Name: Valentine Heart Brownies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 15 servings
Ingredients: 1 package fudge brownie mix (13x9-in. pan size); 1/4 teaspoon mint extract; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; Red paste food coloring, optional; 1/4 cup baking cocoa; Heart-shaped sprinkles, optional

Steal hearts this Valentine's Day with brownies that have cute frosting centers. They're simply irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

1 package fudge brownie mix (13x9-in. pan size)

1/4 teaspoon mint extract

1/2 cup butter, softened

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Red paste food coloring, optional

1/4 cup baking cocoa

Heart-shaped sprinkles, optional

Instructions

1 Prepare brownie mix according to package directions, adding mint extract to batter. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

2 Meanwhile, in a small bowl, cream the butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and, if desired, food coloring until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a pastry bag. Set aside.

3 Line a baking sheet with parchment. Dust with cocoa; set aside. Cut brownies into 15 rectangles. Using a 1-1/2-in. heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a heart from the center of each brownie. Reserve cutout centers for another use. Place brownies on prepared baking sheet. Pipe frosting into centers of brownies. If desired, top with sprinkles.