Spiced Hot Chocolate Brownies

Name: Spiced Hot Chocolate Brownies
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 12 - 16 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan; 1 c. (120 g.) all-purpose flour; 2/3 c. Dutch-processed cocoa powder; 1/4 c. whole milk powder; 1 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper; 12 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (about 2 c.); 1 c. (200 g.) granulated sugar; 1/2 c. (110 g.) packed light brown sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract; 4 c. (460 g.) confectioners’ sugar; 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 c. Dutch-processed cocoa powder; 1/3 c. heavy cream; 1 tsp. smoked paprika, plus more for dusting; 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

By Alejandro Valdes LoraPublished: Oct 10, 2023

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

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frosted hot chocolate brownies with a spice mix dusting on top

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDSERON

Yields:

12 - 16 serving(s)

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs

Cal/Serv:

777

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Mexican hot chocolate is very much unique. It’s rich in chocolate, not too sweet, and the added spices will surprise yet comfort you. Inspired by that classic drink, these brownies are reminiscent of those iconic flavors with a little something extra. When you give it a bite, you’ll hit that dense edge; go a bit deeper to discover the fudgy center and the whipped, smoked frosting on top that melts in your mouth. We have plenty of great, classic brownies here at Delish, and we’re utterly proud of them. But this recipe is for special occasions—it’s a centerpiece, an impressive recipe that truly feels special. Make this your new birthday cake or your dinner party dessert, and if you’re a true fan, have it with some hot chocolate.

The chocolate:
Yes, this recipe has a lot of chocolate. It’s the spirit of the brownie, and we don’t wanna shut it down. Go with bittersweet chocolate always and remember to have it finely chopped so that it can melt properly with the butter.

Milk powder:
Milk powder is actually an amazing ingredient to have on hand when making cookies or brownies. It’ll make that dense fudgy goodness you want with these little squares of heaven. Don’t miss out on it. Milk powder keeps well in your pantry for a long long time, so you can use it again in the future, and it’s a lifesaver if you wake up and realize you don’t have any milk left for your coffee. If you’d prefer not to use it, check out our classic brownie recipe.

The spices:
We’ve already mentioned it, but the spices are so special in this brownie recipe. Not in the mood for cayenne? It’s all good, feel free to not add it (which basically goes for the rest of the spices if we’re being honest here).

Checking for doneness:
Brownies are not done when a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean like other baked goods. These are done when the center is firm and the tester comes out with a few crumbs. That’s the fudginess right there! So don’t miss out on that (you’ll get total FOMO).

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Ingredients

Brownies

1 cup
(2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
1 cup
(120 g.) all-purpose flour
2/3 cup
Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/4 cup
whole milk powder
1 tsp.
ground cinnamon
1 tsp.
kosher salt
1/2 tsp.
cayenne pepper
12 oz.
bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (about 2 c.)
1 cup
(200 g.) granulated sugar
1/2 cup
(110 g.) packed light brown sugar
4
large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp.
pure vanilla extract

Frosting

4 cups
(460 g.) confectioners’ sugar
1 cup
(2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup
Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/3 cup
heavy cream
1 tsp.
smoked paprika, plus more for dusting
1 tsp.
pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp.
kosher salt

Directions

Brownies
1. Step 1Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a 13" x 9" metal baking pan with butter. Line with parchment, leaving an overhang on 2 opposite long sides, then grease parchment with butter. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, milk powder, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne until combined.
2. Step 2In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until just bubbling. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3Add chocolate, granulated sugar, and brown sugar and mix until chocolate is glossy. Add eggs one at a time, stirring to blend after each addition, then stir in vanilla. Add chocolate mixture to flour mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until no dry streaks remain. Pour batter into prepared pan.
4. Step 4Bake brownies until a tester inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Step 5Let cool in pan 15 minutes. Using parchment overhang, transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
Frosting
1. Step 1In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or in a large bowl using a handheld mixer), beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, cocoa powder, cream, paprika, vanilla, and salt on medium-high speed until sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2Dollop frosting on brownie. Using an offset spatula or back of a spoon, spread frosting to your liking. Sprinkle with paprika.