There’s something utterly delightful about a rich, fudgy bite that melts in your mouth—but when you add a fluffy cloud of whipped cream on top, it turns into little pieces of heaven. This Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe is just that: an irresistible combination of warm brownie, creamy chocolate, and an extra-special whipped topping that’ll have everyone asking for more.
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 with Whipped Cream Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made plenty of brownie recipes over the years, but these Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe stand out for their perfect balance of flavors and textures. They’re so easy to whip up, and they bring a cozy, festive vibe to any occasion—trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite dessert in your rotation!
- Convenience: Using a boxed brownie mix means less prep and fuss, but you still end up with fudgy, decadent bites.
- Delicious Texture Combo: The soft brownie base with the melting chocolate kiss on top creates a luscious, gooey center.
- Stabilized Whipped Cream: Adding instant white chocolate pudding mix to the whipped cream gives it that perfect hold so it won’t melt or droop too fast.
- Fun Presentation: Topped with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, these bites are as charming as they are tasty.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here is chosen for a reason—it’s about convenience, flavor, and texture. The boxed brownie mix keeps things simple while providing that classic fudgy backbone, and the chocolate kisses give you that melty, creamy surprise. The stabilized whipped cream brings in silky smoothness that holds its shape beautifully, especially with that subtle white chocolate flavor.
- Brownie Mix: Any reliable boxed brownie mix works great here—choose your favorite brand for your preferred sweetness and fudginess.
- Chocolate Kisses: I love using classic milk chocolate kisses for a clean, melty center, but dark chocolate kisses work beautifully too.
- Heavy Cream: For whipping into that luscious stabilized topping, always use cold heavy cream for best volume and texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Gives sweetness without grit—important for smooth whipped cream!
- Instant White Chocolate Pudding Mix: This is the secret to stabilized whipped cream that holds up and adds a subtle white chocolate note.
- Peppermint Sticks: Adds festive crunch and a refreshing minty aroma—perfect if you're making these for holidays.
- Mini Marshmallows: Because what's hot chocolate without marshmallows? They add softness and fun!
- Chocolate Sauce: For drizzling on top to amp up the chocolate goodness and add a pretty finishing touch.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can adjust toppings, play with flavors, or swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Variation: I once swapped peppermint sticks for crushed candy canes—instant holiday sparkle and a little extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free whipped topping if you want a vegan-friendly version.
- Chocolate Swap: Try dark chocolate kisses or even caramel-filled chocolates for a different surprise inside.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Mini Brownie Bases
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 24-cup mini muffin pan well with nonstick spray. Prepare your boxed brownie mix exactly as the package directs—trust me on this, the box instructions are your friend here. Then, fill each mini muffin cup about two-thirds full. Don't overfill or they’ll spill over while baking. Bake them for 7 to 10 minutes. You're aiming for set edges with slightly soft centers to get that fudgy bite.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate Kiss Layer
As soon as the brownies come out of the oven, press one chocolate kiss upside-down into the center of each brownie cup. If you like a rustic look, you can leave them as is. But here’s a tip: when the kisses start to soften, use a small spatula or the back of a spoon to gently smooth out the melted chocolate. It looks like rich hot cocoa, which is exactly what you want!
Step 3: Cool and Pop Out the Brownie Bites
Allow the brownie bites to completely cool in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack. If they’re stubborn, a little nudge with a paring knife around the edges helps pop them out neatly. Patience here really pays off—you want clean bites that hold their shape for the next step.
Step 4: Whip Up the Stabilized Whipped Cream
Whip cold heavy cream in a chilled bowl at high speed until it just starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar and continue whipping until soft peaks form. Then add instant white chocolate pudding mix and whip until stiff peaks form. Here’s my best advice: watch it closely because it can go from perfect to overwhipped quickly. You want it firm but smooth, without curdling.
Step 5: Pipe, Garnish, and Enjoy!
Once your brownie bites are fully cooled, pipe the stabilized whipped cream on top—go as fancy or as simple as you like. Then sprinkle with mini marshmallows, bits of peppermint stick, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Serve immediately and watch everyone's faces light up!
Top Tip
Over the years, I've learned a few key things that really make this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe turn out beautifully every time. These tips can help you skip the common pitfalls and elevate your dessert game effortlessly.
