I’ll be honest: the moment this heart shaped brownies recipe came out of the oven, I felt like I’d unlocked the secret to Valentine’s Day baking bliss. I couldn’t resist sneaking warm bites, those gooey centers and crackled tops were irresistible. Every step — from melting the chocolate to cutting cute hearts — was pure joy.
I made these for friends, family, and even for “just because,” and trust me, these treats never lasted long. Once I tried this recipe, heart shaped brownies became a staple in my baking rotation! You can also enjoy similar cozy comfort in dishes like Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe when you want something hearty and satisfying.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves about 16 brownies)
Here’s what you’ll need for a batch of these festive brownies — with helpful tips from my kitchen!
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate – use good-quality baking chocolate for deep, rich flavor.
- 8 tablespoons (115 g) unsalted butter – room temperature butter melts smoothly with chocolate.
- 1 1/3 cups (265 g) granulated white sugar – helps create the shiny, crackly brownie top.
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee powder (optional) – enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- 2 large eggs – provide structure and moisture; use fresh eggs for best results.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt – balances sweetness and enhances chocolate notes.
- 2/3 cup (85 g) all-purpose flour – measure carefully to avoid dense or cakey brownies.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks – creates gooey pockets of melted chocolate.
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping) – adds crunch and festive color.
Note: several serving
🌈 Variations You Can Try
Make this recipe your own with these creative substitutions and add-ins:
- Dairy-free: Swap butter with plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Sugar-free: Replace sugar with a one-to-one sugar substitute suitable for baking.
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Fruity flavor: Fold in dried cherries or raspberries for sweet-tart contrast.
- Spiced brownies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for warmth.
These small changes help customize the brownies without losing their fudgy texture. You might also enjoy a creamy, savory variation in your weeknight meals like Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe for a comforting dinner.
⏱️ Cooking Time
Here’s a clear breakdown of how long this recipe takes:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
🧰 Equipment You’ll Need
- Heart cookie cutters — to shape brownies after baking.
- 9-inch square baking pan — ensures even baking.
- Mixing bowl — used for combining ingredients.
- Mixing spoon or spatula — for smooth batter mixing.
- Cutting board — helps cut heart shapes cleanly.
🍫 How to Make Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe?
Start by getting all ingredients ready and preheating the oven so baking goes smoothly. Proper preparation makes the brownies bake evenly and prevents rushing later. Lining the pan also helps brownies lift out easily after baking.
Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s hot when the batter is ready. Line your baking pan with parchment or foil for easy removal. Leave some overhang so you can lift brownies out cleanly later.
Melt the Chocolate and Combine
Melt chocolate and butter together until smooth and glossy. Stir in sugar, espresso powder if using, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix gently until fully combined without overmixing.
Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour slowly and stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms so they distribute evenly. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies soft and fudgy.
Bake and Cool
Spread batter into prepared pan and sprinkle extra M&Ms on top. Bake for about 25–30 minutes until edges set and center remains slightly soft. Let brownies cool completely before cutting.
Cut Into Hearts
Lift brownies from pan once fully cooled. Use heart cookie cutters to press shapes from the slab. Clean cutter edges between cuts for neat shapes.
🍽️ Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From making these brownies many times, here are my favorite tips:
- I always let brownies cool completely before cutting to keep shapes neat.
- I sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking for richer flavor.
- I mix batter gently to keep brownies fudgy, not cakey.
- When in a rush, I sometimes use boxed brownie mix and still shape them into hearts.
- I chill the batter briefly if I want a denser texture.
🍰 How to Serve Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe?
Serve these brownies on a decorative plate dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence. Garnish with berries or extra candies for a festive presentation perfect for parties or gifting.
🍎 Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Protein: ~2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~22 g
- Fat: ~3 g
🧊 Make Ahead and Storage
Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days so they stay moist and fresh.
Freezing: Freeze brownies in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm brownies briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey texture.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These brownies are simple yet impressive, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Delicious fudgy texture with a crackled top makes every bite satisfying.
- Easy ingredients mean you can bake them anytime without special shopping.
- Fun heart shapes make them perfect for holidays or gifting.
- Customizable with mix-ins, toppings, or dietary swaps.
- Great for parties, family treats, or quick dessert cravings.
If you try this Heart Shaped Brownies recipe, enjoy every fudgy bite and share the love with someone special. Happy baking! 🍫💖
Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s hot when the batter is ready. Line your baking pan with parchment or foil for easy removal. Leave some overhang so you can lift brownies out cleanly later.
- Melt chocolate and butter together until smooth and glossy. Stir in sugar, espresso powder if using, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix gently until fully combined without overmixing.
- Add flour slowly and stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms so they distribute evenly. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies soft and fudgy.
- Spread batter into prepared pan and sprinkle extra M&Ms on top. Bake for about 25–30 minutes until edges set and center remains slightly soft. Let brownies cool completely before cutting.
- Lift brownies from pan once fully cooled. Use heart cookie cutters to press shapes from the slab. Clean cutter edges between cuts for neat shapes.
Notes
- I always let brownies cool completely before cutting to keep shapes neat.
- I sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking for richer flavor.
- I mix batter gently to keep brownies fudgy, not cakey.
- When in a rush, I sometimes use boxed brownie mix and still shape them into hearts.
- I chill the batter briefly if I want a denser texture.
