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 irresistible about these bite-sized treats that remind you of cozy evenings by the fire. This Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe combines fudgy brownies, melty chocolate kisses, and fluffy white chocolate whipped cream — it’s like sipping hot cocoa you can eat!

A small chocolate cake cup with a rough and spongy dark brown base, filled with a smooth, shiny milk chocolate layer. On top, there is a swirl of white whipped cream, decorated with brown chocolate sprinkles and small broken pieces of red and white peppermint candies. A whole striped red and white peppermint stick is stuck 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 it. 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 absolutely adore this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe because it’s super simple yet feels incredibly special. You get all those comforting flavors of hot chocolate in a fun, party-ready form!

Easy to make: Using a boxed brownie mix keeps things stress-free but still delicious.
Perfect size: Bite-sized brownies mean no guilt—grab one (or two) whenever you want.
Decadent topping: That stabilized white chocolate whipped cream takes these brownies to the next level.
Great for any occasion: From cozy nights to holiday parties, these are an easy crowd-pleaser.

The image shows several small chocolate cookie cups placed on a bright pink surface. Each cup has a dark brown cookie base filled with smooth milk chocolate. On top, there is a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with dark chocolate sprinkles and small red-and-white candy pieces. Some cups are garnished with a small whole candy cane stuck in the whipped cream. Around the cups, there are scattered mini white marshmallows, broken bits of candy cane, extra chocolate sprinkles, and whole candy canes. In the background, there is a white plate with two chocolate cookie cups without whipped cream. The photo is taken from above on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe has a role in balancing texture and flavor, making sure every bite feels indulgent but harmonious. Here are some notes on what to look for and why these items are essentials.

Flat lay of a small mound of rich dark brown cocoa powder, a cluster of shiny milk chocolate kisses, a small pile of fluffy white mini marshmallows, a few slender red-and-white peppermint sticks broken into pieces, a smooth ball of soft white powdered sugar, a small heap of fine pale yellow instant white chocolate pudding mix powder, a whole raw brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh heavy cream, and a small white ceramic bowl with glossy dark chocolate sauce, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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

Brownie mix: Using your favorite boxed mix keeps prep quick; I recommend one with a rich cocoa flavor.
Chocolate kisses: These add a melting chocolate center that feels like a gooey surprise inside each brownie bite.
Heavy cream: The base for the whipped topping, choose cold, high-fat cream for fluffy, stable results.
Powdered sugar: It sweetens the whipped cream without grittiness and helps stabilize it.
Instant white chocolate pudding mix: This magic ingredient thickens the whipped cream for piping; don’t skip it!
Peppermint sticks: Crushed for a cool crunch garnish, perfect for a festive touch.
Mini marshmallows: Tiny, sweet, and chewy—they’re the final cozy toss on top.
Chocolate sauce: Optional but highly recommended drizzle to amp up chocolate flavor.

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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

I love playing with the toppings and sometimes swapping peppermint sticks for cinnamon sticks when I’m craving something a little less minty. This recipe invites you to make it yours!

Variation: I once tried adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter to deepen the chocolate flavor—highly recommend for coffee lovers like me.
Dietary tweaks: Use dairy-free cream and pudding mix to make it vegan-friendly without losing that luscious whipped topping.
Seasonal twist: Swap peppermint sticks for crushed candy canes around the holidays for an extra festive pop.

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

Step 1: Prep & Bake the Brownies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick spray. Mix your boxed brownie batter as instructed. I find filling each mini cup about two-thirds full gives brownies a nice height without overflowing. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes—watch for the edges setting while the centers stay delightfully soft. This is key for the perfect bite-sized fudgy texture. Don’t overbake or you’ll lose that gooey magic.

Step 2: Press in the Chocolate Kisses

Right out of the oven, gently press one chocolate kiss upside down into each brownie cup. They’ll slowly soften and melt perfectly, creating a luscious chocolate crown. If you want to make them look like melted cocoa, take a thin spatula or spoon and smooth the melted chocolate around the top once softened—makes for a beautiful finish.

Step 3: Cool and Remove From Pan

Allow the brownie bites to cool completely in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Tip: I use a small paring knife to gently loosen around the edges before popping them out—helps keep their shape intact.

Step 4: Whip Up the Stabilized Cream

While the brownies cool, it’s time for the topping magic. Use a very cold bowl and whip the heavy cream at high speed until it starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar, then keep whipping until soft peaks form. Next, add the instant white chocolate pudding mix and beat until stiff peaks appear. Be watchful here—it can happen fast, and you don’t want overmixing that makes it curdle. This stabilized whipped cream holds its shape beautifully and tastes so dreamy.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Once brownies are fully cooled, pipe or dollop the white chocolate whipped cream on top. Then go wild with mini marshmallows, peppermint stick pieces, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For me, the cute marshmallows and peppermint give it that memora ble hot cocoa vibe.

Top Tip

In my experience, the most game-changing step is really watching the bake time and the whipped cream’s stiffness. Getting these right makes all the difference between just good and wow-worthy.

Watch the edges: Remove brownies as soon as the edges are set but before the centers fully firm up for fudgy pockets.
Cold bowl for cream: Chilling your bowl and beaters makes whipping heavy cream easier and faster.
Pudding mix timing: Add the white chocolate pudding mix only after soft peaks form to avoid overbeating.
Use gentle tools: When smoothing the melted chocolate kisses, a small spatula or the back of a spoon works best for a polished look.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe

hot chocolate brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with mini marshmallows and peppermint stick pieces—because the combo is nostalgic and festive. Drizzling some chocolate sauce on top adds a shiny, decadent touch that makes these look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve these alongside a warm mug of espresso or a creamy latte for the ultimate cozy experience. They also pair surprisingly well with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these on a festive platter with greenery and candy canes. Another favorite? Stacking them in clear glass jars wrapped with ribbons to give as edible gifts—it always gets a smile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover brownie bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—just make sure they’re fully cooled and whipped cream is stable. They hold up nicely without getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing’s possible, but I recommend freezing just the plain brownie bites (before adding whipped cream) on a tray, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw and add fresh whipped cream for best texture.

Reheating

If you want warm bites, zap them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating after adding whipped cream, as it’ll melt and lose that gorgeous texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix for the Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your brownie batter isn’t too thick or dense, as the mini muffin pan needs a pourable consistency to bake evenly in small portions. Homemade brownies add a personal touch but can require a bit of trial for exact timing.

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

You can substitute with regular instant vanilla pudding mix, though the flavor will be slightly less chocolatey. Alternatively, a stabilizer like gelatin can help keep whipped cream firm, but it requires a different preparation process. For the best flavor and ease, the pudding mix is your best bet.

How do I prevent the whipped cream from curdling?

Curdling happens if you overbeat the cream, especially after adding the pudding mix. To prevent this, whip to soft peaks first, then carefully fold in the pudding mix or beat just until stiff peaks form. Using cold utensils and cream also helps maintain a smooth texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can bake and assemble the brownie bites a day ahead, but I recommend adding the whipped cream topping and garnishes just before serving for the freshest look and taste. If you need to prepare even earlier, store the cooled brownies and stabilized whipped cream separately.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe has become my go-to treat for anytime I want a cozy, chocolatey burst of happiness without fuss. It’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing or sneaking a few bites on your own. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do—they’re true little moments of joy!