This simple Heart Shaped Brownies recipe makes small, pretty brownies for gifts or dessert. They taste chocolatey and hold their shape well. If you like easy holiday baking, you may also enjoy this foolproof gingerbread house recipe for a fun project.
Why make this recipe
Make these brownies because they are quick, tasty, and look special. You do not need fancy tools. The heart shape makes them great for parties, gifts, or a quick treat at home.
How to make Heart Shaped Brownies
Mix the batter, bake, cool, and cut hearts. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make neat pieces. The steps below give the full list of ingredients and clear directions so you can make them without fuss.
Ingredients :
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- heart-shaped cookie cutter
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped brownies.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to serve Heart Shaped Brownies
Serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a small dollop of whipped cream. You can place one heart on a plate with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to store Heart Shaped Brownies
Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze flat on a tray, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Tips to make Heart Shaped Brownies
- Do not overmix the batter. Stir until dry ingredients just disappear.
- Bake until a toothpick has moist crumbs, not dry crumbs. This keeps brownies soft.
- Let brownies cool fully before cutting so the hearts keep their shape.
- For a drink with the brownies, try this homemade pumpkin coffee syrup to make a warm fall drink.
Variation
- Add chopped nuts for crunch.
- Swap half the chocolate chips for white chocolate for color contrast.
- Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to deepen chocolate flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes. If you use salted butter, skip adding extra salt or reduce it slightly.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I bake in a different pan size?
A: Yes. If you use a larger pan, bake for less time. For a smaller pan, bake longer. Watch the toothpick test.
Q: How do I keep the heart shapes neat?
A: Chill the cooled brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp cookie cutter and press straight down in one motion.
Q: Can I frost the hearts?
A: Yes. Lightly spread ganache or frosting after cutting, or dip the top in melted chocolate.
If you want another take or inspiration for heart-shaped treats, see this detailed guide on Heart-shaped Brownies – Texanerin Baking.
Print
Heart Shaped Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for heart-shaped brownies that are perfect for gifts and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped brownies.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For serving, you can dust the brownies with powdered sugar or add whipped cream. To store, keep in an airtight container or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg