Name: Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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, chopped; Mini marshmallows; Chocolate sauce

There's something utterly charming about mini treats that pack a big flavor punch. The Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe does exactly that—it’s like cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa, but in the form of a decadent, bite-sized brownie topped with luscious whipped cream and all the festive fixings.

hot chocolate brownie bites - Recipe Image

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how these brownie bites combine rich chocolate, silky cream, and just the right hint of peppermint—making them perfect for any cozy night in or festive gathering. They’re easy to whip up but taste like a fancy treat delivered straight from a bakery!

Simple Yet Impressive: This recipe uses a boxed brownie mix, so you save time but still impress with homemade charm.
Perfect Size: These bites are small, perfectly portioned, and ideal for sharing or enjoying without feeling too indulgent.
Festive Flair: With peppermint sticks, mini marshmallows, and chocolate kisses, it’s like a hot chocolate party in every bite.
Stabilized Whipped Cream: Keeps its shape beautifully, making your presentation look pro-level and your dessert last longer.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a wonderful balance of convenience and flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the brownie mix providing a familiar chocolate base, to the stabilized whipped cream adding a luxurious finish that holds up nicely.

Flat lay of a small mound of rich dark chocolate kisses, a few fresh peppermint sticks with white and red stripes, a handful of soft mini white marshmallows, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, another small white ceramic bowl holding smooth instant white chocolate pudding powder, and a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy dark chocolate sauce, accompanied by two whole clean eggs with smooth brown shells, all elements arranged symmetrically and evenly spaced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boxed Brownie Mix: Using your favorite boxed mix keeps things easy, but make sure to follow the package instructions closely for the best texture.
Chocolate Kisses: These add a melty, gooey center that makes each bite heavenly without extra effort.
Heavy Cream: Whipped to soft then stiff peaks, it becomes the perfect creamy topping with a smooth mouthfeel.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream subtly without gritty texture—much better than granulated sugar in whipped cream.
Instant White Chocolate Pudding Mix: This is the secret behind stabilized whipped cream; it holds the cream’s shape longer and adds a gentle white chocolate flavor.
Peppermint Sticks: A fresh, minty crunch that cuts through the sweetness and adds festive fun.
Mini Marshmallows: Their soft chewiness adds a playful, nostalgic element.
Chocolate Sauce: For drizzling, this brings everything together and amps up the chocolate factor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe is how flexible it is. I like to switch up the toppings based on the season or the occasion—you can totally put your own spin on these little delights.

Variation: Last winter, I swapped peppermint sticks for crushed candy canes and added a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast that blew me away.
Dietary Twist: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free brownie mix and watch the magic still happen perfectly.
Seasonal Fun: In summer, I swap mini marshmallows for toasted coconut flakes and add a touch of espresso powder in the whipped cream to create a mocha vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Bake Your Brownie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and give your mini muffin pan a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. I like to do this step first so I’m ready to pour batter immediately. Prepare your boxed brownie mix according to the package instructions—it usually means mixing oil, eggs, and water. Fill each mini muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes; here’s my tip—watch for the edges to look set while the centers stay just a little soft, perfect for that gooey kiss topping.

Step 2: Add the Melty Chocolate Kiss

As soon as you pull the pan out of the oven, press one chocolate kiss upside down into each brownie cup. This way, the kiss starts melting right into the warm brownie. If you’re feeling fancy, wait a couple minutes for the chocolate to soften and then gently smooth it out with a small spatula or spoon to create a cozy “hot cocoa” look on top.

Step 3: Cool and Pop Out

Let the brownie bites cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial so the bottoms firm up enough to pop out cleanly. I use a paring knife and gently wiggle around the edges to help release them, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make Your Stabilized Whipped Cream

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters first—cold really helps heavy cream thicken properly. Beat the heavy cream on high speed until it just starts to thicken, then add powdered sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Finally, fold in the instant white chocolate pudding mix and beat until stiff peaks form. This part happens quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid over-beating, which can cause it to separate.

Step 5: Pipe and Garnish

Once your brownies are cool, pipe the stabilized whipped cream on top in pretty swirls. Then go wild with your garnishes—mini marshmallows, broken peppermint sticks, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce make these treats look as good as they taste.

Top Tip

From many batches and taste tests, I've found a few tricks that really make the Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe a joy from start to finish. These tips save you frustration and help you nail presentation every time.

Chilling the Whipped Cream Bowl: Doing this before whipping makes all the difference in achieving perfect peaks quickly.
Bake Timing: Avoid overbaking the brownies—take them out when the edges are set but centers still giggle; they’ll set up as they cool.
Smoothing the Melted Kiss: Use a small offset spatula or the back of a teaspoon gently to spread melted chocolate and create that rich hot cocoa effect.
Removing Bites Cleanly: Let brownies cool completely and run a thin knife all around before popping out to prevent breakage.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe

hot chocolate brownie bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are always mini marshmallows and peppermint stick shards—they add tasty texture and a festive vibe. For an extra touch, drizzle some smooth chocolate sauce right before serving; it looks beautiful and ups the indulgence.

Side Dishes

These bites are perfect on their own, but I love pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or steaming hot tea to balance the sweetness. For parties, a light fruit salad or fresh berries alongside can refresh the palate between decadent bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a holiday party, I served these Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with crushed peppermint candies. Adding small spoons and little cups of hot cocoa made it a cozy “build your own hot chocolate” station that everyone adored.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover brownie bites in an airtight container in the fridge, especially because of the whipped cream topping. They stay fresh and tasty for about 2 days—perfect for enjoying a second treat without worrying about them drying out.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but I recommend freezing the brownie bites before adding whipped cream for the best texture. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag—then thaw naturally before decorating and serving.

Reheating

Since these are best served cool and with fresh whipped cream, I usually avoid reheating. If you want warmed brownies, I heat them individually for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before topping with fresh whipped cream and garnishes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the stabilized whipped cream without instant pudding mix?

The instant pudding mix helps the whipped cream hold its shape longer, especially at room temperature. Without it, the whipped cream will still taste great but may soften faster. You can try adding a bit of cream cheese or gelatin as an alternative stabilizer if you want a similar effect.

How do I prevent the brownies from sticking in the mini muffin pan?

Greasing the pan well with a nonstick spray is key. Additionally, letting the brownies cool completely and using a paring knife to gently loosen edges before popping them out will help them release cleanly without breaking.

Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie batter, feel free to use that. Just make sure the batter’s consistency is similar so it bakes well in mini muffin tins and holds the chocolate kiss properly.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

Arrange the brownie bites on a pretty platter with garnishes like mini marshmallows and peppermint shards nearby for guests to customize. Pair with warm drinks like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy party plate.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so approachable yet wonderfully decadent. Whether I’m baking for a chilly night in or gearing up for the holidays, these little bites consistently bring a smile to everyone’s face. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—grab that mini muffin pan and start bringing cozy chocolate happiness into your kitchen!