Hot Chocolate Brownies

Name: Hot Chocolate Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: N/A
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup high quality hot cocoa mix; 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or paste; 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2/3 cup vanilla marshmallow bits

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These hot chocolate brownies bring the flavors of a mug of hot cocoa into a rich dessert. Made with hot cocoa mix instead of cocoa powder, they're a delicious treat for any time.

a rack with chocolatey hot chocolate brownies topped with mini marshmallow bits.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from the flavors in a warm cup of hot chocolate. These brownies are especially popular in the colder months - especially served warm from the oven - making them a go-to treat during the cooler months.

Ingredients

Ready to make some incredible and unique brownies? Here's what you'll need to grab!

all-purpose flour
salt
baking powder
powdered hot cocoa mix
unsalted butter
white granulated sugar
eggs
pure vanilla extract
semi-sweet chocolate chips
dehydrated marshmallow bits

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Now let's put everything together. Here's what to do!

wet ingredients for brownie batter being mixed together.

Step 1: Mix together the wet ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

chocolate chips folded into an almost complete hot cocoa brownie batter.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and hot cocoa mix. Stir until just combined, then stir in half the chocolate chips.

chocolate chips sprinkled over hot baked brownies.

Step 3: Bake the brownies in a 9x13 pan until they just pull away from the pan. While hot, add the rest of the chocolate chips.

mini marshmallow bits sprinkled over melted chocolate spread onto hot brownies.

Step 4: Spread melt-y chocolate chips into a solid layer and add marshmallow bits.

Hint: For best results, use a hot cocoa mix that doesn't contain powdered sugar or too many filler ingredients. I used Starbucks Hot Cocoa mix.

Substitutions & Variations

Change up the flavors in your hot chocolate brownies by trying these easy variations that won't affect the outcome of the finished dessert.

Different Chocolate - instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips. Heck, you can even use peanut butter chips!
Marshmallows - Did you know you can buy just the marshmallows similar to what is found in Lucky Charms? Add a colorful crunch to these marshmallows by using them instead of plain marshmallow bits

I have not tested this recipe for specific diets or allergy considerations, such as gluten or dairy free varieties, but if you try that out, please let me know how it goes!

someone holding a fudgy hot cocoa brownie with bits of marshmallow.

Storage

Store leftover hot chocolate brownies in a tupperware-style storage container at cool room temperature. They'll keep well for several days before starting to dry out. I don't recommend refrigerating leftovers.

You can freeze brownies by wrapping individual brownies in plastic wrap and freezing in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to thaw, let them sit on the counter for about 40 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use cocoa powder instead of hot chocolate mix?

This recipe was tested using the combination of flavors and ingredients when using hot chocolate mix. I have not tested them using cocoa powder and cannot speak to the result.

Are brownies better hot or cold?

Brownies are delicious when still slightly warm from the oven, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature or cold as well.

Can you use Nesquick chocolate milk mix instead of hot cocoa mix?

Technically, yes, Nesquick will work in this recipe but you may not get the same depth of flavor or texture.