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Merry

Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups: Simple Winter Dessert Everyone Loves

These Mini Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups are the ultimate winter dessert! With a rich brownie base, creamy ganache filling, and marshmallow topping, they look just like tiny mugs of hot cocoa. Add festive decorations like crushed peppermint, sprinkles, and mini pretzel handles, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family baking sessions, or gifting, these bite-sized treats will quickly become a favorite!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 28 -30 mini brownie cups
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 18.3-oz. box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, such as eggs, oil, and water)
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 4 oz. semisweet chocolate chopped (divided into 2 portions of 2 oz. each)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons nonpareils or other festive sprinkles
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies optional
  • 15 chocolate-covered mini pretzels broken into half circles to make “handles”

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F for silicone or nonstick pans, or 325°F if using metal pans.
  3. Coat two 24-cup mini muffin pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Prepare the Brownie Batter
  5. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions.
  6. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. You should get 28-30 mini brownies.
  7. Bake the Brownies
  8. Bake the brownies for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and fudgy.
  9. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes in the pans.
  10. Create Indentations
  11. While the brownies are still warm, use the back of a small melon baller or a rounded 1/4-teaspoon measuring spoon to press a small indentation into the top of each brownie.
  12. Let the brownies cool in the pans until they’re safe to handle (about 15 to 20 minutes), then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Make the Ganache Filling
  14. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the heavy cream and 2 oz. of chopped semisweet chocolate.
  15. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted (about 2 minutes total).
  16. Transfer the ganache to a small zip-top bag and snip off a small corner to create a piping bag.
  17. Fill the Brownies
  18. Pipe the ganache into the indentations on the brownie tops, filling each indentation generously.
  19. Top each brownie with 3 to 4 mini marshmallows.
  20. Refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.
  21. Add the Chocolate Drizzle
  22. In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 2 oz. of chopped semisweet chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth (about 3 minutes total).
  23. Transfer the melted chocolate to a second zip-top bag and snip off a corner to create another piping bag.
  24. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops of the brownie cups.
  25. Decorate the Brownie Cups
  26. Sprinkle the tops of the brownies with nonpareils and crushed peppermint candies (if using) for a festive touch.
  27. Use the remaining melted chocolate as “glue” to attach the broken mini pretzel halves to the sides of the brownie cups, forming the handles.
  28. Chill and Serve
  29. Place the brownie cups in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the decorations and pretzel handles are secure.
  30. Serve and enjoy your festive Mini Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups!

Notes

  • Use Silicone Pans for Easy Removal: Silicone pans make it much easier to remove the brownie cups without breaking them.
  • Work Quickly with Chocolate: Melted chocolate can set quickly, so have all your decorations ready before you start piping.
  • Storage: Store the brownie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Make Ahead: You can make the brownie base a day in advance. Add the decorations just before serving for the freshest presentation.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with other toppings like mini chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or edible glitter to make your brownie cups unique.

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