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 biting into a fudgy little brownie topped with melty chocolate and a cloud of creamy white chocolate whipped cream—this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe really is a dream come true for anyone who loves a rich, cozy dessert in a perfectly portioned form. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!

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

These Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites have become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. They capture the magic of hot cocoa in bite-sized brownies, making it easy to enjoy a little indulgence without going overboard. Plus, they come together surprisingly fast, which is perfect for last-minute guests or a cozy night in.

Perfectly Portion-Controlled: These mini brownie bites give you just the right amount of chocolatey comfort without overindulging.
Layered Flavors: The mix of fudgy brownies, creamy white chocolate whipped cream, and melty chocolate kisses brings out rich, multi-dimensional flavors that feel decadent but approachable.
Quick & Easy: Using a boxed brownie mix and a simple whipped cream stabilizer means you can whip these up in under an hour with minimal fuss.
Customizable Presentation: Add peppermint sticks, marshmallows, or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a festive touch, making them great for any occasion from casual snacking to holiday parties.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, but each plays an important role to create that dreamy texture and flavor combo you’re aiming for.

Flat lay of a small pile of glossy dark chocolate kisses, a glass bowl of smooth heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale instant white chocolate pudding mix powder, a neat bundle of fresh red-and-white striped peppermint sticks, a scattering of plump white mini marshmallows, and a small white ceramic bowl with rich glossy 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 brownie mix saves time and ensures consistent fudgy texture, making prep super straightforward.
Chocolate kisses: These mini chocolates melt perfectly into the brownies right after baking, giving a luscious middle layer of melty chocolate.
Heavy cream: A crucial base for the stabilized whipped cream, bringing richness and helping it hold its shape longer.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream without grit, blending smoothly.
Instant white chocolate pudding mix: This surprising ingredient stabilizes the whipped cream so it stays fluffy and doesn’t weep, plus it adds a subtle white chocolate flavor.
Peppermint sticks & mini marshmallows: Optional garnishes that add festive crunch and classic hot chocolate vibes.
Chocolate sauce: For drizzling, adding a final same-day chocolate boost and a pretty finish.

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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 the Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe is how easy it is to adapt to what you love or what you have. I’ve made them with peppermint extract in the whipped cream for a cool mint twist, and sometimes I swap out the chocolate kisses for peanut butter cups to surprise everyone.

Variation: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a hint of espresso powder to the brownie mix adds extra depth and a warm spice note perfect for winter months.
Dietary swap: For dairy-free, you can make the whipped cream with coconut cream and skip the pudding mix, though the texture will be a bit softer.
Seasonal flair: In the summer, topping with fresh raspberries instead of peppermint makes it feel lighter and fruitier without losing chocolate charm.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Mini Muffin Pan and Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your mini muffin pan well with a nonstick spray. This ensures those little bites pop out easily later on. Then, prepare the brownie mix just like the box says — this is where using a trusted mix helps keep things foolproof. I fill each mini muffin cup about two-thirds full, avoiding overflow but leaving enough room for those melty kisses.

Step 2: Bake and Add Chocolate Kisses

Bake these brownies anywhere from 7 to 10 minutes depending on your oven until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. This keeps the brownies nice and moist. As soon as you pull them out, quickly press one chocolate kiss upside down into each cookie cup. This is my favorite part because the kiss melts into the warm brownie, creating a rich molten center. If you want, wait a couple of minutes, then gently spread the melted chocolate with a spatula for that smooth 'hot cocoa' look.

Step 3: Cool and Pop Out Brownies

Let the brownie bites cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for clean removal and to prevent crumbling. When cooled, use a paring knife around the edges to gently pop each bite out. Trust me, patience here pays off in perfect little rounds ready to top with heavenly whipped cream.

Step 4: Whip Up the Stabilized White Chocolate Cream

While the brownies chill, whip the heavy cream in a cold bowl at high speed until it just starts to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until soft peaks form, then sprinkle in the instant white chocolate pudding mix and whip to stiff peaks. Watch carefully here — it's easy to go too far and turn the cream grainy, so stop the mixer once stiff peaks hold their shape but are still smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Pipe and Garnish

Once the brownie bites are fully cooled, pipe the stabilized whipped cream on top. You can keep it simple or get fancy with sprigs of crushed peppermint sticks, mini marshmallows, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. I like to use a star tip for piping because it gives that classic whipped cream swirl that feels like a little crown on each bite.

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe numerous times, and these tips have truly helped me nail the perfect texture and presentation every time. Don’t rush the cooling, and be gentle when popping out the brownies—that’s when they’re most fragile.

Cold Bowl for Whipping: Chilling your mixing bowl before making the stabilized whipped cream makes a huge difference in getting stiff peaks without overwhipping.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Because these are mini brownies, they bake faster — check at 7 minutes to avoid drying out or overbaking.
Use a Paring Knife: Running it gently around each brownie before trying to remove helps avoid breakage and keeps them intact.
Pipe While Brownies Cool Completely: Piping the whipped cream too soon can cause it to melt into the warm brownies and lose shape.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe

Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about simple but festive garnishes for these brownie bites. Crushed peppermint sticks add a refreshing crunch and festive flair. Mini marshmallows give that nostalgic hot chocolate feel, and a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce ties everything together wonderfully. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder or a few dark chocolate shavings to fancy them up.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a steaming mug of your favorite hot cocoa or coffee for an indulgent treat. They also work beautifully alongside a light fruit salad or some fresh berries to balance the richness when serving to a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

During the holidays, I like to arrange these Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites on a festive platter lined with fresh pine branches and sprinkle edible glitter for sparkle. For kids’ parties, serve them in cute cupcake liners and top with colorful sprinkles. You can also present them in a glass trifle dish layered with whipped cream and crushed peppermint for a hot chocolate parfait twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally separated by parchment paper to keep the whipped cream topping intact. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be gentle when stacking so you don’t squish those beautiful cream swirls.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these, it’s best to freeze the brownie bites before adding the whipped cream. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw fully before piping the whipped cream topping for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to slightly warm the brownie (watch carefully!). Then add fresh whipped cream or warm chocolate drizzle. Avoid reheating the whipped cream topping itself—it loses its texture and can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites without a boxed mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead of a boxed mix. Just be sure the batter is thick enough to hold its shape in mini muffin pans and adjust baking time as needed since homemade recipes vary.

What is the purpose of the instant white chocolate pudding mix?

The pudding mix stabilizes the whipped cream, helping it maintain its structure and softness longer than regular whipped cream. It also adds a subtle white chocolate flavor that complements the brownie base beautifully.

Can I prepare these ahead for a party?

Yes! You can bake the brownie bites ahead of time and freeze them without whipped cream. On the day of your party, thaw them and pipe on fresh stabilized whipped cream and garnish just before serving for best texture and freshness.

How do I avoid overwhipping the stabilized whipped cream?

Keep a very close eye while whipping once you add the pudding mix. Stop as soon as stiff peaks form. Using a chilled bowl and beaters helps control the process and prevents curdling. If it does overwhip, a gentle fold of a bit more cream can fix it.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe nails that perfect cozy vibe dessert we all crave sometimes. They’re simple enough to make any day but special enough to wow guests or treat yourself. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—because nothing beats biting into a soft, chocolatey brownie crowned with fluffy white chocolate cream. Give them a try and let me know what your favorite twist is!