Valentines Treats Mini Brownie Hearts

Name: Valentines Treats Mini Brownie Hearts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 mini hearts
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 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 (optional); Pink or red sprinkles (for decoration)

Highlighted under: Special Collection

I absolutely love making these mini brownie hearts for Valentine's Day! They are the perfect bite-sized treat that combines a rich, fudgy brownie with a touch of festive flair. The heart shape adds a romantic twist, making them ideal for sharing with loved ones. Baking these little delights is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding when you see the smiles they bring. Plus, they are so easy to whip up, and I often find that I have all the ingredients on hand. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Created by

Loretta Winslow

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:57:35.504Z

Every Valentine's Day, I look forward to making my signature mini brownie hearts. The combination of chocolate and love is irresistible, and these brownies never fail to impress my family and friends. I once tried adding a hint of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor, and it was an absolute game-changer!

To make the process easier, I use a mini heart-shaped pan that helps maintain the perfect size and shape. The best part is that they bake quicker than traditional brownies, so you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven in no time!

        Why You'll Love These Mini Brownie Hearts
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with festive heart shapes
Fudgy texture that satisfies chocolate cravings
Perfect for sharing with loved ones

      

Perfecting the Fudgy Texture

Achieving the perfect fudgy texture in brownie hearts is all about the balance of ingredients. The melted butter adds moisture, while the combination of cocoa powder and flour provides structure. It's crucial to not overmix after adding the dry ingredients; mix just until you see no more flour streaks. This will help avoid a cakey texture, ensuring your brownies remain rich and chewy. You’ll know your batter is perfect when it’s smooth and glossy before you pour it into the heart-shaped molds.

Another tip to enhance the fudgy result is to slightly underbake the brownies. Bake them until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with some moist crumbs, which generally takes about 15-20 minutes. The residual heat will continue cooking them a bit after removing them from the oven, keeping them soft and decadent. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a drier texture.

Decorating Your Mini Brownie Hearts

Decoration is where these mini brownie hearts really shine! After they have cooled slightly, adding a sprinkle of pink or red sprinkles not only makes them visually appealing but also adds a fun crunch. You can also consider drizzling melted white or dark chocolate on top for an extra layer of flavor. To create drizzles, melt the chocolate and use a fork to create zigzag patterns over the tops of the brownies. This technique adds an elegant touch that enhances both presentation and taste.

If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating flavored extracts into your decoration process. For instance, a hint of almond or peppermint extract in the chocolate drizzle can elevate the taste profile and surprise your loved ones. Just remember, a little goes a long way! These small details will not only make the hearts more decorative but also add an exciting twist to the classic brownie flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your mini brownie hearts:

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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 (optional)
Pink or red sprinkles (for decoration)

Make sure to have these potatoes prepped and ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect batch of brownie hearts:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini heart-shaped baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the eggs and add the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.

Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just blended. If desired, fold in chocolate chips for added richness.

Fill the Pan

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared mini heart pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Decorate

Let the brownie hearts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, sprinkle with decorations like pink or red sprinkles.

Enjoy these delightful mini brownie hearts with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try serving these brownie hearts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), these mini brownie hearts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last about a week. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature again for the best texture when serving. If you want to make them in advance, consider freezing them. Place cooled brownie hearts in a single layer in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When it comes to serving, these mini brownie hearts are perfect as a standalone treat, but you can elevate them by serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for an enticing contrast. They also make an excellent addition to a dessert platter, especially during Valentine's celebrations, where romance is in the air. Imagine your guests’ delight when they see a colorful assortment, including these adorable brownie hearts!

Customization and Variations

One of the great things about this brownie recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize the batter with your favorite add-ins. Nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, can add a delightful crunch, while dried cherries or strawberries can introduce a fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Additionally, if you want a hint of espresso flavor, you can replace one tablespoon of sugar with instant coffee granules. This will enhance the chocolate intensity without overpowering the original taste.

For a gluten-free option, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. This usually works well without altering the texture too much. If you want a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder. The deeper chocolate notes will create an indulgent experience that chocolate lovers will surely appreciate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make these brownies gluten-free.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make these brownies in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day ahead and keep them covered until you're ready to serve.

→ Is it possible to freeze the brownie hearts?

Yes, these mini brownie hearts freeze well. Just wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.