These heart-shaped brownies are a sweet treat that is perfect for any special occasion! Rich, fudgy, and oh-so-chocolatey, they’re great for sharing with loved ones.
Making them is so easy! Just bake a batch, cut them into hearts, and you’re ready to impress. I love serving these with a scoop of ice cream. Yum! 🍦
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for a rich flavor and soft texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works great, but for a deeper flavor, you can swap half for brown sugar. It adds moisture and a subtle caramel taste!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is a must for that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re short on cocoa, you can use Dutch-process cocoa for a smoother taste.
All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s designed for baking!
Chocolate Chips: While optional, they enhance the fudgy texture. You can also use white chocolate or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
Heart-Shaped Candies: Feel free to swap these with other festive toppings like sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or even fresh berries for a pop of color!
How Do I Get the Perfect Fudgy Texture?
Achieving the perfect fudgy brownie requires careful attention during mixing and baking. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Don’t overmix your batter! Stir just until combined to avoid adding too much air, which can make brownies cake-like.
- Check for doneness early. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking at 20 minutes. You want moist crumbs sticking to the toothpick, not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
- Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter is a fun touch! Make sure your brownies are cooled enough to cut easily without crumbling.
With these tips, you’ll create delicious, heart-shaped brownies that are sure to please!
Heart Shape Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) 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
- Optional: chocolate chips or chunks (about 1/4 cup)
- Small heart-shaped candies or decorations (red, pink, white) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let your brownies cool completely before cutting them into heart shapes—so plan for about an hour of cooling time. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease an 8×8 inch brownie pan or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brownies later on.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well-blended. It should look glossy!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps to remove any lumps and ensures even mixing.
4. Combine Everything:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix—this keeps your brownies nice and fudgy.
5. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):
If you want to make your brownies even more delicious, fold in some chocolate chips or chunks at this point!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick—if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done!
7. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is super important, as it lets them set properly. Once cool, gently remove them from the pan.
8. Shape and Decorate:
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut the brownies into heart shapes. It can be helpful to use the edges of the brownie for a cleaner cut. Finally, press a heart-shaped candy gently on top of each brownie heart for a cute touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your lovely heart-shaped brownies on a serving plate and enjoy with friends or loved ones! Perfect for any occasion!
These heart-shaped brownies are not just adorable but also irresistibly rich and chocolatey! Enjoy the sweet moments they bring!
Can I Use a Different Pan Size for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a different pan size, but keep in mind that it may affect baking times. If using a larger pan, the brownies will bake faster, so check for doneness a few minutes early. Conversely, if using a smaller pan, they may take longer to bake.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture!
How Should 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 refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or other mix-ins such as dried fruits or coconut flakes. Just make sure to adjust the amount so that the brownie batter doesn’t become too thick.
