There’s something about a brownie that just feels like home. Add a little hot cocoa mix into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for chilly days. These Hot Cocoa Brownies combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of a brownie with the cozy flavor of hot cocoa. They’re soft, fudgy, and oh-so-delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brownies are everything you want in a dessert—rich, decadent, and perfectly sweet. The addition of hot cocoa mix not only gives them an extra layer of flavor but also makes them taste like a warm cup of hot cocoa in brownie form. They’re the perfect treat for family gatherings, movie nights, or when you just need something sweet to brighten your day.

Ingredients

To make these brownies, you’ll need the basics: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Plus, we’ll be adding hot cocoa mix to really elevate the flavor. You’ll also need cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt for that perfect brownie texture.

Full list of ingredients is below in the recipe card!

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (an 8×8 square pan works great) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. You want your brownies to slide right out when they’re done, right?

Melt the Butter and Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar and eggs. Mix it all together until smooth. Add in the hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well-combined and velvety.

Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until it forms a thick batter. You can’t go wrong here—it’s all about the rich, fudgy texture.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The key to fudgy brownies is not overbaking them, so keep an eye on them toward the end.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For extra richness, try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
If you want to take them over the top, drizzle with a little melted chocolate or top with whipped cream or marshmallows—just like you would for a cup of hot cocoa!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can switch up the flavor by adding a bit of cinnamon to the batter for a spicy kick.
For a non-chocolate twist, swap the hot cocoa mix for instant coffee powder and add a little vanilla extract for a mocha flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some chopped nuts for a crunchy contrast.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Hot Cocoa Brownies are perfect on their own, but they’re even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa (yes, double the chocolate!) or a warm mug of coffee for the ultimate dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These brownies will stay fresh in an airtight container for 3–4 days at room temperature. To keep them extra fudgy, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use any unsweetened cocoa powder, but using a high-quality cocoa will give your brownies the best flavor.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. They’ll still taste amazing the next day.

Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

How can I make these brownies even more decadent?
For an extra indulgent treat, try adding a layer of marshmallows on top before baking, or drizzle some melted caramel or peanut butter over the brownies once they’re out of the oven.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent, these Hot Cocoa Brownies are your answer. They combine the best of brownies and hot cocoa into one perfect treat, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with friends, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe box. Happy baking!

Hot Cocoa Brownies: The Ultimate Cozy Dessert

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These Hot Cocoa Brownies combine rich, fudgy brownies with the cozy flavor of hot cocoa, creating a perfect dessert for chilly days. They are soft, decadent, and indulgently sweet—a warm treat for all occasions.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar and eggs until smooth.
Add the hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined and velvety.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to form a thick batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool before cutting and serving.

Notes

For extra richness, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter.
To mimic a hot cocoa experience, drizzle with melted chocolate or top with whipped cream or marshmallows.