Indulge your sweet tooth with these decadent hot chocolate brownie cups. These miniature treats are not just adorable, but also sinfully delicious. Combining the rich taste of brownies with the smooth texture of chocolate ganache, they're sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common baking staples like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. Two elements that might be less familiar are the mallow bits and bourbon. Mallow bits are tiny, dehydrated marshmallows that add a fun texture and sweet flavor. They can be found in the baking aisle. As for the bourbon, it adds depth to the chocolate ganache, but feel free to omit it if you prefer.
Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups
Unsalted butter: Essential for the richness and moist texture of the brownies.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Adds that classic chocolatey flavor.
Natural cocoa powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness to the brownies.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
Instant coffee grounds: Deepens the chocolate flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla essence.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies.
Baking powder: Leavens the brownies for a lighter texture.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Heavy cream: Makes the ganache creamy and smooth.
Bourbon: Gives the ganache a rich, complex flavor.
Mallow bits: Gives a fun and sweet topping.
One reader, Geri Krug says:
These hot chocolate brownie cups are absolutely divine! The rich, fudgy brownie cups paired with the creamy chocolate ganache and marshmallow bits create a heavenly combination. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups
How to prepare brownie cups: A step-by-step guide on preparing the brownie cups, including mixing the ingredients, filling the muffin tin, and baking.
How to make chocolate ganache: Detailed instructions on making the chocolate ganache, including melting the chocolate, adding cream and butter, and incorporating flavorings like vanilla and bourbon.
How to create a well in the brownie cups: Instructions on using a rounded teaspoon to press into the center of each brownie bite to create a well for the ganache.
How to garnish with mallow bits: A guide on sprinkling mallow bits over the ganache before it hardens, adding a finishing touch to the brownie cups.
How To Make Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups
Try out these fun and decadent brownie cups to serve your hot chocolate over! Whip up a chocolatey batch of these for your next party gathering.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Brownie Cups:
- 12tbspunsalted butter,cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- ½cupsemisweet chocolate chips
- ½cupnatural cocoa powder
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- ½cupbrown sugar
- 1tspinstant coffee grounds,optional
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 2large eggs,plus 1 egg yolk
- 1¼cupall-purpose flour
- ½tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
For Chocolate Ganache:
- 1cupsemisweet chocolate chips
- ¼cupheavy cream
- ½tbspbutter
- 1tspvanilla
- 1tspbourbon,optional
- ⅛tspsalt
- 1cupmallow bits,extra small marshmallows
Instructions
Brownie Cups:
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Prepare a 24-cavity mini muffin tin by spraying with baking spray or lightly greasing and flouring. Make sure to grease and flour not only the wells, but also the top of the muffin tin around each well.
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Place the butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 30-second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted.
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Stir in the cocoa powder, then add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir well.
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Add the vanilla extract and instant coffee, then stir in the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the batter, stirring until completely combined.
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Use a 1½ tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to drop the batter into prepared muffin tin wells.
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Lightly dampen fingertips, then use them to lightly tamp down the batter for a smooth surface.
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Bake for 18 to 21 minutes until the centers of the brownie bites are cooked and an inserted toothpick comes out clean or with few crumbs.
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Allow the brownie cups to cool for 5 minutes.
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Use a rounded teaspoon to press into the center of each brownie bite to create a well, pressing a little more than halfway into each brownie bite.
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Allow the brownie bites to cool for another 10 to 15 minutes in the muffin tins, then gently transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Ganache:
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Combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-heat.
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Stir frequently until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
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Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract, bourbon, and salt. Stir well.
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Allow the mixture to cool slightly at room temperature for 10 minutes.
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Use a small spoon to pour the ganache into the indent of each brownie.
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Sprinkle mallow bits over the ganache before it hardens.
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Allow the ganache to firm up for 1 to 2 hours for serving with drinks, or eat at once.
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Serve hot chocolate into cups, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 186.68kcal
- Fat: 10.47g
- Saturated Fat: 6.44g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.98g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.40g
- Carbohydrates: 24.38g
- Fiber: 1.48g
- Sugar: 17.31g
- Protein: 1.60g
- Cholesterol: 19.30mg
- Sodium: 72.55mg
- Calcium: 19.90mg
- Potassium: 83.57mg
- Iron: 0.93mg
- Vitamin A: 60.78µg
- Vitamin C: 0.01mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups Recipe
When making the chocolate ganache, ensure that the heat is kept at a medium level. Too high heat can cause the chocolate to seize or burn, resulting in a grainy texture. Stirring frequently also helps to ensure that the chocolate melts evenly and incorporates well with the cream and butter. For a smoother, shinier ganache, you can also add a teaspoon of corn syrup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups
Prep ahead: Mix the dry ingredients for the brownie cups the night before and store them in an airtight container. This will save time when you're ready to bake.
Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop to portion the brownie batter will help ensure uniform size and shape, saving time and creating a professional look.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of brownie cups and freezing the extras for later. This way, you'll have a quick dessert option on hand for future occasions.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and measure them out. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Substitute Ingredients For Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups Recipe
- unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and moisture to the brownie cups, and it also adds a subtle coconut flavor.
- semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for semisweet chocolate chips to add a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor to the brownie cups.
- natural cocoa powder - Substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder can be used as a substitute for natural cocoa powder to achieve a smoother and more mellow chocolate flavor in the brownie cups.
- granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar to add a hint of caramel flavor and a lower glycemic index to the brownie cups.
- brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for brown sugar to add a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the brownie cups.
- instant coffee grounds - Substitute with espresso powder: Espresso powder can be used as a substitute for instant coffee grounds to enhance the chocolate flavor in the brownie cups.
- vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract to add a nutty and fragrant flavor to the brownie cups.
- eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for eggs to add moisture and binding properties to the brownie cups, making them suitable for a vegan diet.
- all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make the brownie cups suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
- baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder to help the brownie cups rise and achieve a lighter texture.
- salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt to add a hint of briny flavor and enhance the overall taste of the brownie cups.
- semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with milk chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for semisweet chocolate chips to create a sweeter and creamier chocolate ganache for the brownie cups.
- heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for heavy cream to create a dairy-free alternative for the chocolate ganache in the brownie cups.
- butter - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter can be used as a substitute for butter to create a dairy-free alternative for the chocolate ganache in the brownie cups.
- mallow bits - Substitute with mini marshmallows: Mini marshmallows can be used as a substitute for mallow bits to add a classic marshmallow topping to the brownie cups.
Presentation Ideas for Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups
Elevate the brownie cups: Place the brownie cups on a sleek, rectangular plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and presented with precision.
Garnish with edible flowers: Adorn the brownie cups with delicate, vibrant edible flowers such as pansies or violas to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Create an artful drizzle of rich, decadent chocolate sauce on the plate, adding a luxurious touch to the presentation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine sprinkle of powdered sugar to enhance the visual appeal and add a hint of sweetness.
Arrange in a circular pattern: Arrange the brownie cups in a circular pattern, creating a visually appealing and balanced presentation that draws the eye.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place a few edible gold leaf flakes on the brownie cups, adding a touch of opulence to the presentation.
Serve with a side of whipped cream: Present the brownie cups alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream, adding a creamy and indulgent element to the dish.
Sprinkle with cocoa nibs: Sprinkle the plate with cocoa nibs to add a contrasting texture and a hint of bitterness, complementing the sweetness of the brownie cups.
Use a minimalist plating approach: Embrace a minimalist plating approach, allowing the rich, chocolatey brownie cups to take center stage with clean, uncluttered presentation.
Incorporate a mirror glaze: Introduce a mirror glaze on the plate, creating a glossy, reflective surface that adds a modern and sophisticated element to the presentation.
Storing and Freezing Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups
- Once the brownie cups have cooled completely and the ganache has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you want to keep the brownie cups fresh for a longer period, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- To freeze the brownie cups, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When ready to serve the frozen brownie cups, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before enjoying. If desired, you can refresh the ganache by microwaving the brownie cups for a few seconds until the chocolate is slightly melted and shiny.
- Pro tip: To prevent the brownie cups from sticking together when storing or freezing, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of brownie cups.
How To Reheat Leftover Brownie Cups
The best way to reheat leftover hot chocolate brownie cups is to place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the chocolate ganache is melted and gooey again. This method helps to restore the texture and flavor of the brownie cups, making them taste almost as good as when they were freshly baked.
Another option is to reheat the brownie cups in the microwave. Place one or two brownie cups on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 15-20 seconds, or until they are warm and the ganache is melted. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the brownies to become tough and rubbery.
If you want to enjoy the brownie cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, you can reheat them in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds, so they are slightly warm but not hot. This will create a delightful contrast between the warm, gooey brownie and the cool, creamy topping.
For a quick and easy treat, you can also enjoy the leftover brownie cups at room temperature. Simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the texture to soften slightly, making them a perfect snack or dessert on the go.
If you want to get creative, try crumbling the leftover brownie cups over a bowl of yogurt or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast treat. You can also chop them up and use them as a topping for ice cream sundaes or milkshakes, adding a rich, chocolatey crunch to your favorite desserts.
Interesting Fact About Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups
The brownie cups are a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the comforting warmth of hot cocoa. The combination of chocolate ganache and mallow bits adds a delightful twist to the classic brownie, making it a perfect dessert for any chocolate lover.
Is Making Brownie Cups at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this hot chocolate brownie cups recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. While semisweet chocolate chips and heavy cream can be pricier, the recipe yields 24 brownie cups, making it suitable for multiple servings. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Considering the delightful combination of rich brownie cups and decadent chocolate ganache, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 for its taste and presentation, making it a worthwhile indulgence for special occasions or cozy gatherings.
Are Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups Healthy or Unhealthy?
The hot chocolate brownie cups recipe is undeniably delicious, but it's not the healthiest treat out there. The recipe is high in sugar, fat, and calories, with ingredients like butter, chocolate chips, heavy cream, and mallow bits contributing to its indulgent nature. While the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients like cocoa powder, which is rich in antioxidants, the overall nutritional profile is not ideal for regular consumption.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by using a sugar substitute or cutting back on the granulated and brown sugar
- Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a higher percentage of cocoa and less sugar
- Swap out the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative like coconut milk or Greek yogurt
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace some of it with a healthier fat like coconut oil or avocado
- Top the brownie cups with fresh fruit instead of mallow bits for a natural sweetness and added vitamins and minerals
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. Remember, moderation is key, and it's okay to indulge in a decadent dessert like these hot chocolate brownie cups occasionally as part of a well-rounded diet.
Editor's Opinion on Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups Recipe
The hot chocolate brownie cups recipe is a delightful and indulgent treat. The brownie cups are rich and fudgy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor. The addition of the chocolate ganache and mallow bits adds a luxurious touch, elevating the dessert to a whole new level. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers, and the final result is sure to impress anyone who tries it. It's a wonderful combination of warm, comforting flavors that are perfect for a cozy night in or a special gathering.
Enhance Your Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Brownie Cups
Why trust this Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups Recipe:
This recipe offers a decadent fusion of chocolate and brownie in a delightful cup form, ensuring a rich and indulgent experience. The meticulous instructions guarantee a perfect texture and flavor, while the addition of marshmallow bits and a luscious chocolate ganache elevates the dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness. With carefully selected ingredients such as semisweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, this recipe promises a delightful treat that will surely impress and satisfy any craving for a delectable dessert.
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