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 about warm, chocolatey bites that just hug your soul—especially when they come packed with creamy whipped topping and a peek of melty chocolate inside. This Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe is exactly that cozy little treat, perfect for sharing or sneaking when no one’s watching.

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

I first made these brownie bites on a cold winter night when I wanted a dessert that felt like a warm mug of hot chocolate you could eat. The combination of the fudgy brownie, melty chocolate kiss, and fluffy, stabilized white chocolate whipped cream topping blew me away. You’re going to love how fun and approachable this dessert is.

Easy to Make: It starts with a boxed brownie mix but finishes with a homemade whipped cream that feels gourmet.
Perfect Bite Size: These are little treats, just the right size for sharing or enjoying without guilt.
Customizable Toppings: You can dress them up with peppermint sticks, marshmallows, or chocolate sauce, making it festive or simple.
Stabilized Whipped Cream: The secret whipped cream topping stays fluffy longer—no sad cream here!

Ingredients & Why They Work

What makes these hot chocolate brownie bites truly irresistible is the marriage of simple ingredients that pack flavor and texture. You’ll keep things easy but still impress anyone who tries them. Here’s why each one plays a special role.

Flat lay of a small mound of rich dark brown brownie batter in a simple white ceramic bowl, a neat pile of shiny milk chocolate kisses, a small white bowl filled with smooth heavy cream, another small white bowl with fine white powdered sugar, a small white bowl containing pale creamy instant white chocolate pudding powder, a few slender red-and-white striped peppermint sticks, a small cluster of soft mini marshmallows, and a small white bowl with glossy dark chocolate sauce, all arranged symmetrically 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 a boxed mix keeps things straightforward and foolproof—you get consistent fudgy bites every time.
Chocolate kisses: They melt nicely into the warm brownies, creating a gooey chocolate center that’s pure magic.
Heavy cream: The base for the stabilized whipped cream, giving it that rich, velvety texture.
Powdered sugar: Gentle sweetness that blends easily into whipped cream without grit.
Instant white chocolate pudding mix: Adds flavor and stabilizes the whipped cream so it holds its shape longer.
Peppermint sticks: Fresh peppermint flavor and a fun crunch for topping—perfect for the holidays or anytime.
Mini marshmallows: They add a playful touch and a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic hot chocolate.
Chocolate sauce: Optional but a delicious drizzle to amp up the chocolatey goodness.

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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 the best parts about the Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love swapping out toppings and trying new flavors depending on the season or occasion. You really can’t go wrong!

Variation: For a spicy kick, I’ve added a pinch of cayenne pepper into the brownie batter. It surprises guests with warmth that pairs so well with the creamy topping.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar and a vegan pudding mix alternative to keep it just as luscious.
Seasonal Flavors: In the fall, I love folding a little pumpkin spice into the batter or dusting the finished bites with cinnamon sugar.
Advanced Touch: You can fill the brownie bites with a peanut butter kiss or caramel for an extra surprise inside.

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

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Brownies

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin pan thoroughly with nonstick spray. This pan is key to achieving perfectly portioned bites. Next, prepare your brownie mix following the package instructions—adding oil, eggs, and water as directed. I like to mix gently but well to avoid overworking the batter. Fill each mini muffin cup about two-thirds full; don’t overfill, or they’ll spill over while baking.

Bake for 7 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to look set but the centers still soft—this way the kisses will melt perfectly without drying out the brownies.

Step 2: Add the Melty Kiss Center

The moment the brownie bites come out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss upside down right into the center of each one. I love this step because the warmth melts the chocolate just enough. Depending on how soft they get, you can use a little spatula or spoon to gently smooth the chocolate surface, making it look like rich cocoa. If you let them cool completely first, the kiss won’t melt as much, keeping its shape instead.

Step 3: Cool and Remove from Pan

Let the brownie bites cool completely in the pan before trying to pop them out. I find using a paring knife around each cup’s edges helps release the brownies without any tears or crumbles. Transfer them to a wire rack so they cool evenly and are ready for the whipped cream topping.

