Heart Shaped Brownies
These delightful heart-shaped brownies are perfect for any occasion, offering a rich, fudgy texture with a hint of dark chocolate, and are easily customized with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze.
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Wire rack
- Cutting board
- 2-3 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter 113g, melted
- 4 oz Good Quality Dark Chocolate 113g, chopped (at least 60% cocoa solids)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar 200g
- 2 Large Eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour 60g
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- Powdered Sugar for dusting/decorating
Optional Glaze
- Powdered Sugar
- Milk a touch
Instructions
Baking Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with greased parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Melt the chopped dark chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler until smooth, then let it cool slightly.
Mixing the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar and eggs for 2-3 minutes until light and slightly thick, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Sift the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture, then gently fold with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Baking and Finishing
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for up to 2 hours.
- Once cooled, lift the brownie slab out using the parchment overhang, place it on a cutting board, and use a 2-3 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the brownies; re-cut scraps if desired.
- Dust the heart-shaped brownies with powdered sugar or drizzle with an optional simple glaze of powdered sugar and a touch of milk.
Notes
For extra fudginess, ensure not to overbake; the center should be slightly soft. If re-rolling scraps, gently press them together to maintain a tender texture. Vary the decoration with different glazes or sprinkles for various occasions.