0.75cupunsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
0.9cupgranulated sugar
0.25cuplight brown sugarpacked
2large eggsroom temperature
1.5tspvanilla extract
2tbspmilk
1cupall-purpose flourspooned and leveled
0.75cuphot cocoa mix
2tbspunsweetened cocoa powder
0.5tspbaking powder
0.5tspkosher salt
0.75cupsemisweet chocolate chips
1cupmini marshmallowsfor topping
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Heat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment and lightly grease.
Melt the butter and let it cool for 5 minutes so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
Whisk melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until glossy and combined.
Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until smooth. Stir in the milk.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no dry pockets remain.
Stir in chocolate chips and spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake 23–28 minutes until the center is just set. Scatter mini marshmallows over the top for the last 5 minutes to puff and lightly toast.
Cool in the pan on a rack for at least 20 minutes. Lift out and slice into squares.
Notes
Try a peppermint twist: swap 1/2 tsp vanilla for peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. For a mocha vibe, add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Store leftovers airtight at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze sliced brownies up to 2 months; warm briefly to refresh.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Hot Cocoa Brownies flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.