Description
Delightfully rich and fudgy Heart Shaped Brownies loaded with chocolate chips and colorful M&Ms, perfect for festive occasions or a fun dessert treat. These brownies combine a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a touch of espresso for depth of flavor, and are baked to a perfect gooey finish that is easy to cut into charming heart shapes.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 3 ounces (85 g) unsweetened chocolate
- 8 Tablespoons (1 stick, 1/2 cup, or 115 grams) unsalted butter
- 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 and Toppings
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus a few more for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil to allow easy lifting of the brownies once baked.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Gently melt the unsweetened chocolate and unsalted butter together either in the microwave at 50% power or in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar and optional instant espresso powder to the melted mixture. Whisk vigorously to fully incorporate, then whisk in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and flaky sea salt; whisk again until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the batter. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula just until the flour is incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms carefully to disperse evenly.
- Fill Pan and Add Toppings: Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and press into corners. Dot a few extra M&Ms on top for a festive look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Shape: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely to room temperature in the pan.
- Cut into Hearts: Lift the cooled 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 individual pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Using instant espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Make sure to let the brownies cool completely before cutting to maintain the shapes.
- You can substitute M&Ms with other colorful candies or nuts if preferred.
- For easier removal, be sure the parchment or foil is well-lubricated or properly lined in the baking pan.
