HEART-SHAPED BROWNIES
These heart-shaped brownies are a fun and festive treat for Valentine's Day or any occasion. Use your favorite brownie recipe or the simple one provided, and get creative with your decorations!
Ingredients
Brownies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter,
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
Frosting (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red, pink, or your choice)
Decorations (optional)
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan (or a pan of similar size) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Note: For individual heart brownies, you can bake the brownies in a regular pan and then use a heart-shaped cookie cutter after they've cooled.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add chocolate chips (optional): If using chocolate chips or chunks, gently fold them into the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake.
- Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Cut out hearts (if using a large pan): Once the brownies are completely cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual brownies. If you baked in individual molds, skip this step.
- Make the frosting (optional): While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the milk or cream and vanilla extract, beating on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- Frost and decorate (optional): Frost the heart-shaped brownies and decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or other toppings of your choice.
Notes
- Pan Size: The baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your pan.
- Cookie Cutter: Using a cookie cutter to create heart shapes works best with thicker brownies.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk or cream in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency.
- Decorations: Get creative with your decorations! Use different colored frostings, sprinkles, or even write messages on the brownies.
- Make-Ahead: The brownies can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.