These Valentine brownies are rich and fudgy homemade brownies loaded with chocolate and M&M's, then baked to perfection and cut into heart shapes. Theperfect treat for Valentine's Day!
1 ¾cupssemisweet chocolate chipsdivided use, do not use Nestle
½cupgranulated sugar
2eggs
1 ¼teaspoonsvanilla extract
¾cupall purpose flour
3tablespoonscocoa powder
¼teaspoonkosher salt
¾cupValentine's Day M&M's
cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with parchment paper. Be sure to leave an overhang of parchment on both sides. Coat the parchment lined pan with cooking spray.
Place the butter and 1 1/3 cups of chocolate chips into a large bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until the butter and chocolate are just melted. Stir until smooth.
Let the chocolate mixture cool for 5-7 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, then whisk in the eggs, one by one. Finally, whisk in the vanilla extract.
Add the flour, cocoa powder and salt to the bowl. Stir gently until just combined.
Fold the remaining chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Top with Valentine M&M's.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If you're using an 8 inch pan, you may need to add a few more minutes to the bake time.
Cool the brownies completely.
Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into hearts with a 2 inch heart shaped cookie cutter. Alternatively you can cut your brownies into squares. Serve.
Notes
Nestle chocolate chips do not melt as well as other brands. I recommend using Ghirardelli or Guittard chocolate chips.
The brownies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.