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I know, I know.....you're trying to eat healthy, but it's time for another Dessert Challenge! This month's ingredients are Cocoa (or chocolate pudding) and Marshmallows. I will be honest with you, I really struggled with this one. I must have gone through 5 or 6 different recipe ideas until I finally chose to make these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies.
My first thought was S'mores, so I ran through pies, and cookies. Absolute insanity! While I was searching for the miniature marshmallows in the pantry, I came across some Starbucks Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix.....BINGO! If it is good enough to use in my morning mocha, it will definitely be a delicious addition to brownies!
If you do not have peppermint hot cocoa mix, you could use any mix that you have on hand. I also found a salted caramel hot cocoa mix, but it contained milk. 🙁
This hot cocoa mix has crushed peppermint candies in it.^^^How fun is that?
How to make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies:
Beat the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, and beat until well combined.....
Add the extract and stir in the dry ingredients.....
Pour into a prepared baking pan, and bake. Do Not Over Bake! I was on the phone and mine got a bit over cooked. I prefer them to be gooey, and fudgy, but they were still delicious.....
When the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and top with marshmallows.....
Return to the oven until the marshmallows puff up.....
Allow to cool.....if you can.....cut and serve.
More delicious chocolate and marshmallow dessert recipes:
Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix - in case you would like to make your own mix!
Outdoor S'mores with Homemade Peanut Butter
Enjoy!!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 3/4 cups unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup peppermint hot chocolate mix I used Starbucks
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 8-inch square baking pan with baking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to beat to combine. Add the peppermint extract.
- Stir in the flour, cocoa, peppermint hot chocolate, and salt.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25 - 30 minutes until set, but still slightly shiny.
- Remove from the oven and top with marshmallows. Return to the oven until until marshmallows puff, about 2 minutes.
- Allow brownies to cool, cut, and serve.
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Oh Lisa, a little peppermint in there sounds like a great idea!
marcie says
These look incredible, Lisa! I love that there's peppermint flavor in these -- great idea using Starbuck's cocoa mix!
Shannon R says
I love brownies. The little bit of peppermint is fun and unexpected.
Emily @ It Bakes Me Happy says
Oh Lisa they look divine and so fudgy! Pinned 🙂
Cheryl says
I love brownies! I love peppermint and chocolate, too. I'm glad this is the recipe you settled on. What a great month for the Lady Behind the Curtain Dessert Challenge! HUGS!
Happy Valley Chow says
Danngg that looks awesome! I'm not much a peppermint person, but I wouldn't mind trying these 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Diane says
Your brownies look delicious Lisa! Yummy! I participate this time too!
Lisa @ Wine & Glue says
These look delicious Lisa! You did an awesome job with the challenge! Pinning!
tanya says
Can never have enough cocoa desserts! These are fantastic Lisa, especially with the peppermint!
Teri @ The Freshman Cook says
Love the peppermint cocoa used in this recipe. I think I have some left from Christmas, and now I know what to do with it. What a great recipe! Thanks.
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
These looks absolutely delicious Lisa! Love them!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
Oh yum! These brownies look so good, Lisa! 🙂 Pinned!
Lisa Johnson says
Thank you Carrie!! 🙂
Allie | Baking a Moment says
These brownies look so adorable with the little marshmallows "floating" on top! Just like a cup of peppermint hot cocoa. I love it!
Lisa Johnson says
Thank you so much Allie! 🙂
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Wow, these sound delish, and they look so cute, too! Pinning!
Beth @ The First Year Blog says
Lisa, oh boy do I ever need this recipe for next year's Christmas! I am coming by from the whimsy wednesday link party!
Jessica says
Brownies are great!
Stopping by from a blog hop that your link was in. I'm happy to have found your site/blog! I have started a blog/site that focuses on faith and home (with recipes, decorating ideas, etc.) and it has a great team of writers writing on these topics (and more).
Hope to see you as a new like on Facebook and possibly an email subscriber at our website (so you can be notified of new content that's posted, and it's free to subscribe)!
Sami says
Lisa, these look great. I love brownies, thanks for a yummy recipe!
Jacky says
Peppermint mocha is my favorite. Thanks for turning it into a brownie. Can't wait to try!
Cynthia says
Healthy can wait - these look so good! Thanks for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you next week.
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
These brownies look amazing! I'm a sucker for any brownie, but I love the peppermint and marshmallows here. Yum yum yum! 🙂
Krista Low says
I love how you did the marshmallows on top so you can still see their shape but they are a little melty... Yum! Fabulous recipe 🙂
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
Lisa, I'm loving how you created these brownies! I love smores... but I'm happy you went this creative route! Featuring these awesome brownies in the morning at the SSS party!
Lisa Johnson says
YEAH!!! Thank you so much Gloria. I will be there...will bells on! Okay, I will be there with pajamas on. 😉
Samantha @ Five Heart Home says
My boys would go crazy over these, Lisa...and, well, so would I! I love everything about them. And adding marshmallows to the top is such a fun touch!
Lisa Johnson says
Thank you so much Samantha, they were really fun...and delicious! 😉
Nichi - The Mandatory Mooch says
Lisa, These look amazing. So glad you linked them up to BOTW so I can pin them this week. YUMMY!!
Adelina Priddis says
Oh that sounds delicious.
Joanne T Ferguson says
I could so go for one of your brownies now Lisa! Pinned and shared!