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To make these rich brownies, gather these main ingredients: - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips These ingredients create a deep chocolate flavor with a hint of spice. The cocoa powder gives the brownies their rich color. The sugar balances the bitterness of the cocoa. The baking powder helps them rise, while the eggs provide structure. For a twist on your brownies, consider these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - Powdered sugar for dusting Nuts add a nice crunch and flavor contrast. Dusting with powdered sugar gives a sweet finish. You can skip the nuts if you prefer a smoother texture. Make sure you have these cooking essentials: - 9x13 inch baking pan - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Spatula - Measuring cups and spoons These tools help you mix and bake with ease. A whisk helps blend the dry ingredients well. The spatula will help you fold in the chocolate chips. A baking pan is essential for even baking of the brownies. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats up, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Use butter or non-stick spray to coat the pan. This helps the brownies release easily after baking. In a large bowl, add the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of flour, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Whisk these ingredients together. This mix gives the brownies their rich flavor and texture. Now, take a separate bowl for the wet ingredients. Mix 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. It’s important that the butter is not too hot to avoid cooking the eggs. This blend adds moisture to the brownies. Next, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Gently stir until just combined. You don’t want to overmix. After that, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if you like, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. The chocolate chips melt and create gooey pockets in each brownie. Pour the batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps them set up nicely. After cooling, dust with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. To get the perfect brownies, start with room temperature eggs. This helps the batter mix smoothly. Also, mix the dry and wet ingredients separately. Then combine them gently. Overmixing will make your brownies tough. You want them soft and fudgy. Bake until a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs. This means they are done but still gooey. You can add more spice for a kick. Try adding more cayenne pepper if you like heat. If you want a richer taste, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder. You can also swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique twist. If you don’t like nuts, skip them or try chocolate chunks. Cut the brownies into neat squares for a nice look. Place them on a colorful plate to brighten the table. A dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon on top for extra charm. This makes your brownies not just tasty but also beautiful! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor in your brownies. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, perfect squares. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to increase or decrease the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. Store Properly: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their moistness. {{image_2}} To make gluten-free Mexican hot chocolate brownies, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for a mix that works well in baking. This blend mimics the texture of regular flour. Your brownies will still be soft and rich. Always check your flour for any added ingredients. For vegan brownies, replace the eggs and butter. Use flax eggs or chia eggs as a substitute. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. For butter, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. These swaps keep the brownies delicious and moist. Feel free to get creative with toppings and mix-ins! You can add a variety of flavors. Try adding crushed peppermint for a fresh twist. Chopped nuts add a nice crunch, too. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top before baking. It enhances the sweet flavor of the brownies. For a rich finish, drizzle melted chocolate on top after they cool. The options are endless! To keep your Mexican hot chocolate brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep the container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is an option. Just note that cold brownies can lose some of their rich flavor. Freezing brownies is a great way to save some for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Next, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, or leave them at room temperature for a few hours. If you want warm brownies, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will warm them without drying them out. You can also use a microwave. Place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your warm, gooey treat! You can check if the brownies are done by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it’s wet with batter, they need more time. Generally, the baking time is 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end. Yes, you can use different chocolates! Semi-sweet chocolate works great, but you can try dark chocolate for a richer taste. Milk chocolate will make the brownies sweeter. You can also mix different chocolates for fun flavors. Just remember to adjust the sugar if you use sweeter chocolate. If you don’t have Mexican chocolate, don’t worry! You can use regular chocolate instead. Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper to mimic the Mexican chocolate flavor. This keeps the spirit of the dish while using what you have at home. To add more spice, increase the cayenne pepper a little. You can also add a dash of chili powder for a kick. If you love heat, try adding chopped fresh chili or even a sprinkle of hot sauce into the batter. Just be careful to not overpower the sweet flavor. Yes, you can easily make these brownies nut-free. Simply skip the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds. This keeps the texture nice without adding any nuts. Enjoy your brownies without worry! You learned about making Mexican hot chocolate brownies, from ingredients to storing tips. I shared how to mix flavors and get the best texture. You can choose fun variations, like gluten-free or vegan options. Remember, making brownies is about having fun and getting creative. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these treats with others. Now, go get started on your delicious journey!

Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a hint of spice from cayenne and cinnamon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • to taste powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake 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, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Notes

Cut the brownies into squares and serve them on a decorative plate. Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side and sprinkle with extra cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.
Keyword brownies, chocolate, spicy