- Use a Cold Bowl for Whipping: Keeping your cream and bowl cold helps the whipped cream achieve more volume and hold its shape longer.
- Don’t Overbake: Take the brownies out once edges look set but centers remain soft—that fudgy texture is what you're after.
- Pipe Whipped Cream with a Star Tip: A star-tipped piping bag creates lovely peaks that make your brownies look professionally made.
- Pop Bites Out with a Paring Knife: If any mini brownie is stuck, gently run a paring knife around edges before popping out to avoid crumbling.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of keeping it classic with a mix of mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint sticks, and just a little drizzle of chocolate sauce. The marshmallows add soft sweetness, the peppermint offers a refreshing contrast, and that chocolate drizzle seals the deal with an extra glossy look. Feel free to add sprinkles or even a dusting of cocoa powder for more drama!
Side Dishes
These bites pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, a frothy latte, or even a mug of creamy hot chocolate to match their vibe. For festive occasions, I like serving them with a simple fruit salad or spiced nuts to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving these bite-sized treats on a tiered dessert tray—sprinkle peppermint pieces between the layers for extra sparkle. I once added tiny fondant snowflakes on top of the whipped cream for a winter-themed gathering, and the guests loved the extra touch of whimsy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the whipped cream is stabilized, it holds up well for about 2 days. Just make sure they’re well covered to prevent odors from other foods.
Freezing
You can freeze the brownie bites after they’re baked and cooled (before adding whipped cream). Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and add fresh whipped cream topping for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm the brownie bites gently in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes if you want that freshly baked feel before adding whipped cream. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery or cause the chocolate to seize up.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free boxed brownie mix to keep the recipe straightforward, and double-check that any additional toppings, like chocolate kisses and pudding mix, are gluten-free as well.
With the added instant white chocolate pudding mix, the whipped cream holds firm for several hours at room temperature and up to 2 days when refrigerated. It’s perfect for prepping ahead without worrying about it melting too quickly.
Definitely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, go for it. Just be sure the batter isn’t too dense, so it bakes well in mini muffin tins and stays fudgy for that perfect bite.
I recommend using a piping bag fitted with a medium star tip to create pretty, textured swirls that look professional. If you don’t have a piping bag, a small spoon or spatula can work for a rustic look—just dollop generous mounds on top.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe feels like passing along a little kitchen secret that always brings smiles. The ease of making them combined with the decadent flavor and eye-catching presentation makes these bites a forever keeper in my recipe box. I know you’ll enjoy the process and the joy of serving something so cozy and delicious. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to treat for every special occasion or quiet night in.
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Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Decadent Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites made with a boxed brownie mix filled with melted chocolate kisses, topped with a smooth, stabilized white chocolate whipped cream, and garnished with mini marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and chocolate sauce for a festive treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Bites
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on box: oil, eggs, water)
- 24 chocolate kisses
Stabilized Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons instant white chocolate pudding mix
Garnish
- Peppermint sticks, chopped
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan using nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions, combining the mix with oil, eggs, and water as specified.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each mini muffin cup about two-thirds full with the brownie batter to allow room for rising and chocolate kisses.
- Bake Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Immediately after removing from the oven, press one chocolate kiss upside down into the center of each brownie cup. Optionally, use a thin spatula or spoon to smooth the melting chocolate and create a cocoa-like appearance.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the brownie bites to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to a cooling rack. Use a paring knife to gently pop the brownie bites out of the muffin pan.
- Make Stabilized Whipped Cream: In a very cold bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar and continue whipping until soft peaks form. Then add the instant white chocolate pudding mix and whip until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overmix to avoid curdling.
- Decorate Bites: Once the brownies are fully cooled, pipe the stabilized whipped cream onto each bite. Garnish with mini marshmallows, chopped peppermint sticks, sprinkles, and drizzle with chocolate sauce as desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite boxed brownie mix for convenience and consistent results.
- Ensure the whipping bowl and whisk are very cold to help cream stabilize better.
- If you don't have white chocolate pudding mix, vanilla pudding mix can be used but will alter the flavor slightly.
- Let the brownie bites cool fully before decorating to prevent melting of the whipped cream.
- Store assembled brownie bites in the refrigerator to maintain the whipped cream topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 106 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
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