If you have a serious sweet tooth and love that cozy warmth of a classic hot chocolate, you are absolutely going to swoon over this Decadent Hot Chocolate Brownies with Dreamy Marshmallow Frosting Recipe. These brownies blend the deep, rich flavor of cocoa with the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow topping that feels like a fluffy cloud hugging every bite. It’s the perfect treat to curl up with on any day that calls for a little extra indulgence. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for brownie bliss and hot chocolate vibes all rolled into one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor and texture just right is easy with a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the richness, chewiness, and that irresistible marshmallow topping that makes this dish truly special.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Consider using Dutch-processed for a smoother, richer chocolate flavor that forms the base of your brownies.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect fudgy texture inside.
- Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a slight caramel note, balancing the bittersweet cocoa perfectly.
- Butter: Melted butter ensures a tender crumb and luscious mouthfeel.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs bind all ingredients together while giving the brownies that satisfying density.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure agent; you can swap for gluten-free flour if needed without compromising the moistness.
- Salt: A pinch enhances and balances the sweetness and chocolate depth.
- Marshmallows or Marshmallow Fluff: This is the star of the frosting, creating that dreamy, ooey-gooey topping.
- Mini Marshmallows: Perfect for sprinkling on top to add charm and extra chewiness.
- Chocolate Flakes: Adds an extra punch of chocolate richness and texture in the frosting layer.
- Chopped Nuts: Adds a delightful crunch and a bit of earthiness to offset the sweetness.
How to Make Decadent Hot Chocolate Brownies with Dreamy Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Brownie Batter
Start by combining the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the melted butter until everything is well incorporated. Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking them into the chocolatey mixture until glossy and smooth.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt. Take care to not overmix here—just blend until the flour disappears. This helps keep your brownies dense and fudgy instead of cakey.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely before moving on.
Step 4: Prepare the Dreamy Marshmallow Frosting
In a saucepan over low heat, melt together 2 cups of marshmallows or marshmallow fluff with the chocolate flakes, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and fold in the chopped nuts for a delightful texture contrast.
Step 5: Frost and Finish
Spread the marshmallow frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Top with mini marshmallows for a decorative and extra melty touch. For a little flair, you can toast the mini marshmallows gently under a broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
How to Serve Decadent Hot Chocolate Brownies with Dreamy Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate amps up the chocolate vibes. Adding a few whole roasted nuts on top gives a rustic, inviting look and a hint of crunch with each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A mug of hot cocoa or coffee pairs perfectly, enhancing all the deep chocolate and marshmallow notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut brownies into bite-sized squares for party platters or layer them with whipped cream and berries in a clear glass for a stunning dessert jar. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper tied with twine makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and perfectly moist for up to three days, making for a quick treat whenever a craving hits.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting or enjoy frozen as a chilly snack.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. The marshmallow frosting softens beautifully with a little heat, recreating that dreamy, just-baked sensation.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff for the frosting?
Absolutely! Using regular marshmallows will work just as well when melted down to create that dreamy frosting texture. Just be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning and get a silky finish.
Is it possible to make gluten-free brownies with this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the rich chocolate and marshmallow flavors will still shine through beautifully.
What type of nuts works best in these brownies?
Walnuts and pecans are classic choices that pair wonderfully with chocolate and marshmallow. However, feel free to use almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer a different crunch and flavor profile.
Can I prepare the marshmallow frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the frosting a few hours in advance. Keep it covered at room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading it onto the cooled brownies for best results.
How can I make the mini marshmallows toast evenly?
Place the frosted brownies under a preheated broiler for just 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them so the marshmallows become golden but don’t burn. This adds a lovely texture and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Hot Chocolate Brownies with Dreamy Marshmallow Frosting Recipe is truly a celebration of everything chocolate and marshmallow lovers dream about. It’s approachable to make yet delivers an impressive, indulgent result every time. So don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients, whip up this deliciousness, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade dessert experience that radiates warmth and sweetness in every bite.
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Decadent Hot Chocolate Brownies with Dreamy Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these Decadent Hot Chocolate Brownies topped with a Dreamy Marshmallow Frosting. Rich, fudgy brownies combine smooth cocoa and both brown and granulated sugars, creating a deep chocolate flavor. The luscious marshmallow frosting, enhanced with mini marshmallows, chocolate flakes, and chopped nuts, adds the perfect sweet and crunchy finishing touch to this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Consider using Dutch-processed for richer taste)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Butter (Melted)
- 2 large Eggs (Room temperature)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Marshmallow Frosting
- 2 cups Marshmallows (Or marshmallow fluff)
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Flakes
- 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt, then gently fold to combine into a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Bake the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the brownie batter evenly into the pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Marshmallow Frosting: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler method), gently melt the marshmallows or marshmallow fluff until smooth and creamy, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once melted, take off the heat and allow to cool slightly but not set.
- Apply Frosting and Toppings: Spread the warm marshmallow frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows, chocolate flakes, and chopped nuts over the top before the frosting sets to ensure they adhere well.
- Set and Serve: Allow the frosting to fully set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly for about 15 minutes. Once set, cut the brownies into 12 equal pieces and serve. Enjoy your rich, fudgy hot chocolate brownies with a gooey and crunchy marshmallow topping!
Notes
- Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder enhances the chocolate richness but natural cocoa powder works well too.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Make sure brownies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the marshmallow topping.
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice texture but can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
