Description
Delight in these irresistible Chocolate Heart Shaped Brownies, a perfect treat for any special occasion. Rich, fudgy, and studded with chocolate chips and colorful M&Ms, these brownies combine classic chocolate flavor with a playful twist. Baked to perfection and cut into charming heart shapes, they’re sure to impress your loved ones with every bite.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 3 ounces (85 g) unsweetened chocolate
- 8 Tablespoons (1 stick, 1/2 cup, or 115 grams) unsalted butter
Batter
- 1 and 1/3 cups (265 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee powder (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 2/3 cup (85 grams) all-purpose flour
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus a few more for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil to make it easy to lift the brownies out after baking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt the unsweetened chocolate and unsalted butter together by microwaving at 50% power or by setting a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the melted chocolate and butter, add the granulated sugar, instant espresso powder (if using), and eggs. Whisk vigorously until fully incorporated. Then whisk in vanilla extract and flaky sea salt.
- Add Flour and Mix-ins: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the batter and gently fold it in using a spoon or spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing. Then carefully fold in the chocolate chips and 1 cup of M&Ms.
- Fill and Top the Pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan, using the spatula to evenly press it into the corners. Dot the top with a few extra M&Ms for decoration.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool fully at room temperature in the pan. This ensures clean cuts and best texture.
- Shape the Brownies: Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment or foil liner. Place on a cutting board and use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut the brownies into charming heart shapes. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For richer flavor, the optional espresso powder enhances the chocolate taste but can be omitted for a milder brownie.
- Ensure brownies are fully cooled before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Use high-quality unsweetened chocolate for best results.
- Customize by substituting M&Ms with nuts or other favorite candy pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
