Valentines Treats Mini Brownie Hearts

Name: Valentines Treats Mini Brownie Hearts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted 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

Highlighted under: Home Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making these mini brownie hearts for Valentine's Day! There's something incredibly special about sharing a sweet treat with someone you care about. This recipe combines rich, fudgy chocolate brownie goodness with a heart shape that instantly makes the dessert feel more romantic. I've worked on perfecting this recipe to ensure they bake beautifully and hold their shape, and I can't wait for you to try them too. You’ll find they’re wonderfully easy to whip up, making them perfect for unexpected sweet cravings or a lovely surprise.

Created by

Hannah Lewis

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:57:36.045Z

When I first made these mini brownie hearts, I was looking for a fun and delightful way to celebrate Valentine's Day with my loved ones. I discovered that using mini heart-shaped pans helped create the cutest little treats that were perfect for sharing. Each bite is intensely chocolaty, and the heart shape makes them feel extra special.

I also found that baking them at a lower temperature helped to keep them moist while achieving that desirable fudgy texture. The addition of a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before serving enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully!

        Why You'll Love These 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

      

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownie Hearts

To ensure your brownie hearts have a lovely, fudgy texture, take care not to over-mix the batter once you combine the dry ingredients. Stirring just until everything is combined helps retain the moisture and makes the brownies soft and delectable. You’ll know you’ve mixed it properly when the batter is glossy and flows easily but still has a few lumps remaining. This is a key step to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience that makes these brownie hearts so delightful.

For the best results, I recommend using a digital kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients, particularly the flour and cocoa powder. This method ensures precision, which is especially important for baking. If you find yourself without a scale, be sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping it directly; this prevents it from becoming densely packed, which could lead to dry brownies. Always sift your cocoa powder to avoid any lumps that could affect the final texture.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

While the richness of the chocolate brownie is perfect on its own, you can easily enhance the flavor profile. Adding a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the batter before mixing introduces a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with chocolate. If you’re a fan of nuts, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor — they give a satisfying crunch that balances the brownie’s gooeyness wonderfully.

For a more decadent treat, after baking and cooling the brownie hearts, you can drizzle them with melted chocolate or a simple ganache made from equal parts chocolate and cream. This adds an extra layer of richness and can turn your simple brownie hearts into an extravagant dessert for special occasions. You could also top them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to create a stunning presentation.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Hearts

1/2 cup unsalted 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

Instructions

Steps

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined to avoid over-mixing.

Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared mini heart-shaped pan and fill each cavity about halfway.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownie hearts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These brownie hearts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for your Valentine's Day celebration. If you need to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just ensure they are completely cool, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to indulge, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

When serving, you might want to dust the cooled brownie hearts with powdered sugar or sprinkle a bit of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor even further. They can be served plain, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Alternatively, consider arranging them on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves and berries for an elegant touch that your loved ones will appreciate.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownie hearts come out too dry, it often means they were baked for too long. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes in the oven; they should be set but still slightly soft in the center. Rely on the toothpick test: a few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick indicate they’re done and will continue to cook slightly as they cool. Conversely, if they are too gooey, it's possible they need a few more minutes in the oven. Every oven is a bit different, so it's always helpful to know your appliance.

Another common issue is the brownie hearts sticking to the pan. Greasing your heart-shaped pan is essential, but lining the pan with parchment paper can immensely help with easy removal and will mean less cleanup. If the brownies do stick, allow them to cool slightly before gently running a knife along the edges to loosen them. Remember to be careful when lifting them out of the pan to maintain their shape!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

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

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

→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to fold in some walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

→ How do I store leftover brownie hearts?

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