Valentines Treats Mini Brownie Hearts

Name: Valentines Treats Mini Brownie Hearts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 mini brownies
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; Melted chocolate; Sea salt; Sprinkles

Highlighted under: Oven Meals

I love making these Valentines Treats Mini Brownie Hearts for special occasions, especially for Valentine’s Day! The combination of rich, fudgy brownies cut into heart shapes is a delightful way to share some love. Each bite brings together a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether I’m enjoying them with friends or surprising my partner, this recipe always sparks joy and brings smiles. It’s simple to make and the results are always impressive, making it one of my go-to treats to celebrate love!

Created by

Honor Blackwell

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:58:34.321Z

When I first attempted to make these brownies, I was blown away by how simple yet satisfying they are. The bittersweet chocolate paired with just the right amount of sugar creates an irresistible flavor that feels decadent. After a couple of tries, I found out that letting the brownies cool completely before cutting them into heart shapes makes all the difference in achieving clean edges.

Another great tip I learned is to top each brownie heart with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of melted chocolate for that final touch. It elevates the treat and adds a fantastic contrast to the sweetness, leaving everyone wanting more!

        Why You'll Love These Brownie Hearts
        Cute heart shapes perfect for gifting and sharing
Rich, fudgy brownies that melt in your mouth
Customizable with toppings like sprinkles or nuts

      

Mastering Brownie Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your brownies is key to their success. Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt levels and to allow the rich flavors to shine through. Make sure you melt the butter gently and mix it with sugar until fully integrated to prevent clumping. This will result in fudgy brownies that have a slight crust above yet remain gooey inside. If you like a cake-like texture, consider incorporating an extra egg to the batter, which adds moisture and lifts the brownies slightly.

Timing is crucial when baking these brownie hearts. Overbaking can quickly turn these luscious treats dry, while underbaking can make them too gooey and hard to cut into shapes. Begin checking for doneness at the 18-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs—this is the sweet spot for fudgy brownies. Keep an eye on those golden edges to avoid unintended overbaking.

Topping and Customizations

The optional toppings for these brownie hearts can transform them into personalized treats. Drizzling melted chocolate on top not only enhances the flavor but also adds an elegant presentation. Choose dark, milk, or white chocolate based on your preference; just melt it slowly in a microwave or double boiler to avoid burning. Once drizzled, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Experimenting with different toppings can bring variety to the same base recipe. Adding colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts not only elevates the visual appeal but also introduces different textures. Chopped walnuts or almonds add a lovely crunch, while sprinkles can be themed for various occasions. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider topping with shredded coconut or a dollop of nut butter.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

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

For Topping (optional)

Melted chocolate
Sea salt
Sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a mini heart-shaped brownie pan with parchment paper.

Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Shape

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into heart shapes.

Top and Serve

Drizzle with melted chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt or favorite toppings, and serve to your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage Tips

Properly storing your brownie hearts ensures their freshness and texture remain intact. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before placing them in an airtight container. If stored correctly at room temperature, they can last for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing them; simply wrap each brownie heart in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their best quality for about two months when frozen.

When it’s time to enjoy your frozen brownie hearts, it’s best to let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Instead of microwaving them, which may alter the texture, patience will yield a better-tasting brownie. However, if you're in a hurry, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave can bring warmth back; just be careful not to overdo it, as it can make them tough.

Variations to Try

This brownie recipe is versatile, allowing for several delicious variations. For a unique twist, try incorporating flavored extracts such as peppermint, almond, or orange zest into the batter. These flavors can elevate the chocolate experience, especially around holidays or special occasions. A teaspoon of instant coffee granules added to the wet mixture enhances the chocolate notes without directly making it coffee-flavored.

For those who want to indulge even more, consider filling the heart molds with a layer of cookie dough or a caramel center before pouring in the brownie batter. When baked, you'll have a surprise treat inside each brownie heart. Additionally, using gluten-free flour as a substitute will still yield fantastic results for your gluten-sensitive friends without compromising taste or texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a regular brownie pan; just adjust the baking time if necessary.

→ How do I store brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well.

→ What can I add to the brownies for extra flavor?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even flavored extracts like mint or almond.