Name: Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: For the Brownie Bites:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick): For richness.; 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.; 2 large eggs: For binding.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that hot cocoa flavor.; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For structure.; 1/4 teaspoon salt: To enhance flavor.; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: For leavening.; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional): For extra fudginess.; For the Topping:; 1/2 cup mini marshmallows: For that classic hot cocoa topping.; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: For dusting.

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of hot cocoa brownie bites! These delightful mini brownies are rich, fudgy, and infused with the warm essence of hot cocoa. Topped with marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, they make for a perfect treat during chilly days or festive gatherings. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, these brownie bites will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients List

To make hot cocoa brownie bites, gather the following ingredients:

For the Brownie Bites:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick): For richness.
1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
2 large eggs: For binding.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that hot cocoa flavor.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For structure.
1/4 teaspoon salt: To enhance flavor.
1/4 teaspoon baking powder: For leavening.
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional): For extra fudginess.

For the Topping:

1/2 cup mini marshmallows: For that classic hot cocoa topping.
1 tablespoon cocoa powder: For dusting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini cupcake liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix in Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake the Brownie Bites

Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the brownie batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Add Marshmallows: Remove the brownie bites from the oven and immediately top each one with a few mini marshmallows.
Return to Oven: Place the brownie bites back in the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are slightly puffed and soft.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Cool: Allow the brownie bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with Cocoa Powder: Before serving, dust the tops with cocoa powder for an extra touch.
Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy these cozy treats!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 24 brownie bites):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	100
Protein	1g
Total Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	3g
Carbohydrates	13g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	8g

Nutritional Insights:

Hot cocoa brownie bites are a delightful treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings during colder months.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make your hot cocoa brownie bites a bit healthier, consider these modifications:

Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the granulated sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts for added texture and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your hot cocoa brownie bites experience:

Serve with Hot Cocoa: Pair with a warm cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy experience.
Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the brownie bites for extra richness.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the flavor and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your hot cocoa brownie bites turn out perfectly, watch out for these common pitfalls:

Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; brownie bites should be fudgy and soft in the center.
Not Using Mini Muffin Tin: Using a regular muffin tin may result in longer baking times and uneven texture.
Skipping the Marshmallows: The marshmallows add a delightful touch; don’t skip this step!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your hot cocoa brownie bites fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: You can freeze brownie bites for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

In summary, hot cocoa brownie bites are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that brings the cozy flavors of hot cocoa into a fudgy brownie form. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet snack at home, these brownie bites are sure to please. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments below, and subscribe for more delightful updates!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use regular-sized marshmallows?

A1: Yes! If using regular-sized marshmallows, cut them in half to fit on top of the brownie bites.

Q2: Can I make these brownie bites gluten-free?

A2: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Q3: How do I know when the brownie bites are done?

A3: The brownie bites should be set around the edges and slightly soft in the center; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.