Step 4: Whip Up the Stabilized White Chocolate Cream

This whipped cream topping is where the magic happens. Using a very cold bowl and chilled beaters, whip the heavy cream at high speed until it just begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar, and keep beating until you see soft peaks forming. Now add the instant white chocolate pudding mix and continue whipping just a little longer until stiff peaks appear. Be careful not to overmix or it might curdle. This little trick keeps the cream firm and fluffy longer than regular whipped cream.

Step 5: Pipe and Garnish

Once the brownies are cool, use a piping bag or a spoon to add a generous swirl of the stabilized whipped cream on top. Then sprinkle on mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint sticks, sprinkles, or drizzle with chocolate sauce for the ultimate finish. I love watching the whipped cream hold its shape beautifully even after sitting out for a while.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these tips made all the difference in getting perfect Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites every time. I learned these through a few batches, and they’re worth sharing to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Nonstick Spray & Cooling: Make sure your mini muffin pan is well-greased and let the brownie bites cool completely before popping them out. It prevents crumbling.
Watch the Whipped Cream: The instant white chocolate pudding mix whips up quickly—stop at stiff peaks to keep it from curdling.
Timing the Kisses: Press the chocolate kisses in while the brownies are hot so they melt perfectly, but don’t wait too long or they won’t soften enough.
Cold Bowls & Beatters: Chilling your mixing bowl and beaters makes whipping cream a breeze and helps it stay stable longer.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with mini marshmallows and little bits of peppermint sticks because it adds a festive crunch and flavor that reminds me of sipping hot cocoa by the fire. For a more indulgent touch, I drizzle some chocolate sauce on top last minute—it makes every bite feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These brownie bites stand perfectly on their own as a dessert, but if you want to serve something alongside, I’d recommend a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a cup of hot coffee or tea. They’re like a cozy little pick-me-up after a meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these on a platter dusted lightly with cocoa powder and scattered crushed candy canes around for a pop of color and festive vibe. Another fun idea is serving them in small paper cups or mini dessert caddies for individual portions—makes them feel so gourmet!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover brownie bites in an airtight container in the fridge. Thanks to the stabilized whipped cream, the topping holds up well for a day or two without getting soggy or watery. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature a bit before enjoying.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the brownie bites without the whipped cream topping before. Wrap each brownie bite tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh whipped cream topping before serving to keep them tasting fresh.

Reheating

To bring out that gooey melty center again, I gently warm the brownie bites in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—don’t overdo it or the whipped cream will melt. For leftovers with topping, I recommend removing the cream first, reheating the brownie alone, then adding fresh whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Homemade brownies work beautifully here if you want to make everything from scratch. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold their shape in the mini muffin pan. Slightly underbaked fudgy brownies are perfect to get that soft center with the melting kiss.

What is the purpose of the instant white chocolate pudding mix in the whipped cream?

Great question! The instant white chocolate pudding mix stabilizes the whipped cream, meaning it keeps the cream fluffy and firm for longer than regular whipped cream. Plus, it adds a subtle white chocolate flavor, enhancing that hot chocolate vibe we’re going for.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for canned coconut cream and find a dairy-free white chocolate pudding mix alternative or omit it, just keeping in mind your whipped topping won’t be quite as stable. You can also use dairy-free chocolate kisses and toppings to make the whole recipe allergen-friendly.

How long do these Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites last after assembly?

They’re best enjoyed within two days of assembly when stored in the fridge because of the whipped cream topping. The stabilized whipped cream helps extend freshness, but over time the brownies might dry out and the topping might weep a bit.

Final Thoughts

Making this Hot Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe in my kitchen always feels like a little celebration of comfort food done right. They’re quick enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for guests, and the creamy white chocolate topping really makes them stand out. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do, and find your own ways to add personal flourishes to make them your signature dessert.