Heart Shaped Brownies

Heart-shaped brownies are not just a treat for your taste buds, but they are also a fantastic way to show love and affection. Perfect for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply to brighten someone’s day, these delightful chocolate squares are easy to make and consistently impress. In this article, we will explore the ingredients needed to create these delicious brownies, provide detailed step-by-step instructions to ensure your success, and include nutritional information to help you treat yourself without guilt. Whether you are a baking novice or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

To create these delectable heart-shaped brownies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect fudgy texture.

2. Prepare the Pan

Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal of the brownies once they are baked.

3. Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. Once melted, remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Mix in Sugar and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well blended. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Lastly, add the vanilla extract and combine.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This really helps to ensure there are no lumps and creates a lighter brownie texture.

6. Whisk Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Make sure not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough brownies. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty flavor.

7. Pour Batter into Pan

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

8. Bake the Brownies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

9. Cool and Cut into Hearts

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the brownies.

10. Dust with Powdered Sugar

For an elegant finish, dust the heart-shaped brownies with powdered sugar before serving. These little touches add to the presentation and enhance the taste.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Category: Dessert | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card

Calories: 180 | Sugar: 22g | Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 3g | Yields: 12 heart-shaped brownies

FAQs

Can I substitute unsalted butter with margarine?

Yes, you can use margarine instead of unsalted butter, although using butter provides a richer flavor and texture.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute to make them gluten-free.

How long can I store the brownies?

Heart-shaped brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, brownies freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?

Absolutely! If you love nuts, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking for an added crunch.

I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family; great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

Print