Have you ever found yourself torn between having a rich, fudgy brownie or a comforting cup of hot chocolate? Well, I have the perfect solution for you—Hot Chocolate Brownies!
This delightful recipe combines the best of both worlds, giving you all the chocolatey goodness of a brownie with the cozy flavors of hot cocoa.
Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a good book or hosting a casual get-together with friends, these brownies are sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
What You Need to Make These Brownies
To make these delicious Hot Chocolate Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 3 tbsp hot cocoa granola butter
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or sugar of choice)
- 1 egg (or substitute with a flax egg)
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp non-dairy milk
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour; I like to use 1/4 cup of oat flour and 1/4 cup of gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Chocolate chips (as many as you like!)
- Marshmallows (for that classic hot chocolate topping)
Crafting the Perfect Hot Chocolate Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grease a baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This will ensure that your brownies come out easily and cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, hot cocoa granola butter, coconut sugar, egg, and non-dairy milk. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. If you’re using a flax egg instead of a regular egg, prepare it by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the bowl.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oat flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring a nice rise and even flavor in your brownies.
Step 4: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make the brownies tough. Once combined, fold in your desired amount of chocolate chips. The more, the merrier!
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the brownies from the oven and top them with marshmallows and additional chocolate chips. Return the baking dish to the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes, just until the marshmallows are toasted and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once the marshmallows are perfectly toasted, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the brownies to set, making them easier to cut and serve.
Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate Brownies
- Flour Choices: You can use a mix of oat flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture. If you prefer a denser, more traditional brownie, stick with all gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Flax Egg Substitute: If you’re making a flax egg, be sure to let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up before using it in the recipe.
- Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Crushed peppermint candies, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can add a fun twist.
Hot Chocolate Brownies
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- 3 tbsp hot cocoa granola butter
- ½ cup coconut sugar or sugar of choice
- 1 egg or flax egg for vegan option
- ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp non-dairy milk
- ½ cup oat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour recommended: 1/4 cup oat flour & 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- Chocolate chips as desired
- Marshmallows as desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, hot cocoa granola butter, coconut sugar, egg (or flax egg), and non-dairy milk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oat flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased, parchment-lined baking dish.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and top with marshmallows and additional chocolate chips.
- Place back in the oven on broil for 1-2 minutes, or just until the marshmallows are toasted.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- To make these brownies vegan, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- You can substitute coconut sugar with any sugar of your choice.
- Adjust the quantity of marshmallows and chocolate chips according to your preference.
A Cozy Conclusion
These Hot Chocolate Brownies are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. They bring together the comforting flavors of hot cocoa with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, creating a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on a quiet night in, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let the cozy vibes take over. Happy baking!
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