Introduction
Imagine sipping on a warm, comforting mug of hot cocoa on a chilly evening. Now, envision transforming that soothing experience into a scrumptious dessert. Voila! We present to you the Decadent Hot Cocoa Brownies, which encapsulate the essence of your favorite beverage in a fudgy, chocolaty delight. This treat isn’t just another brownie; it’s an invitation to relive those cherished cocoa memories. And the best part? Sharing is caring. So, after you’ve indulged, don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and spread the cocoa love!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
Unsalted Butter – 1/2 cup
Granulated Sugar – 3/4 cup
All-Purpose Flour – 3/4 cup
Cocoa Classics Chocolate Supreme Hot Cocoa Mix – 2 packets
Bittersweet Chocolate (finely chopped) – 4 oz
Large Eggs – 2
Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
For the Dreamy Chocolate Frosting:
Unsalted Butter (room temperature) – 1/2 cup
Powdered Sugar – 2 1/2 cups
Cocoa Powder – 1/3 cup
Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
Salt – A pinch
Milk – 3 tablespoons
Mini Marshmallows – As desired for topping
Directions
Setting the Stage: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F/180°C. Take an 8″x8″ baking pan, line it with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth base for our brownies.
Melting Magic: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once done, blend in the sugar and microwave for another 30 seconds. This combination should bubble but not burn. Finally, stir in the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate until it’s thoroughly melted and the mixture is silky.
Egg-stra Glossy: Whisk in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. You’ll notice the mixture turning glossy with tiny bubbles on top.
The Cocoa Transformation: It’s time to introduce our star ingredient, the Cocoa Classics Chocolate Supreme Hot Cocoa Mix, along with the rest of the ingredients. Gently mix until everything is just combined. The aroma will remind you of your favorite hot cocoa moments!
Baking Brilliance: Transfer this luscious batter into your prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. A knife or toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, signaling that our cocoa journey is almost ready.
Frosting Finale: While the brownies cool, whisk together all the ingredients for the frosting in a stand mixer. Start at a low speed, gradually increasing the intensity. Within a minute, you’ll have a light and fluffy chocolate dream ready to spread.
Layer and Love: Once the brownies have cooled, layer them generously with the frosting. Sprinkle those cute mini marshmallows on top, pressing them slightly to ensure they stick.
Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut your masterpiece into 9 generous squares. Every bite promises a sip of cocoa, a dash of memories, and a lot of love.
Notes/Conclusion
These Decadent Hot Cocoa Brownies are more than a dessert; they’re a heartfelt homage to all our hot cocoa memories. They promise warmth, comfort, and a chocolatey embrace in every bite. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or, better yet, a mug of hot cocoa for a complete experience. And remember, while they’re perfect for those solo moments of indulgence, they’re even better when shared. So, spread the love, share the recipe, and let’s make the world a cocoa-filled place!