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

Imagine rich, fudgy brownie bites melting in your mouth, crowned with a pool of warm chocolate and topped with fluffy, creamy whipped topping that tastes just like hot cocoa. That’s exactly what you get with this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe, a fun little twist that brings all the cozy vibes right into bite-sized perfection.

The image shows a close-up of a small dessert with three layers. The bottom layer is a dark brown textured chocolate cupcake forming the base and sides with a rough surface. On top of the cupcake, there is a smooth, shiny layer of light brown chocolate filling spread evenly. Above this is a swirl of white whipped cream, shaped like a small peak, decorated with irregular pieces of red and white peppermint candy and small brown chocolate sprinkles scattered on and around the cream. A small white and red striped peppermint stick is placed standing at an angle into the whipped cream on the right side. The dessert sits on a bright pink surface with some scattered peppermint pieces and chocolate sprinkles around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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 first stumbled upon this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe during a chilly winter weekend, and it quickly became my go-to treat for entertaining or curling up with a good book. These bites are the perfect hybrid of a brownie and a hot chocolate drink, which is why they’re so irresistibly special.

Bite-sized convenience: Perfect for parties or snacking without the mess of a full brownie or cup of cocoa.
Decadent mix of textures: Fudgy brownies, melty chocolate kisses, and fluffy stabilized whipped cream all in one bite.
Simple ingredients: Uses a boxed brownie mix to keep it easy but feels homemade with the creamy topping and chocolate finish.
Customizable garnish options: From peppermint sticks to mini marshmallows, you can dress these bites up to suit any season or celebration.

The image shows several small round chocolate brownie cups placed on a bright pink surface with a white marbled texture softening the background. Each brownie cup has a smooth, shiny chocolate layer at the bottom as the first layer. On top, there is a fluffy, white whipped cream layer sprinkled with small dark chocolate sprinkles and tiny bits of crushed red and white candy canes. Each brownie cup is decorated with a small whole or broken small candy cane stick stuck into the whipped cream. Around the brownie cups, there are scattered mini white marshmallows, whole candy canes, silver-wrapped chocolate candies, and extra bits of crushed candy canes and chocolate sprinkles. One brownie cup in the front left corner is missing a bite, showing the soft chocolate inside, and the image has a brightly lit, fresh, and festive look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. Using a boxed brownie mix means you get consistently great results without fuss, while the chocolate kisses add a gooey center that’s pure bliss when melted. The stabilized whipped cream made with pudding mix holds firm longer than plain whipped cream, perfect for that pretty pipe-on finish that won’t melt away.

Flat lay of a small mound of rich dark brownie squares, a neat pile of shiny silver-wrapped chocolate kisses, a crisp white ceramic bowl with glossy heavy cream, another white bowl holding fine white powdered sugar, a third white bowl with pale creamy instant white chocolate pudding powder, a bundle of red and white striped peppermint sticks, a small heap of fluffy white mini marshmallows, and a smooth swirl of glossy chocolate sauce presented in a white ceramic bowl, arranged symmetrically and balanced, all 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: Convenient and reliable for that perfectly fudgy brownie base every time; choose your favorite brand.
Chocolate Kisses: These melt just right inside the brownie cups to create a luscious, soft center.
Heavy Cream: Whipping cream is essential for making the thick, fluffy whipped topping.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream smoothly without granules.
Instant White Chocolate Pudding Mix: Stabilizes your whipped cream to keep it from collapsing too soon and adds a subtle white chocolate flavor.
Peppermint Sticks: Fresh and festive, adding crunch and a cooling contrast.
Mini Marshmallows: A playful nod to classic hot chocolate toppings.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzled on top for extra decadence and visual appeal.

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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

What I love about this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often switch up the toppings and add-ins depending on the season or my mood. It’s a chance for you to get creative and make it yours.

Variation: One time, I swapped peppermint sticks with finely crushed toffee bits and it added a lovely crunch and buttery flavor that totally transformed the bites.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a rich, dairy-free whipped topping that still pipes beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the brownie batter to give a subtle warming heat that pairs brilliantly with the chocolate.
Mini Nuts: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or pecans on top of the whipped cream for an added texture that complements the softness perfectly.

