If you’re searching for a decadent, crowd-pleasing treat that perfectly captures the spirit of love and celebration, this Valentine’s Day Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, fudgy, and studded with chocolate chips, these brownies bring together the perfect balance of sweetness and deep chocolate flavor, all topped with festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles for that cheerful pop of color. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a party with friends, these brownies will be the star of the show and make any moment feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Valentine’s Day Brownies Recipe are simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the ideal texture, flavor, and festive look. From butter that ensures moistness to cocoa powder for that unmistakable chocolate intensity, every component works harmoniously to delight your tastebuds.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup melted and cooled to add richness and a moist crumb.
- Canola oil: 2 tablespoons to keep the brownies tender and give a subtle silkiness.
- Sugar: 1 ¼ cups for balanced sweetness and just a hint of crunch.
- Light brown sugar: 1 cup packed, adding moisture and a mild caramel depth.
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons to enhance all the chocolate flavors and add warmth.
- Large eggs: 4, providing structure and richness.
- Flour: 1 cup, the perfect amount to keep the brownies soft but not cakey.
- Cocoa powder: 1 cup for intense chocolate goodness.
- Kosher salt: ¾ teaspoon to balance sweetness and enhance flavor layers.
- Baking powder: ½ teaspoon for just a hint of lift.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup folded in for melty pockets of extra chocolate.
- Heavy whipping cream: ½ cup to prepare the luscious frosting that tops these brownies.
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles: 1 ½ cups to add color, crunch, and that special love-themed flair.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a 9×13 inch baking pan with baking spray. This ensures easy release of the brownies once they’re baked and keeps the edges perfectly tender without sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt it carefully according to your microwave’s instructions. Let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs when combined later.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, canola oil, sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and glossy. This mixture creates the base for the rich, fudgy texture that is signature to this recipe.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in the eggs one at a time along with the pure vanilla extract. This quick process helps the batter become light and slightly airy, which balances the dense chocolate flavor beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and baking powder. These dry ingredients lend structure and that signature intense chocolate flavor to your brownies.
Step 6: Mix Dry Into Wet
Gradually whisk the dry mixture into the wet one, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can toughen brownies, so aim for a smooth batter with no big pockets of flour.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra bursts of melty chocolate goodness throughout the brownies.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool Completely Before Topping
Let the brownies cool fully in the pan at room temperature. This step is crucial to keep the texture firm enough for your frosting and sprinkles.
Step 10: Add Whipped Cream and Sprinkles
Whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, then spread it generously over the cooled brownies and sprinkle with the Valentine’s Day sprinkles. This final touch not only makes these brownies irresistible but also festive and joyful.
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an effortless way to elevate these brownies, consider adding fresh raspberries or strawberries on top along with a dusting of powdered sugar. The tartness of fresh fruit perfectly balances the rich chocolate.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic combination. A cup of hot coffee or rich hot chocolate can also beautifully complement the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into heart shapes using cookie cutters to amp up the Valentine’s Day theme. Present them on a decorative platter lined with rose petals or wrapped in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they remain moist and chewy.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm brownies gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until just heated through. This restores that freshly baked sensation and soft texture, perfect if you want a little indulgence after chilling.
FAQs
Can I substitute the canola oil in this Valentine’s Day Brownies Recipe?
Yes! You can replace canola oil with melted coconut oil or vegetable oil if preferred, and it will still keep the brownies moist and tender.
Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Not at all. Feel free to use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips based on your taste. White chocolate chips are another great option for a sweeter twist.
What makes these brownies perfect for Valentine’s Day?
The festive sprinkles and the addition of whipped cream topping bring a celebratory look and a touch of sweetness that makes the brownies feel special and themed for Valentine’s Day.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can make a delicious gluten-free version of this Valentine’s Day Brownies Recipe.
How can I make the frosting more stable?
For a firmer frosting that holds up longer, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar or a small amount of cream cheese while whipping the heavy cream. This helps keep it light but stable.
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s Day Brownies Recipe is a delicious way to show someone you care or simply treat yourself to a little chocolate joy. The combination of fudgy texture, melty chips, and festive sprinkles makes it a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the love through every bite!
Print
Valentine’s Day Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these rich and fudgy homemade brownies studded with chocolate chips and topped with festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles. Perfectly moist and chocolaty, these brownies are ideal for sharing with your loved ones on a special occasion or just treating yourself.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups Valentine’s Day sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with baking spray to ensure easy release of the brownies after baking.
- Melt Butter. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter according to your microwave’s instructions; then allow it to cool slightly before using.
- Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla. Whisk in the eggs one at a time followed by the 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In another large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking continuously until fully blended into a fudgy brownie batter.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips. Gently fold the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the brownie batter, ensuring they are well distributed.
- Bake. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely. Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature to set before applying the topping.
- Make Ganache and Decorate. Heat the ½ cup heavy whipping cream until just simmering, then pour over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to create a ganache. Stir until smooth and spread evenly over the cooled brownies. Immediately sprinkle the 1 ½ cups of Valentine’s Day sprinkles on top to decorate while ganache is still wet. Let set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to cool the melted butter slightly to avoid cooking the eggs when mixed.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to ensure tender brownies.
- Allowing the brownies to cool completely before ganache topping ensures a smooth finish.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
