These heart shape brownies are not only cute but also super chocolaty! They’re rich, fudgy, and perfect for sharing with someone special or just enjoying yourself!
Who can resist a brownie shaped like a heart? I like to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness. It’s like a little hug in dessert form! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter because it helps you control the saltiness of the brownies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well too!
Granulated Sugar: Standard white sugar gives these brownies the right sweetness. You can substitute it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier choice.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor. If you want a milder taste, try Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Just keep in mind it may alter the color slightly!
Chocolate Chips: These are optional, but I always recommend adding them! You can swap them with white chocolate chips for a fun twist or keep it simple without. Semi-sweet is my go-to!
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Fudgy?
The key to fudgy brownies is in the baking time and technique. These brownies should be moist and dense, so here’s how to achieve that:
- Don’t overmix! Stir just until the flour is incorporated to keep them tender.
- Monitor the baking time closely. Start checking at 20 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
- Let them cool in the pan. This helps them set up nicely without drying out.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have brownies that are a hit every time! Enjoy the process and the treats!
Heart Shape Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- Heart-shaped sprinkles or edible decorations, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus some time for cooling. In total, you should expect to spend about 45 minutes to an hour to get delicious heart-shaped brownies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8-inch square baking pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray. For easy cleanup, you can also line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Once it’s completely melted, let it cool for a minute or two so it’s not too hot for the eggs!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and mix well. Then, add the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it one more good mix!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps to break up any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the brownies tougher.
6. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):
If you’re using chocolate chips or chunks, fold them into the batter now, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Bake:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. When cool, remove the brownies and place them on a cutting board. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out fun heart shapes!
9. Decorate:
Finish off your brownies by decorating them with heart-shaped sprinkles or any edible decorations you like. This adds a lovely touch and makes them even more festive!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your heart-shaped brownies are now ready to be served. They’re perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day! Enjoy the deliciousness with loved ones!
These brownies are fudgy, moist with a crackly top, and perfectly chocolatey — ideal for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion! Enjoy! ❤️
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer dark chocolate, feel free to use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also mix in white chocolate chips for a delicious contrast in flavor.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I Add Nuts to the Brownies?
Definitely! Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can be a delightful addition. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts along with the chocolate chips in the batter.