This delicious recipe is perfect for a Valentine’s Day dessert for two or simply a sweet treat for a love-filled holiday.

Yields 9 small brownies.

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Ingredients

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 9 caramel-filled chocolate heart candies

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and make sure the oven rack is in the lower third of the oven.
2. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper in two directions, overlapping. Leave enough excess to make handles, so it’s easier to pull the brownies out once they’re baked.
3. Next, in a large bowl, combine the butter, sugar and cocoa powder.
4. Microwave for 30 seconds, stop and stir, and microwave for another 30 seconds. The mixture will be quite hot.
5. Let the mixture rest on the counter for a few minutes to cool, stirring occasionally.
6. When the mixture feels warm, not hot, stir in the vanilla and salt. Finally, stir in the eggs.
7. Add the flour to the batter, and using a spatula, quickly stir the mixture for a about 50 turns. This activates the gluten and makes for rich, chewy brownies.
8. Spread the batter into the prepared pan evenly.
9. Bake for 23-26 minutes until the top is dry.
10. Unwrap the chocolate caramel hearts and press into the top of the brownies evenly. Slice and serve.