Hot Chocolate Brownies have basically ruined regular brownies for me, but honestly… I’m not complaining. Ever get those chocolate cravings that attack out of the blue? You know, the ones where regular brownies just seem kind of “meh”? I’ve been down that road, going through all sorts of basic recipes that never hit the spot. I wanted something loaded with gooey chocolate and, well, a little more drama. Kinda like these rich squares of magic. Let’s just say if you’ve ever loved decadent fudge, you’ll be obsessed. And for a twist, you could check out this pecan-packed version or even try something wild like these crave-worthy Mexican inspired brownies. Anyway, let’s get into the good stuff.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t a “meh, I’ll eat one” recipe. Hot chocolate brownies are unapologetically gooey, loaded with a dreamy burst of chocolate taste, and they’ll fill your whole kitchen with an irresistible smell. For real, even my grumpy neighbor came knocking last time. What I love? The top gets slightly crackly, the center is majorly fudgy, and there’s just a whisper of marshmallow (if you want, more on that coming up). These brownies are that perfect cold-weather bake but honestly, I make them in July too. They’re way better than any box mix and, honestly, you’ll want to eat them straight from the pan. Actually, don’t let your friends know you baked these or they’ll demolish them.
This recipe blew my friends away at game night. Instant favorite. Even my “I don’t like chocolate” pal took a second slice. That’s saying something.
Recipe Variations
So, you’re feeling bold or maybe your pantry is, well, running low. Here’s where you can let your weird side out. Want these brownies extra extra? Toss in mini marshmallows right before baking, or go nuts (literally) and toss in some chopped pecans. Trust me, the crunchy, buttery bits just work. If you’re after something wild, a swirl of peanut butter makes magic. And I know someone who swears by folding in chocolate chips, which is a legit move for total chocoholics. Oh, and don’t stop at marshmallows, top them with graham crackers for a s’mores vibe. If you’re feeling like going gourmet, try a pinch of cayenne (yes really, or check out this spicy Mexican-style nod for grown-up flair). Experiment, mess up a little, and claim your version as the best—because it probably is.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Brownies
Alright, let’s do this. Here’s what you need to make my favorite hot chocolate brownies—nothing fancy, but you do want good cocoa. Skip the cheap stuff, just saying.
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot chocolate mix (the real secret)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: handful mini marshmallows
How to throw it all together? Melt butter in a pot (just till liquid, not sizzling). Whisk in sugar and cocoa till it turns into chocolate lava. Let it cool for a minute (unless you like scrambled eggs in brownies… yikes). Add in eggs, vanilla, and beat it all silly. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, hot chocolate mix. Dump this into the chocolate goo. Toss in those chips. Stir. Plop it into a pan, sprinkle marshmallows if you want. Bake at 350F for about 25 minutes. Edges get crisp, middle stays dreamy. Wait to slice (no promises though).
Hungry yet? These are real deal, rich and gooey hot chocolate brownies.
Expert Tips
Here’s the scoop, from my kitchen disasters and small triumphs. Use good quality cocoa or, honestly, you’ll taste disappointment. Don’t overbake—seriously! You want the middle a little underdone so it stays gooey. If you want clean slices, chill your brownies before cutting (I know, the torture). Mix gently when adding flour, so your hot chocolate brownies don’t end up rubbery. Oh, and a sprinkle of sea salt on top? You better believe it kicks up the flavor big time.
If you’re after the full cozy cup vibe, the best way is to warm up your brownies for 10 seconds before serving. Sometimes I top with ice cream or even a drizzle of fudge from this ridiculously decadent hot chocolate fudge idea. (Second dessert, why not?)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (classic, but builds some serious hype).
- Cut into bite-sized pieces for a party platter or potluck. Nobody needs to know how many you eat.
- Crumble over a bowl of creamy hot chocolate pudding dirt cake for next-level dessert drama.
- Pack in a lunch for a midday chocolate surprise—just don’t blame me if you get hooked.
Storage Tips
Honestly, these hot chocolate brownies don’t ever last that long at my house. But if you’ve got wild self-control, here’s what to do. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to four days, though they get fudgier in the fridge (try it). If you need them to stay fresh longer, freeze ’em in single layers with parchment in between—just let them thaw before attacking. Nuke briefly for that just-baked feel. Oh, and don’t store with marshmallows on top or they turn into chewy sugar rocks, trust me.
Common Questions
Stick a toothpick in—a few moist crumbs are good. If it comes out totally clean, you went too far (oops).
Yep! That’s honestly the best part. It gives you that real hot chocolate brownies flavor. Just don’t use the marshmallow-packet kind unless you want extra goo.
Totally, swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Easy.
For sure, but use a bigger pan and add a few minutes to the baking time. Keep an eye on them.
Absolutely! They have that rich, creamy vibe, especially if you include the marshmallows on top.
Ready for a Rich Chocolate Adventure?
If you love desserts that pack a punch and want something way more interesting than boring old brownies, you’ll be addicted to these hot chocolate brownies. Honestly, they’re simple to make and perfect for all occasions—lazy Sundays, birthdays, or random Tuesday chocolate emergencies. And hey, if you find yourself dreaming of more chocolate, check out some wild ideas like this Hot Chocolate Brownies – If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen or hop over for insanely good banana chocolate chip cookies. Want more rich dessert guides? Dive into this decadent hot chocolate fudge that’ll warm your soul for your next sugar craving, or go bold with the irresistible Mexican hot chocolate recipe for something with a kick.
Go on, try these out. You’ll be famous in your kitchen, promise.Print
Hot Chocolate Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent brownies loaded with gooey chocolate, perfect for satisfying those chocolate cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot chocolate mix
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: handful mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pot until just liquid.
- Whisk in the sugar and cocoa until mixture is smooth.
- Let it cool for a minute, then add eggs and vanilla, and beat well.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and hot chocolate mix.
- Add chocolate chips and stir to combine.
- Pour into a pan and sprinkle with mini marshmallows if desired.
- Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until edges are crisp and center is gooey.
- Let cool before slicing and enjoying.
Notes
Use quality cocoa for best results. Don’t overbake; the middle should be gooey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg