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To make tasty Mexican hot chocolate brownies, you will need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) These ingredients offer rich chocolate taste with a hint of spice. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. - Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. - For gluten-free brownies, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. - You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option. These swaps can change the taste and texture slightly, but they still create delicious brownies. To make your brownies even more special, consider these add-ins: - Add a cup of shredded coconut for texture. - Mix in some dried chilies for extra heat. - Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a fun twist. - Toss in a handful of toffee bits for a sweet crunch. Feel free to get creative. Each add-in will change the flavor and make your brownies unique! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven for baking. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the brownies out later. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar together. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Now, add four large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients. Sift together one cup of flour, half a cup of cocoa powder, one teaspoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. Add one tablespoon of ground cinnamon and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This gives the brownies their unique kick. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. Finally, fold in half a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts if you want a nutty crunch. Now, pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly to ensure even baking. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not dry. Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares. For serving, dust the brownies with powdered sugar and sprinkle cinnamon on top. You can also add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a treat. Enjoy your spicy, chocolaty delight! To get brownies with a great texture, mix your ingredients just right. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies. Bake them until a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs. This means they are soft and gooey, just how we like them! One common mistake is not measuring your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can make brownies dry. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. A hot oven helps brownies rise well. Avoid opening the oven door too often while baking. Each time you open it, heat escapes. This can ruin the baking process. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding a pinch of sea salt. It enhances the chocolate taste. For more spice, increase the cayenne pepper. Just be careful; too much can overpower the chocolate. You can also add a splash of espresso for depth. Walnuts add a nice crunch, but they're optional. Enjoy experimenting! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and enhance the overall taste of your brownies. Let the Brownies Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes it easier to achieve clean, even squares. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper depending on your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure, you can always add more next time! Store Properly: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. They also freeze well for up to three months! {{image_2}} You can easily make vegan Mexican hot chocolate brownies. Replace the eggs with flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes to thicken. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a rich taste. Choose non-dairy chocolate chips to keep it vegan. These swaps keep the brownies moist and delicious! For gluten-free brownies, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum. This helps the brownies hold together. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free. These options keep the brownies soft and chewy while making them gluten-free friendly. Want to spice things up? Add a dash of espresso powder. This enhances the chocolate flavor. Try mixing in some orange zest for a fresh twist. You can also add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella on top before baking. For extra crunch, toss in some crushed pretzels or toffee bits. These additions make each bite exciting and full of flavor! To keep your Mexican hot chocolate brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they are completely cool before you place them inside. If you stack them, use parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, move to the next step. You can freeze these brownies for up to three months. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes for a fresh taste. These brownies taste best within the first few days. After that, they might dry out. If you notice them becoming dry, warm them briefly in the microwave. This makes them soft again. For the best flavor, enjoy them within a week. If you want a more decadent treat, serve them warm with ice cream or whipped cream on top. These brownies get their name from the classic drink. I use rich cocoa and warm spices. The key ingredients are cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Cinnamon gives warmth, while cayenne adds a kick. Together, they make the brownies unique and flavorful. This mix of flavors makes each bite exciting. You can feel the warmth and taste the chocolate. It’s like drinking hot chocolate in brownie form! Yes, you can use different chocolates! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are great for sweetness. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer taste. If you want a creamier texture, try milk chocolate. Just remember to adjust the sugar. Each type of chocolate will change the flavor. Experiment and find what you like best. Each choice brings a new twist to the brownies! Adjusting the spice is easy! The recipe calls for cayenne pepper. You can add more or less depending on your taste. If you want it mild, use less than half a teaspoon. For a stronger kick, add a teaspoon or more. Just remember, it’s better to start small. You can always add more spice later. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your taste buds! These brownies combine rich flavors and textures for a delightfully unique treat. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and even storage tips. Remember to experiment with substitutions and add-ins for your perfect batch. Avoid common mistakes to ensure great results. Whether you prefer a vegan version or a gluten-free option, there’s a brownie for everyone. Enjoy your baking and savor every bite of these delicious brownies!

Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a hint of spice from cayenne pepper and warmth from cinnamon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in another bowl.
  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—do not over-mix.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
  • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Then let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your spicy, chocolaty treat!

Notes

Serve the brownies dusted with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience.
Keyword brownies, chocolate, dessert, spicy