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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    February 17, 2023

    Hot Chocolate Brownies

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    These easy Hot Chocolate Brownies are fudgy, have a swirl of hot cocoa marshmallow cream and are topped with marshmallow bits! They're super pretty and simple, thanks to a box of brownie mix!

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    Stack of hot chocolate brownies in a white tray.

    There's something about hot chocolate that's so nostalgic to me. Growing up in the Midwest, winters were cold and snowy and honestly, I loved it! I loved the snow, building forts and tunnels, going sledding....and the hot cocoa topped with marshmallows Mom would make when my siblings and I came inside to warm up.

    I've turned my love of hot cocoa into a Snack Mix, a gorgeous Poke Cake and I thought it would make a super delicious and fudgy brownie. So, after a couple rounds of testing, here we are!

    What can I make with hot cocoa mix?  These brownies!!!  Here are the ingredients needed:  Brownie mix, hot cocoa mix, marshmallow creme, mini chips and mini marshmallow bits.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Boxed Brownie Mix - I used the Duncan Hines brand and baked it in a 9x9-inch pan. Please note that box sizes vary a bit....any box that has an option of an 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan will work, just be sure to note the baking time. You could also opt to make these homemade brownies in a 9x13-inch pan!
    • Ingredients listed on back of brownie mix box - This will likely be egg, water and vegetable oil.
    • Marshmallow Creme - Also known as marshmallow fluff. This is typically sold by the marshmallows.
    • Hot Cocoa Mix - One single serving packet is what you'll need for this recipe.
    • Water
    • Marshmallow Bits - These are little dehydrated marshmallows and they're so fun to bake with. If you can't find them (typically in the hot chocolate/coffee aisle), you can either use the ones in a packet of hot cocoa mix with marshmallows or use mini marshmallows instead.
    • Mini Chocolate Chips

    How to Make Hot Chocolate Brownies

    I always like to start by preheating the oven and prepping my pan. For this recipe, the oven needs to be at 350F. Spray your pan with cooking spray and set aside so you're ready when needed.

    Next, prepare the brownie mix as stated on the box. You'll most likely need eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter) and water. Once it's mixed, pour it into the prepared pan and set aside.

    Pouring brownie batter into a teal pan.

    In a small bowl, stir together the marshmallow creme, hot cocoa mix and water.

    Marshmallow creme, water and hot chocolate mix being stirred together.

    Then you'll dollop the mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife to swirl it in. Lastly, sprinkle the top with marshmallow bits and mini chocolate chips and bake!

    Easy hot chocolate brownies ready to go into the oven.

    Once the brownies are done, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool. Use a plastic knife to cut into squares.

    Hot chocolate brownies with marshmallows on top baked and cut into squares.
    What's the best way to cut brownies?

    It seems silly, but the best way to get a clean cut is to use a plastic knife. Yes, like the disposable, cheap knives. I'm not sure why these work the best, but they do!

    Can I use hot cocoa mix for brownies?

    I do not recommend using hot cocoa mix in place of cocoa powder in homemade brownies. Regular cocoa powder is very bitter, whereas hot cocoa mix has added sugar and other ingredients that will change the flavor and texture. However, this recipe uses the hot cocoa mix on top, mixed into the marshmallow cream to bring the hot chocolate flavor to life!

    Can I freeze brownies?

    Yes!! These brownies can be frozen. Once completely cool, place them in an airtight container or in a freezer bag. Freeze until ready to enjoy!

    Close-up of a hot cocoa brownie.

    Brownie Recipes using a Box Mix

    Toffee Brownies - Toffee Brownies have a chewy brownie base with a fudgy topping & crunchy bits of toffee sprinkled on top!

    Cheesecake Brownies - Turn a box brownie mix into these creamy, dreamy Cheesecake Brownies! They're rich, fudgy and have a swirl of cream cheese filling!

    Rocky Road Brownies - All the flavors and textures of rocky road ice cream transformed into the most mouth-watering brownie!

    Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches - This frozen dessert has no-churn ice cream sandwiched between two brownies. The flavor combos are endless!

    Hand holding a hot chocolate brownie with a bite out of it.  Gooey fudgy inside!
    Hot Chocolate Brownies

    Hot Chocolate Brownies

    kelsey
    These easy Hot Chocolate Brownies are fudgy, have a swirl of hot cocoa marshmallow cream and are topped with marshmallow bits! They're super pretty and simple, thanks to a box of brownie mix!
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    Prevent your screen from going to sleep.
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 215 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 8x8 or 9x9-inch square pan

    Ingredients
      

    • One 18 ounce box brownie mix + ingredients listed on back of box
    • 1 cup marshmallow creme (fluff)
    • 1 packet hot cocoa mix about 3 tablespoons
    • 1 ½ teaspoons water
    • 2 tablespoons marshmallow bits or mini marshmallows
    • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan* with cooking spray.
    • Mix the boxed brownies according to package instructions and spread into prepared pan.
    • In a small bowl, stir together the marshmallow creme, hot cocoa mix and water.
    • Dollop the mixture over the brownie mix and use a knife to swirl.
    • Sprinkle the marshmallow bits and mini chocolate chips on top.
    • Bake time will depend on the brownie mix used. Look at the box mix to determine cook time. It'll likely take around 28-30 minutes.
    • Let the brownies cool, cut into squares and enjoy!

    Notes

    *You can also opt for a 9x13-inch pan.  They will take much less time to bake and will be more thin and less fudgy.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 31.4gProtein: 1.9gFat: 10.1gSaturated Fat: 1.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.7gCholesterol: 10.2mgSodium: 111.9mgPotassium: 88.8mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 4.6gVitamin A: 5.5IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 10.1mgIron: 0.8mg
    Keyword brownies
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @dancearoundthekitchen.kelsey and let me know how you liked it!

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    about kelsey

    About Kelsey

    Combining my love for food and family is a pretty easy calculation. Almost all family gatherings include food… After all, a party without cake is just a meeting right? Read more...

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    Hi, I'm Kelsey! I am a wife, mother and BFFs with my KitchenAid mixer, happy to bring you easy meals and decadent desserts! Welcome to my blog!

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