Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites: A Cozy Treat for Your Sweet Tooth
As the chill of winter sets in and the first snow starts to blanket the ground, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm mug of hot cocoa. But what if we could blend that velvety cup of cocoa with the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies? That’s where my delightful Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites come into play! These little gems are not just a sweet treat; they’re a hug in a bite, bringing that nostalgic warmth and the joy of childhood memories back to life. Perfect for cozy gatherings or simply as a sweet escape at the end of a long day, these brownie bites are sure to become your new favorite. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With straightforward steps, these Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites come together in a snap, making them an ideal option for holiday parties or weekend baking binges.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Who doesn’t love chocolate? These brownie bites are universally adored, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Customizable: With tons of options for variations, you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious treats.
- Decadently Rich: Each bite is a rich combination of chocolate and marshmallows, delivering a luxurious flavor that’s impossible to resist.
- Perfect for Kids: These mini brownie bites are a family-friendly dessert that will keep the little ones smiling and their bellies happy!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for a cozy baking experience:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for drizzling)
How to Make Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites
Let’s make it together! Follow this soothing step-by-step guide to create your own batch of Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined, and the mixture is beautifully glossy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is silky smooth.
- Stir in the flour and salt until just combined, embracing the rich aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Pour the batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full to allow for that lovely rise.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean, signaling that your brownie bites are ready to shine.
- Remove from the oven and immediately top each brownie bite with mini marshmallows, creating delightful little clouds atop each bite.
- Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the marshmallows are toasted, turning a golden brown and caramelizing slightly.
- Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack, allowing them to set perfectly.
- Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled brownie bites, adding that final touch of decadence.
- Serve and enjoy every velvety bite!
Variations & Creative Twists
Feel free to let your imagination flow with these fun ideas to customize your Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites:
- Minty Fresh: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Indulgence: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch alongside the gooey chocolate.
- Holiday Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg into the mix for a cozy holiday flavor profile.
- Rich Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some decadent caramel sauce over the top before the chocolate drizzle for an extra layer of indulgence.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Make-Ahead Magic: These brownie bites can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months!
- Ingredient Swaps: Swap out the butter for coconut oil for a richer taste, or use gluten-free flour to make this dessert gluten-free.
- Slicing Tips: If you find these brownie bites stuck to the muffin pan, running a butter knife around the edges can help release them easily.
Nutrition Information per Serving
In each tasty bite, you’ll find a delightful blend of flavors. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition per serving (assuming 24 servings):
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 60mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to your common queries about Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites:
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! These brownie bites can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to customize with different types of chocolate or sweeteners to suit your preferences.
- How do I store leftovers? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
- How long does it last? These brownie bites are best enjoyed within a week of baking, but they stay tasty even after a few days!
Final Thoughts
These Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites are not just a recipe; they’re a warm invitation to create cherished memories with those you love. Whether enjoyed by the fireplace or shared at a festive gathering, each bite offers that comforting feeling we all crave during the cozy winter months. Save this Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites recipe to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites that blend the richness of chocolate brownies with the cozy essence of hot cocoa, perfect for winter gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Stir in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Remove from the oven and top each brownie bite with mini marshmallows.
- Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled brownie bites.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
These brownie bites can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: brownies, hot cocoa, dessert, winter treats, holiday baking