There is nothing quite like the joy of sharing a beautifully crafted dessert that looks as delightful as it tastes, and our Chocolate Dipped Brownie Hearts Recipe is just that kind of treat. These charming little hearts combine the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with a luscious dark chocolate coating, finished off with festive sprinkles for a perfect pop of color and texture. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers a wonderful mix of decadent flavor and adorable presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to create the perfect texture and deep chocolate flavor that brownies lovers crave. They are simple but essential, working together to ensure every bite is irresistibly chewy, rich, and coated in velvety chocolate.
- 2 boxes Family Sized Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix: These provide a fudgy, chocolaty base that’s easy to prepare and delicious.
- 6 eggs: Eggs add structure and moisture, helping the brownies stay moist yet sturdy enough to cut into shapes.
- 1/2 cup water: Water helps bind the mix while keeping the brownies soft.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: This ensures a tender crumb and rich texture without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adding these gives pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Wafers: These melt smoothly for the glossy, luscious coating that makes each brownie heart irresistible.
- Heart Sprinkles (optional): They add a fun and festive touch perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
How to Make Chocolate Dipped Brownie Hearts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a Jelly Roll pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. This pan, roughly 15.5 by 10.5 inches, is ideal for baking a thin, even layer of brownies that’s easy to cut into heart shapes. Combine both boxes of brownie mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Stir by hand gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Folding in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gives the batter bursts of rich, melty sweetness throughout.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
Spread the brownie mixture evenly across the prepared Jelly Roll pan. Bake for about 30 minutes — be careful not to overbake as you want fudgy, moist brownies rather than dry or cakey ones. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Cut and Chill the Brownie Hearts
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your brownie hearts, keeping a safe distance from the edges to avoid crumbling. Placing these hearts on a baking sheet, pop them into the freezer for 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial because cold brownies hold their shape better when dipped into chocolate and helps the chocolate coating set faster.
Step 4: Dip in Melted Chocolate
Melt the Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Wafers in a small bowl until silky and smooth. Dip one side of each cold brownie heart into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off so the coating isn’t too thick. Place the dipped brownies on a cooling rack where extra chocolate can drip away neatly, keeping your brownie hearts looking perfect.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles and Finish
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle heart-shaped sprinkles over the dipped side. Because the brownie hearts are cold, the chocolate sets quickly and the sprinkles stick wonderfully. Continue dipping and decorating the rest of your brownie hearts, then store them in a sealed container or wrap individually to keep them fresh until you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Chocolate Dipped Brownie Hearts Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, consider dusting the finished brownie hearts lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Fresh raspberries or a few mint leaves on the side add freshness and a color contrast that’s delightful to the eye and palate. The heart sprinkles also make these brownies shine on their own without any extra fuss.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’d like to add some balance to the rich chocolate, try serving the brownie hearts alongside fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote. A hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate can also elevate the experience, making every bite even cozier.
Creative Ways to Present
Whether you’re gifting these brownies or serving them at a party, presentation is key. Arrange the brownie hearts on a tiered dessert stand or on a delicate lace doily-lined platter. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane bags with a little ribbon creates a charming treat for holiday parties or Valentine’s Day celebrations. You could also place them in decorative boxes for a sweet gift that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chocolate dipped brownie hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For best texture and flavor, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This keeps the chocolate coating firm and the brownies moist and chewy.
Freezing
You can freeze the brownie hearts to enjoy later by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months. When properly thawed, they taste just as decadent as freshly made.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy the brownies again, simply bring them to room temperature before serving. If you like them a little warm, pop the brownie hearts in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds on low power — but watch closely to avoid melting the chocolate dip.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make brownies from scratch, just be sure they have a thick, fudgy consistency and allow them to cool completely before cutting and dipping. The boxed mix is a convenient shortcut but homemade works well too.
What if I don’t have a Jelly Roll pan?
No worries! You can use a standard 9×13 inch baking pan. The brownies will be a bit thicker, so adjust baking time accordingly and slice carefully when cutting your hearts.
Can I use white chocolate for dipping?
Yes, white chocolate makes a lovely alternative coating and pairs beautifully with the chocolate brownie base. Just ensure you temper or melt it gently for a smooth finish.
Can I prepare these brownies for a crowd?
This recipe makes about 15 servings, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make more. Just use appropriately sized pans and bake times. They are perfect for parties and special occasions where you want a show-stopping dessert.
How long do the brownie hearts last once dipped?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Keep them cool to maintain the chocolate coating’s shine and firmness.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chocolate Dipped Brownie Hearts Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that fills your home with delicious smells and your heart with pride. It’s a simple recipe with a charming twist that’s perfect for surprising loved ones or simply treating yourself. Once you try it, these adorable, fudgy brownie hearts might just become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. So pop on your apron, grab your heart-shaped cutter, and start dipping – you’re in for a chocolatey delight!
Print
Chocolate Dipped Brownie Hearts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful chocolate dipped brownie hearts perfect for parties and special occasions. These chewy fudge brownies are baked, cut into heart shapes, chilled, and then dipped in rich dark chocolate with an optional sprinkle of festive heart sprinkles to add a charming touch.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 2 boxes of Family Sized Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownies
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate wafers
- Heart Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a Jelly Roll pan (approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches) with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Brownie Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine both boxes of brownie mix with the water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir the mixture by hand until all lumps are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
- Bake Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared Jelly Roll pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; the brownies should remain chewy.
- Cool Completely: Allow the baked brownies to cool completely on a rack to prevent breakage during cutting.
- Cut Heart Shapes: Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut hearts from the cooled brownies, avoiding the edges to get clean shapes.
- Freeze Hearts: Place the cut brownie hearts in the freezer for 30 minutes. This helps the chocolate coating set quickly later.
- Melt Chocolate: While the brownies chill, melt the Ghirardelli dark chocolate wafers in a small bowl until smooth.
- Dip Brownie Hearts: Dip one side of each chilled brownie heart into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
- Apply Sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle heart sprinkles onto the chocolate-dipped side before the chocolate sets.
- Set on Rack: Place the dipped brownie hearts on a cooling rack to let any excess chocolate drip off and harden.
- Repeat Dipping and Sprinkling: Continue dipping the remaining hearts and applying sprinkles as desired.
- Store Properly: Store the finished brownie hearts in a sealed container until ready to serve or wrap individually for gifting.
Notes
- Do not overbake the brownies to maintain their chewy texture.
- Freezing the brownie hearts before dipping helps the chocolate coating set faster and prevents melting.
- Use parchment paper and cooking spray to ensure easy removal of brownies from the pan.
- Heart sprinkles are optional but add a festive decorative touch.
- Store in an airtight container to keep brownies fresh and prevent chocolate from melting.
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