Why You’ll Love These Valentine’s Day Brownies

Fantastically Fudgy: You’ll fall in love with the dreamy, fudgy texture that’s simply unforgettable.

Totally Foolproof: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You don’t need to stress; with commonplace ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a delicious dessert without any fuss.

Festive & Customizable: While these brownies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, they can easily be dressed up for any occasion. Just swap out the sprinkles for seasonal ones or add different chocolates for a new twist!

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation for a rich, fudgy brownie texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Essential for creating a luscious chocolate flavor and contributes to the dense and fudgy texture. Use either chocolate chips or chopped bars!
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and ensures those perfect crackly tops.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, helping balance the fudgy goodness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the brownie’s flavor profile; always choose pure vanilla for the best results.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers an intense chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: For the right structure and texture in your brownies.
• Salt: Just a pinch is all it takes to elevate the flavors.
• Sweet Glaze: A simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk for drizzling, adding an extra touch of sweetness and helping sprinkles adhere.
• Festive Sprinkles: Adorn your brownies with cheerful, heart-shaped sprinkles for that romantic flair.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Brownies

It’s always a good time for delectable brownies, but there’s something extra special about preparing them for Valentine’s Day! The indulgent fudginess and rich cocoa flavor provide a cozy warmth that’s hard to resist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is some overhang.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half the chocolate and the butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and combined.
3. Mix in the sugar: Stir the granulated sugar into the melted chocolate mixture until well incorporated.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
5. Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Incorporate the remaining chocolate: Gently fold in the rest of the semi-sweet chocolate until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center pulls out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares or heart shapes.
9. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until you have a thick yet pourable consistency.
10. Drizzle and decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the brownies and sprinkle with festive sprinkles to finish. Enjoy your delicious creations!

Tips for the Best Valentine’s Day Brownies

Embrace the joy of baking and feel free to get creative as you make these brownies! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your treats turn out perfectly:

• Use room-temperature ingredients: Let the eggs and butter come to room temperature for better incorporation.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain that rich, fudgy texture.
• Sift the dry ingredients: Sifting removes lumps and helps achieve a smooth batter.
• Slightly underbake: A little underbaking is better than overbaking, as brownies continue to cook out of the oven.
• Let them cool: Always cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor, or mix in different chocolate types for variety.
• Play with toppings: Instead of glaze, consider melted chocolate or a drizzle of caramel for a delicious twist.

How to Store

These brownies are so delicious, you’ll be lucky if there are any leftovers! For optimal freshness, keep the brownies uncut and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Here’s how to store them:

To Store: Place completely cooled brownies in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain moisture. If they’re already cut, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be kept at room temperature for 2-4 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

To Freeze: For longer storage, wrap cooled brownies tightly with a double layer of plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

More Sweet Valentine’s Day Treats to Try

• Valentine’s Day Cupcakes
• Red Velvet Poke Cake
• Raspberry Truffles
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries