjoy—because who doesn’t love a brownie shaped like a heart? 💕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Butter gives the brownies their rich taste and smooth texture. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted, but reduce the added salt to a pinch. Alternatively, vegetable oil can work in a pinch.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar keeps the brownies sweet and moist. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol, though this may alter the taste slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, which will give a smoother taste, but avoid sweetened cocoa as it may change the brownie’s sweetness.
Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips is optional but highly recommended for extra chocolatey goodness. You can substitute with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even skip it altogether if desired.
How Can I Get Fudgy Brownies Every Time?
Getting the perfect fudgy texture in brownies is all about balance and timing. Here are some key tips to ensure they come out just right:
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cakey brownies.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the brownies while they’re baking. They should be set on the sides but still slightly soft in the middle. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs for that fudgy texture.
- Cooling Time: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
With these tips, your heart-shaped brownies will turn out deliciously fudgy every time! Enjoy the baking and the joy of sharing these cute treats.
Heart Shape Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
For Decoration:
- Heart-shaped sprinkles or candies (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. After baking, let the brownies cool for an easy cut-out into heart shapes. Overall, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes until you can enjoy these yummy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and grease it lightly. For added ease, line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, allowing some overhang. This will help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, take it off the heat and mix in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until it all comes together into a smooth mixture.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix to keep your brownies fudgy!
4. Add Chocolate Chips:
If you’re feeling extra chocolatey, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks at this stage. They add wonderful melts of chocolate to your brownies!
5. Bake:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The brownies should be set around the edges but a little soft in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, we want fudgy brownies, not cake!
6. Cool and Cut:
Once done baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling will help them set perfectly, making it easier to cut out your heart shapes.
7. Shape and Decorate:
After they are fully cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the brownies. If you’d like, you can decorate them with heart-shaped sprinkles or candies to add a festive touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your adorable heart-shaped brownies are ready! Serve them to your friends, family, or keep them all to yourself. Enjoy the love in every bite!
Can I Use a Different Baking Pan Size?
Yes, you can! If you’re using a different pan size, just keep in mind that baking times may vary. A larger pan will make the brownies thinner and they might bake faster, while a smaller pan will result in thicker brownies that may take a bit longer.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Something Else?
Absolutely! You can use vegetable oil or coconut oil as a substitute for butter. Just keep in mind that using oil may alter the taste and texture slightly, making them a bit more cake-like rather than fudgy.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even caramel swirls for extra flavor and texture. Just keep the overall volume in check so as not to overwhelm the brownie base.