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 hearts
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups 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; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 teaspoons milk (as needed); Pink food coloring (optional); Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Highlighted under: Modern Cooking

I love making special treats for Valentine’s Day, and these mini brownie hearts are my all-time favorite! Each heart is rich and fudgy, with the perfect amount of chocolate that melts in your mouth. The best part is that they’re so easy to make, yet they look adorable and taste divine. I usually make a batch to share with friends or to give as gifts—everyone is always delighted to receive these sweet little bites of love!

Created by

Saskia Morton

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:57:34.165Z

When I first experimented with these mini brownie hearts, I was amazed at how versatile they could be. I decided to add a little pink frosting on top for a festive touch, and they came out looking so cute and delicious! Pairing the chocolate with a hint of vanilla really elevates the flavor, and I can't resist adding sprinkles for a fun finish!

One tip I learned while making these is to slightly underbake them for a gooier center, which everyone seems to love. Wrap them in pretty packaging for gifts, or simply enjoy them yourself for a cozy night in!

        Why You'll Love These Mini Brownie Hearts
        Rich chocolate flavor with a hint of vanilla that’ll sweep you off your feet
Perfectly fudgy texture that brings a cheer to any celebration
Adorable heart shape makes them a great gift for loved ones

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The rich flavor of these mini brownie hearts comes primarily from the combination of butter and cocoa powder. Unsalted butter is recommended as it allows better control over the salt content. The quality of cocoa powder also impacts the final taste; I recommend using a high-quality Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper, more complex chocolate flavor. Remember, the key is to mix until just combined when adding the dry ingredients to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a tougher texture.

The sugar and eggs play a crucial role in achieving that fudgy brownie texture. The sugar not only sweetens but also creates a shiny top crust during baking. Using large eggs helps bind the ingredients effectively, contributing to moisture and stability in the final product. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce, though this will create a different texture, leaning towards cake-like rather than fudgy.

Mastering the Baking Process

When you bake these brownie hearts, it's essential to keep an eye on them as ovens can vary significantly in temperature. The key visual cue is when the edges start to pull slightly from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If you overbake, the brownies will become dry, so set a timer for 17 minutes and check doneness earlier if you're unsure.

Once baked, allow the brownie hearts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove without breaking. If they stick, gently wiggle a small spatula around the edges to help release them. Cooling completely before frosting is crucial; otherwise, the frosting will melt into the brownies, disrupting the pretty heart shape.

Frosting and Decorating Tips

For the frosting, ensure your butter is just softened and not melting; this is crucial for achieving a creamy texture. Mix the powdered sugar slowly into the butter to avoid a cloud of sugar and mix until smooth and glossy. If you find the frosting too thick, a teaspoon of milk can be added at a time until your desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if it becomes too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it back up.

Decorating with sprinkles adds a festive touch but consider using them in moderation to avoid overshadowing the rich chocolate flavor. You might also explore variations by adding flavor extracts to your frosting, such as almond or mint, to complement the chocolate. If you want to make ahead, both the brownie hearts and frosting can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to three days, ensuring that the frosting doesn’t seep into the brownies.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!

For the Brownie Hearts

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups 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

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons milk (as needed)
Pink food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Make sure to have everything prepped before you start for a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delightful mini brownie hearts!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini heart-shaped baking pan.

Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix the Ingredients

Stir the sugar into the melted butter until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Add Dry Ingredients

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

Fill the Pan and Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared mini heart pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Frost

Allow the brownies to cool completely before carefully removing them from the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together, then add vanilla, milk, and food coloring if desired.

Decorate and Serve

Frost the cooled brownie hearts and decorate with sprinkles. Serve them fresh and enjoy!

These are best served fresh but can also be stored for a few days in an airtight container!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra texture!

Serving Suggestions

These mini brownie hearts are incredibly versatile for serving. You can plate them alongside fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider arranging them on a tiered cake stand for a delightful dessert display that adds a charming touch to your table decor.

For a delightful coffee pairing, serve these brownie hearts with a shot of espresso or a rich cappuccino. The chocolate flavor harmonizes beautifully with the robust notes of coffee, creating an indulgent experience perfect for celebrating special occasions. You might even consider drizzling some raspberry or caramel sauce on the plate to add a sweet surprise.

Storage and Freezing

If you have leftover brownie hearts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness. To prevent them from sticking together, you can layer parchment paper between the layers of brownies in your container. This will also help maintain that fudgy texture you love.

For longer storage, these brownie hearts freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up slightly before serving.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownie hearts turn out cakey instead of fudgy, this could be due to overmixing or overbaking. Stick to the mixing instructions, aiming for gentle folds when incorporating the dry ingredients. Remember to check them a couple of minutes earlier than the recommended time if your oven runs hot, as even a minute can make a significant difference.

Another common issue is brownies sticking to the pan. Always ensure your pan is adequately greased, and consider using parchment paper for easier removal. If using a silicone mold, there’s less need for grease, but for metal pans, a thorough greasing is essential for clean removal without damaging the adorable heart shapes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a regular brownie pan instead of a heart-shaped one?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time as needed depending on the size of your pan.

→ How should I store the brownie hearts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the brownie hearts?

Yes! You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

→ What variations can I try with these brownie hearts?

You can add different flavors to the frosting or try mixing in some other ingredients like peppermint extract or orange zest!