There’s something undeniably delightful about heart-shaped brownies. They’re not just a treat; they’re an expression of love. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this easy heart-shaped brownies recipe gives all the feels. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on their fudgy, chocolatey goodness. Plus, with the baking process taking hardly more than half an hour, it’s perfect for those spontaneous moments when you crave something sweet.

These heart-shaped brownies are an indulgent blend of rich chocolate flavor and chewy textures. They create a deliciously moist brownie that’s just as perfect for birthdays as it is for Valentine’s Day or simply a cozy night in. If you’re a chocolate lover (who isn’t?), these brownies will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This

They bake up quickly in just 20–25 minutes.
Deliciously rich flavor with a fudgy texture.
Perfect for celebrating love or friendship on special occasions.
Minimal ingredients mean fewer dishes to clean.
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for quick treats later.

"Tastes incredible and so simple to make."

Step-by-Step Overview

Making these heart-shaped brownies is a breeze! You start by melting the butter, then mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Next, combine the dry ingredients before folding in chocolate chips. The batter gets spread into a prepared pan, baked, cooled, and finally cut into adorable heart shapes for serving.

What You’ll Need

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
heart-shaped cookie cutter

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

Unsalted butter: adds richness; use salted butter if that’s all you have, but consider reducing added salt.
Cocoa powder: unsweetened is key for that deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed can be a good substitute.
Chocolate chips: semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips boost the sweet chocolatey bite.

Cooking Method

These brownies come together smoothly in just a few easy steps.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until smooth.
Stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Add in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
If using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter gently to incorporate.
Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing out the top.
Bake the brownies for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not gooey batter).
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped brownies.
Serve and enjoy these chocolatey hearts of delight!

Pro Tip: If you want extra gooey brownies, underbake them slightly for that perfect fudgy texture.

Once baked, the brownies should have a slight sheen and smell heavenly, making your kitchen a chocolate lover’s paradise.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Mixing: Combine ingredients until just incorporated; overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
Adjusting baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your brownies during the last few minutes of baking.
Texture cues: Look for a set top but still soft in the center—this will yield that perfect chewy brownie.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These heart-shaped brownies can be served warm or at room temperature. Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a lovely touch of presentation.

Storage & Reheating Tips

After allowing your brownies to cool, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their life, refrigerate within two hours; they can be kept fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them; just wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.

How to Fix Common Issues

If your brownies come out dry, consider the following adjustments:

Underbaked: Keep checking every couple of minutes to avoid drying them out.
Overmixed: Be gentle when mixing the batter to maintain a fudgy texture.
Not sweet enough: Adjust sugar slightly in the next batch or pair them with a sweet topping.

Creative Twists

For a fun twist on the classic, consider adding:

Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans for additional crunch.
Mint extract: Swap out vanilla for a refreshing mint flavor.
Peanut butter: Swirl softened peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a delicious combo.

Common Questions

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes! If using a larger or smaller pan, adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will yield thinner brownies and might bake faster.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these brownies suitable for gluten intolerant individuals.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day in advance. Just cover them once cooled and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

Whether you’re looking to spread some love or simply treat yourself, this heart-shaped brownies recipe is bound to deliver smiles. So grab your heart-shaped cookie cutter and brighten someone’s day with a sweet, chocolatey treat!

Heart-Shaped Brownies

Indulge in these delightful heart-shaped brownies, perfect for celebrations or a cozy night in, with a rich chocolatey flavor and fudgy texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 16 brownies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter Adds richness; can use salted but reduce added salt.
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Key for deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed can be a substitute.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free blend.
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup chocolate chips Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips recommended.
1 unit heart-shaped cookie cutter For cutting brownies into heart shapes.

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until smooth.
Stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Add in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
If using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter gently to incorporate.
Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing out the top.

Baking

Bake the brownies for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not gooey batter).
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped brownies.

Serving

Serve and enjoy these chocolatey hearts of delight!

Notes

Mix ingredients until just incorporated; overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Keep checking during the last few minutes of baking to avoid drying out. These brownies can be served warm or at room temperature, and can be topped with ice cream or whipped cream for extra enjoyment. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate to extend their life to a week.