Ultimate Hot Chocolate Brookies Recipe: Fudgy Brownie & Chewy Cookie Perfection

Prepare to fall in love with these incredible Hot Chocolate Brookies! Imagine the rich, fudgy delight of a brownie perfectly fused with the chewy, comforting goodness of a chocolate chip cookie, all elevated with the delightful touch of fluffy marshmallows. This unique treat offers a warm, inviting flavor profile reminiscent of your favorite hot cocoa, making it an absolute must-try for any dessert lover. They are wonderfully moist, perfectly sweet, and undeniably delicious, promising a taste of heaven in every bite.

Fudgy brownies and classic chocolate chip cookies are undisputed baked good favorites. But why settle for just one when you can have the best of both worlds? While traditional cookie bars offer a happy medium, there’s an even more spectacular option for satisfying your sweet tooth: a Hot Chocolate Brookies recipe! This innovative dessert takes the beloved ‘brookie’ concept to a whole new level by infusing it with the comforting essence of hot chocolate, complete with gooey marshmallows. Trust us when we say, this is a truly magical combination that will impress everyone.

If you’re looking for more traditional brookie experiences, be sure to try our easy brookie recipe. Or, for other delightful cookie bar variations, check out our Carmelitas or Sugar Cookie Bars. But for an unforgettable twist, these hot chocolate cookie bars are simply unparalleled.

What Makes These Hot Cocoa Brookies So Special?

While this recipe might require a few more steps than some of our simpler quick bakes, the effort is undeniably worth it. The process of creating these hot chocolate bars is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. You’ll layer a rich, cocoa-infused brownie batter, then sprinkle it generously with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Next, you’ll dollop a sweet, buttery cookie dough right on top, creating a beautiful mosaic of textures and flavors before baking. The result is a decadent bar that perfectly marries the chewiness of a cookie with the dense richness of a brownie, all punctuated by pockets of melted marshmallow goodness. This simple yet effective layering technique guarantees a dessert that will satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings.

What’s more, these Hot Chocolate Brookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday party, contributing to a potluck, organizing a bake sale, or simply looking for an impressive weekend treat, these bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re guaranteed to be a hit and leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Baking & Sharing Your Hot Chocolate Cookie Bars

If you’re anything like us, one pan of these incredible Hot Chocolate Brookies will simply not be enough! These hot cocoa brookies are addictively delicious, and you’ll find yourself reaching for another square almost immediately. They are truly a crowd-pleaser, and we guarantee your friends, family, and guests will be lining up, begging for the recipe. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them an unforgettable treat that stands out from typical brownies or cookies. So, go ahead and bake a double batch – you won’t regret it!

Ready to create this sensational dessert? Let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!

Hot Chocolate Brookies

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 45 mins

Total: 1 hr

Servings: 16 bars

You will LOVE these hot chocolate brookies! The perfect mix of brownie and cookie – with an added twist. They’re moist, sweet, and so delicious.

Ingredients

Brownie ingredients

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 large eggs
1 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
1 cup mallow bites

Cookie ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (softened)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup mallow bites

Instructions

PREP: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
MIX BROWNIE DRY INGREDIENTS: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and baking powder until these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.
MIX BROWNIE WET INGREDIENTS: In a separate medium bowl, gently whisk the 3 large eggs, canola oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until they are well combined and smooth.
MELT BAKING CHOCOLATE: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsweetened baking chocolate in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
COMBINE BROWNIE BATTER: Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the dry ingredients mixture. Mix until just combined – do not overmix. Stir in the melted baking chocolate and then fold in 1/2 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
LAYER BROWNIE BASE: Pour the prepared brownie batter evenly into the parchment-lined baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mallow bites and the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips over the brownie layer. Set this aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
MIX COOKIE DRY INGREDIENTS: Grab another large bowl. Whisk together the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and baking soda for the cookies until they are fully combined.
MIX COOKIE WET INGREDIENTS: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
COMBINE COOKIE DOUGH: Gradually add the dry cookie ingredients into the wet ingredients mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
ADD COOKIE DOUGH TO BROWNIE: Using a small ice cream scoop or two spoons, drop dollops of the cookie dough evenly over the brownie batter layer in the baking dish. Finally, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of mallow bites onto the cookie dough.
BAKE & COOL: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. The brookies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownie layer comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The cookie layer should be golden brown. Allow the brookies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This is crucial for clean slices. Enjoy your delicious hot chocolate brookies!

Nutrition

Expert Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate Brookies

Do Not Overmix: Overmixing either the brownie or cookie batter can lead to a tough texture. Mix until just combined for best results.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes for effortless removal and clean-up. Leave an overhang on the sides to lift the entire batch out easily.
Room Temperature Butter: For the cookie dough, ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature. This helps it cream effectively with the sugars, resulting in a lighter, chewier cookie.
Cool Completely: Resist the urge to cut into these brookies while they are still warm. They need to cool completely to set properly, ensuring clean, defined squares. Cutting them too soon will result in a messy crumble.
Marshmallow Placement: For the best visual and textural effect, scatter the mallow bites evenly. They will puff up and create delightful pockets of sweetness.

Common Questions About Hot Chocolate Brookies

What is the best way to soften butter?

The ideal method for softening butter is to let it sit out on your kitchen counter for about an hour before you plan to start baking. This allows it to reach a perfect room temperature for creaming. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it. Place the stick of butter (still in its wrapper) on a microwave-safe plate and microwave each of its four sides for about 5 seconds. Be careful not to melt it completely, as melted butter will change the texture of your cookies.

Can I substitute the baking chocolate?

While specific unsweetened baking chocolate is recommended for the fudginess and deep chocolate flavor of the brownie layer, substitutions can be made in a pinch. If you don’t have baking chocolate, you can use 12 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with 4 tablespoons of melted butter or shortening. However, please note that this may slightly alter the texture and richness of the brownie.

Can I make these Hot Chocolate Brookies ahead of time or freeze them?

Absolutely! These brookies are excellent for making ahead. Bake them according to the instructions, then allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into your desired bar sizes. To freeze, arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen brookies to an airtight plastic bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the freezer.

How long will these brookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these delicious hot cocoa bars will remain fresh and delightful for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you choose to freeze them, they can last for up to a month, allowing you to enjoy a quick and easy treat whenever a craving strikes.

More Irresistible Hot Chocolate Treats!

If you’re a fan of hot chocolate-inspired desserts, you’ll love exploring these other delightful recipes:

Hot Cocoa Cupcakes: Fluffy cupcakes topped with marshmallow frosting, just like a cup of cocoa.
4-Ingredient Hot Chocolate Dip: A quick and easy dessert dip perfect for parties.
Hot Chocolate Cookies: Chewy chocolate cookies studded with marshmallows and chocolate.
Hot Cocoa Chocolate Spoons: Elegant and fun chocolate spoons for stirring into warm milk.
White Hot Chocolate Recipe: A creamy and comforting classic white hot chocolate.

Did You Make This Recipe?

We’d love to see your creations! Share your Hot Chocolate Brookies with us on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow us on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more delicious recipes and baking inspiration!

Pin it for later!

Don’t forget to save this amazing recipe for your next baking adventure. Pin it to your favorite dessert or holiday baking board so you can easily find it whenever that hot chocolate brookie craving hits!