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

Step 1: Prep the Mini Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a 24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick spray. I've learned that greasing well is key here since the brownie bites pop out much more easily when fully cooled.

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Brownie Batter

Prepare your boxed brownie mix just as the package directs. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full—don’t overfill, or they’ll spill over and won’t bake evenly. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still feel soft when gently touched.

Step 3: Press in Chocolate Kisses

As soon as you take the pan out of the oven, press one chocolate kiss upside down into each brownie cup. The heat from the brownie will soften the chocolate, and you can gently smooth it out with the back of a spoon for that gorgeous melted cocoa look. This step is where the magic happens and your bites really start looking like hot chocolate in bite form.

Step 4: Cool and Remove Brownie Cups

Let the brownie bites cool completely in the pan—trust me, this is important to keep them intact. After cooling, transfer them to a wire rack and carefully pop them out with a paring knife. This helps prevent any breakage and keeps the edges nice and neat.

Step 5: Whip Up Stabilized Whipped Cream

In a very cold bowl, whip the heavy cream at high speed until it thickens slightly. Add powdered sugar and continue whipping until soft peaks form. Then, gently fold in the instant white chocolate pudding mix and whip just until stiff peaks form. Be careful—not overwhipping will keep your cream smooth and luscious without turning grainy or curdled.

Step 6: Pipe and Garnish

Once your brownie cups are fully cooled, pipe the stabilized whipped cream on top using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip. I love a classic star tip for a pretty swirl effect. Then go wild with garnishes—mini marshmallows, peppermint stick pieces, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce are my favorite combo.

Top Tip

I’ve found that letting the brownie bites cool fully before removing them is the single biggest trick to keeping their shape and neat edges. Plus, whipping the cream in a chilled bowl helps it come together faster and stay fluffy longer. These small steps make a huge difference in the final presentation.

Proper Cooling: Resist the urge to pop out the brownies immediately—they’re delicate when warm and more prone to crumbling.
Whip with Cold Equipment: Cold metal bowls and beaters speed whipping and give your cream a better texture.
Use Pudding Mix: It’s the secret ingredient that stabilizes the whipped cream to keep your topping looking fresh longer.
Garnish Creatively: Switch up garnishes for holidays or seasons to keep this recipe feeling fresh and fun.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe

Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about the classic combo: mini marshmallows that toast just a little if you want, crushed peppermint sticks for a little zing, and a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce for that extra melty goodness. Sprinkles or edible glitter can also add a festive sparkle that’s fun for parties or holidays.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a cup of hot coffee or a mug of your favorite hot chocolate for a decadent dessert board. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad balance out the richness and refresh your palate while you snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange these brownie bites on rustic wooden platters or in a glass jar alongside paper straws and mini spoons. For holiday gatherings, place each bite in a decorative cupcake liner and tie them up with festive ribbon—they make adorable edible gifts too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since the whipped cream is stabilized, it holds up well overnight for up to 2 days. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature a touch before serving so the brownies soften up again nicely.

Freezing

Freezing these brownie bites is possible but I recommend freezing without the whipped cream topping. Freeze the plain brownie cups in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before adding fresh whipped cream and garnishes when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked warmth, pop the brownie cups (without topping) into the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to soften but not melt them completely. Add the whipped cream after warming so it stays fluffy and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer making brownies from scratch, just ensure your batter is a bit thicker to hold shape in mini muffin cups and bake accordingly. The boxed mix is just a shortcut I love for ease.

How do I store the Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The stabilized whipped cream topping helps keep them fresh longer than plain whipped cream.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

Yes! I usually make the brownie cups a day ahead, store them without topping, and whip the cream fresh on the day of the party. Pipe the cream and add garnishes just before serving for the best presentation.

What if I don’t have instant white chocolate pudding mix?

You can skip the pudding mix, but the whipped cream won’t be as stable and may start to weep or deflate sooner. Alternatively, you can use gelatin or a stabilizer of your choice if you want a thick, long-lasting cream.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe is one of those little kitchen magic moments that always brings smiles and a bit of cozy comfort. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or sneaking one with a cup of tea for yourself, the fudgy brownie, melty chocolate, and creamy topping truly make it a memorable treat. Give it a go—I bet it’ll be as much of a hit in your kitchen as it is in mine!