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 hearts
Ingredients: 1/2 cup 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; Colored icing or frosting; Sprinkles (optional); Heart-shaped sprinkles (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making these mini brownie hearts for Valentine's Day! There's something so thrilling about transforming a simple brownie recipe into cute, heart-shaped treats that are perfect for sharing. Each bite offers a rich chocolate flavor, complemented by a hint of vanilla that elevates the taste to something truly special. I love how they look beautifully decorated with icing or sprinkles, making them an ideal choice for gifting or serving at a romantic dinner. Plus, they're so easy to prepare that even a novice baker can impress their loved ones!

Created by

Rosalie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:07:21.222Z

When I experimented with these brownie hearts, I was amazed at how a small twist could make such a big difference. I decided to create a heart shape using a mini cookie cutter, which turned out to be the highlight of my Valentine’s Day celebration. As I baked them, the sweet aroma filled my kitchen, and I could barely contain my excitement to decorate them with colored icing!

I learned that the secret to the perfect brownie lies in underbaking them slightly; this ensures they stay fudgy and soft in the center. By the time my friends arrived, these treats were not only visually appealing but also dangerously delicious!

        Why You Will Love These Brownie Hearts
        Intensely rich chocolate flavor infused with love
Adorable heart shape perfect for the season
Easily customizable with different toppings and decorations

      

Achieving Perfectly Moist Brownies

The key to achieving that intensely rich and moist brownie texture lies in the precise balance of ingredients. Ensure that the melted butter is not too hot when mixed with sugar, as this can lead to a greasy batter. The mixture should be well combined until it reaches a glossy finish, which indicates that the sugar is adequately dissolved, promoting a fudgy consistency. It's essential to fold in the dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can result in a tough texture.

When measuring your cocoa powder, ensure it's packed lightly in the cup. This small detail can affect the intensity of chocolate flavor in your brownies. Additionally, avoid excessive flour, as it can dry out your brownies. The baking time is crucial; keep an eye on them after the initial 15 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter—this indicates a lovely fudgy center.

Creative Decoration Techniques

Decorating the brownie hearts can be as fun as making them! Once cooled, consider using a piping bag to create intricate designs with your colored icing. If you don't have one, a zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off works just as well. For a glossy finish, you can warm your frosting slightly to create a smoother texture that flows beautifully across the brownie heart's surface, making it look professionally done.

Sprinkles and heart-shaped toppings add a joyful touch to your treats. If you want to incorporate flavors, consider mixing in a few drops of almond extract into your icing or frosting to complement the chocolate. For an elegant finish, drizzle melted white chocolate over the hearts after icing; this adds a delicious contrast and makes them visually appealing for any Valentine’s celebration.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1/2 cup 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

Decoration Ingredients

Colored icing or frosting
Sprinkles (optional)
Heart-shaped sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

Mix the Ingredients

In a bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, then add vanilla extract. In another bowl, mix cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder; gradually blend into the wet mixture.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared tin, filling each compartment about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Shape

Allow the brownies to cool for about 10 minutes before gently removing them from the tin. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create heart shapes if desired.

Decorate

Once cool, decorate with colored icing and sprinkles as your heart desires!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving to enhance the chocolate flavor!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These brownie hearts can be made ahead of time, making them a fantastic option for busy schedules, especially around Valentine’s Day. Prepare the brownies a day in advance, allow them to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days, retaining their moistness and flavor. If you choose to freeze them, wrap each heart individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to a month.

When you're ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature for about an hour, and then you can decorate them right before enjoyment. This method ensures that you maintain their freshness and allows flexibility for last-minute gatherings or romantic dinners.

Substitutions and Dietary Adjustments

Feel free to customize this brownie recipe to suit different dietary needs! For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture. In place of eggs, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal plus 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a plant-based alternative. This alternative will still yield fudgy results while accommodating those following vegan diets.

For those who prefer less sugar, you can swap out half of the granulated sugar for an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. This will lower the sweetness while retaining moisture. Keep in mind that the baking time might vary slightly, so check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier than the suggested time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ How should I store these brownie hearts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownie hearts?

Absolutely! Wrap each brownie individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

→ What other flavors can I add?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even peppermint extract for a fun twist!