Description
Deliciously fudgy heart-shaped brownies, perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling, optional)
- Finely chopped toasted nuts (optional)
- Espresso powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional)
- Powdered sugar or cocoa for dusting (optional)
- Melted chocolate or ganache for glazing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan, then line it with parchment paper.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Stir in the granulated sugar while the butter is warm to create a smooth mixture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, stirring until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, then fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for moist crumbs on a toothpick.
- Cool the brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topping with a dollop of crème fraîche or whipped cream.
Notes
Patience while cooling is key to achieving a fudgy texture. Consider decorating the hearts with a sprinkle of sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar for presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: brownies, dessert, chocolate, heart-shaped, easy baking