Okay, picture this: It’s a freezing December night, holiday music is blasting, and I needed a dessert, FAST! That’s when I threw together these ah-mazing Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites. Seriously, if you want something that tastes like a cozy hug in every bite, this is IT. We’re talking fudgy brownies, that classic hot chocolate flavor, and a cloud of stabilized whipped cream on top. Trust me, the combo is pure magic. They were gone in minutes at the party! And the best part? They’re so easy, even *I* can’t mess them up. Boxed brownie mix? Yes, please!
Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Seriously, you NEED these in your life. Here’s why:
- Super easy to make, even if you’re not a baking pro.
- They taste like a warm mug of hot chocolate, but in brownie form! What’s not to love?
- Everyone goes crazy for them. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a fun treat.
Quick and Easy Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Who has time for complicated recipes? Not me! That’s why I love using a boxed brownie mix as the base. It makes these brownie bites SO quick to whip up.
Delicious Hot Chocolate Flavor
The fudgy brownie, melty chocolate kiss, and creamy whipped topping? It’s like a hot chocolate explosion in your mouth! My favorite part is that chocolate-y goodness.
Perfect for Parties and Gatherings
These hot chocolate brownie bites are the perfect size for a quick treat. Plus, everyone loves them! I swear, they disappear faster than I can make them.
Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need to make these little bites of heaven. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty short list!
- 1 box brownie mix – plus whatever the box calls for (usually oil, eggs, and water). I always grab the fudgiest kind I can find!
- 24 chocolate kisses – ’cause what’s a hot chocolate brownie bite without a kiss of chocolate?
- 2 cups heavy cream – for the whipped cream, duh!
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar – to sweeten things up.
- 2 Tablespoons instant white chocolate pudding mix – this is our secret weapon for stabilized whipped cream!
- Toppings! We’re talking peppermint sticks, mini marshmallows, and chocolate sauce. Get creative!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get down to business! These hot chocolate brownie bites are super easy, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on deliciousness in no time!
Preparing the Brownie Base for Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While that’s heating up, grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan. Trust me, you don’t want these sticking! Then, mix up your brownie batter according to the box directions. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full and bake for 7-10 minutes. You want the edges set, but the centers should still be a little soft – that’s the key to fudgy brownie bites!
Adding the Chocolate Kisses to the Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
As soon as you pull those brownie bites out of the oven, grab your chocolate kisses! Press one kiss upside down into each brownie. You can leave ’em like that, or if you want a smoother look, use a spatula or spoon to spread the melting chocolate around. I usually go for smooth, but hey, it’s your call!
Making the Stabilized Whipped Cream for Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
While the brownies are cooling (this is important!), let’s make the whipped cream. Grab a super cold bowl (I sometimes stick mine in the freezer for a few minutes) and whip 2 cups of heavy cream on high speed until it starts to thicken. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and keep whipping until soft peaks form. Then, add 2 tablespoons of instant white chocolate pudding mix and whip until stiff peaks form. Watch it like a hawk, though! Overmixing will turn it into butter, and nobody wants that.
Assembling Your Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Once the brownies are COMPLETELY cooled, you can pipe on that amazing stabilized whipped cream. Now comes the fun part: toppings! Mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint sticks, a drizzle of chocolate sauce… go wild! These hot chocolate brownie bites are your canvas – get creative and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Want to take these brownie bites from “good” to “OMG, these are amazing!”? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:
- Use a paring knife to gently pop the brownie bites out of the muffin tin. They can be a little sticky, so this helps!
- Make sure your whipped cream is stiff, but NOT overmixed. It should hold its shape, but still be light and fluffy.
- Don’t skimp on the ingredients! Good quality brownie mix and chocolate kisses make all the difference. Trust me!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or just wanna switch things up? No problem! Here are a few ideas:
- No chocolate kisses? No sweat! A dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread or even just a few chocolate chips pressed into the brownies work great.
- Out of white chocolate pudding mix for the whipped cream? Vanilla pudding mix works in a pinch, or you can try 1 teaspoon of cornstarch or 2 teaspoons of milk powder. Just adds ’em in like the recipe says!
- Seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment! These Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites are pretty forgiving.
Storing and Reheating Your Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Got leftovers? Lucky you! If your brownie bites have the whipped cream on top, pop ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for about a week! If they’re plain, you can keep ’em at room temp. Wanna keep ’em even longer? Freeze the brownie cups (before adding the whipped cream) for up to a month. Easy peasy!
FAQ About Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks usually ask about these little hot chocolate brownie bites:
Can I make these Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites ahead of time?
You bet! Bake the brownie bites, let ’em cool, and store them in an airtight container. Then, whip up the cream and assemble right before serving. Super easy!
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites?
Totally! Milk chocolate kisses are classic, but dark chocolate or even caramel-filled kisses would be delish! Get creative with your chocolate choices. Why not?
How do I prevent the whipped cream from melting on my Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites?
Ah, the million-dollar question! That white chocolate pudding mix is key for stabilizing the whipped cream. Also, make sure to keep the assembled brownie bites in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Cold is your friend!
Nutritional Information for Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Okay, real talk: I’m no nutritionist! So, keep in mind that the nutrition info? It’s gonna vary depending on the brownie mix and toppings you use. Just a heads up!
Enjoying Your Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites
Made these? Awesome! Leave a comment and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your pics on Insta! I wanna see ’em!
Print
Sinful Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites: Just 3 Steps
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites are made with your favorite boxed brownie mix, chocolate kisses, and a 3-ingredient stabilized whipped cream!
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix plus ingredients required on box (oil, eggs, water)
- 24 chocolate kisses
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons instant white chocolate pudding mix
- peppermint sticks
- mini marshmallows
- chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 24 mini muffin pan with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions.
- Fill mini muffin cups 2/3 full.
- Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- As soon as you remove them from the oven, press one kiss upside down into each brownie cup. You can leave them as is or as soon as they begin to melt and soften you can use a thin spatula or a spoon to smooth out the chocolate.
- Allow the brownie cups to cool completely then transfer them to a cooling rack. Use a paring knife to help pop them out.
- While the brownie bites are cooling, prepare the stabilized whipped cream.
- Whip the heavy cream at high speed in a very cold bowl until it starts to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until soft peaks will form. Then add the white chocolate pudding mix and beat until stiff peaks form. Watch it carefully, as this can happen quickly. You dont want to overmix or it will curdle.
- When the brownies are fully cooled you may pipe on the stabilized whipped cream. Garnish with mini marshmallows, pieces of peppermint sticks, sprinkles, and chocolate sauce if desired.
Notes
- Store Brownie Bites with whipped topping in the refrigerator and enjoy within a week.
- Store Brownies without whipped topping at room temperature.
- Freeze brownie cups before adding whipped topping and eat within a month.
- Use 1/2 teaspoon of chocolate spread or 3 chocolate chips in place of chocolate kisses.
- Stabilizing the whipped cream makes this dessert last longer.
- Use whipped cream from a spray can right before serving.
- Use vanilla pudding mix, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, or 2 teaspoons of milk powder to stabilize whipped cream.
- Make full-size cupcakes by increasing the baking time.
- These are done baking when the center is no longer shiny and the outside edges have started to pull away from the tin.
- Use extra batter to make a few more brownie cups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
- Calories: Unknown
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: Unknown
- Fat: Unknown
- Saturated Fat: Unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: Unknown
- Fiber: Unknown
- Protein: Unknown
- Cholesterol: Unknown
