why make this recipe

Valentine’s Day Brownies with Frosting are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate love. They are simple to make, delicious, and can be decorated in a fun way. Whether you’re sharing them with a significant other, friends, or family, these brownies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the creamy frosting makes them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to customize for a festive touch!

how to make Valentine’s Day Brownies with Frosting

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Red food coloring (optional for festive color)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
For the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add red food coloring if desired.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and cut into squares.
Serve and enjoy your festive Valentine’s Day brownies!

how to serve Valentine’s Day Brownies with Frosting

Serve the brownies on a nice plate, and consider adding some decorations on top, like sprinkles or heart-shaped candies. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat. These brownies also make a great gift when wrapped in pretty packaging.

how to store Valentine’s Day Brownies with Frosting

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

tips to make Valentine’s Day Brownies with Frosting

Make sure the butter is fully melted and slightly cooled before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for fudgier brownies.
Customize the frosting color to match your Valentine’s Day theme using different food colorings.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the frosting for a salty-sweet flavor.

variation

You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter for added texture. If you want a fruity twist, consider adding some cherry or raspberry preserves into the frosting. You can also swap the cocoa powder in the frosting for white chocolate for a different flavor.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can melt dark chocolate and use it in place of cocoa powder for a richer brownie.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How can I make the brownies more festive?
You can add colored sprinkles on top of the frosting or use cookie cutters to cut the brownies into heart shapes before serving.