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 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Sea salt for topping (optional)

Highlighted under: Golden Favorites

I’m absolutely thrilled to share my favorite treat for Valentine’s Day: Mini Brownie Hearts! These delectable little bites are rich and fudgy, making them a perfect gesture of affection. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip them up in no time. The best part? Their heart shape adds that special touch of love that makes any celebration feel more personal. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be adding them to your list of go-to treats for every occasion!

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:21:34.843Z

When I first made these Mini Brownie Hearts, I was looking for a quick but impactful dessert to surprise my partner. The combination of luscious chocolate and heart shapes just felt right for Valentine's Day. I experimented with different toppings and fillings, and I found that a sprinkle of sea salt on top really elevates the chocolate flavor!

Another tip is to slightly underbake them for a gooey center that every brownie lover dreams of. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a rich aftertaste that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!

        Why You'll Love These Mini Brownie Hearts
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Perfecting Your Brownies

To achieve the ideal texture for your Mini Brownie Hearts, pay close attention to mixing the ingredients. After combining the wet and dry mixtures, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, which is not desirable in a fudgy treat like this. You want a batter that is slightly lumpy but holds together well. Remember, the goal is to keep the brownie dense and rich without venturing into cakey territory.

When baking, the placement of your brownie pan in the oven matters significantly. Ideally, you want to position it in the center of the oven to ensure even heat distribution. This helps prevent the edges from overcooking and becoming hard while the center remains underdone. Keep an eye on the baking time; start checking at the 18-minute mark to avoid over-baking, which can dry out your brownies.

Ingredient Insights

Using quality cocoa powder can drastically enhance the chocolate flavor in your Mini Brownie Hearts. Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, richer taste, or use natural cocoa for a more pronounced chocolate kick. Whichever you choose, make sure it's unsweetened to control the overall sweetness of your brownies. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter; it beautifully enhances the chocolate without making these brownies taste like coffee.

The role of butter in brownie recipes should not be underestimated. It imparts richness and moisture, contributing to that coveted fudgy texture. If you're in a pinch or looking to lighten things up, you can substitute half of the butter with a fruity applesauce or a nut butter. However, be aware that this will alter the brownie’s texture and flavor slightly. Adjust baking time accordingly; they may bake faster or slower based on the moisture content from the substitutes.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Sea salt for topping (optional)

Once you have everything ready, let’s move on to the fun part!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Mini Brownie Hearts:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Then, whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Fill the Pan

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared mini heart pan. Sprinkle sea salt on top if desired.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your Mini Brownie Hearts!

Now your delicious treats are ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, add chocolate chips or nuts into the batter. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!

Storing and Serving Tips

To maintain the freshness and fudginess of your Mini Brownie Hearts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they will last for up to a week. For maximum indulgence, reheat a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving for that freshly baked warmth.

These brownies are versatile when it comes to serving options. You can enjoy them plain, or dress them up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. For an added layer of flavor, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of orange zest to echo the flavors in the brownies.

Variations to Try

Though delightfully chocolatey as they are, these Mini Brownie Hearts can easily be customized. For a nutty twist, fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. Alternatively, you can integrate white chocolate chips or even swirls of hazelnut spread for a different flavor experience. These variations can add texture and a new dimension of taste to your treat.

If you're looking to make these brownies a gluten-free option, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer a 1:1 substitute that works beautifully in baked goods. Just make sure to check that your cocoa powder and any other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep your treat safe for everyone.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of sugar?

Yes, you can use coconut sugar or any sweetener of your choice, although it may slightly change the flavor.

→ What if I don't have a heart-shaped pan?

You can use a regular brownie pan and cut them into heart shapes with a cookie cutter after they cool.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

→ How should I store the leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.