Christmas Week: Hot Cocoa Brownies

Welcome back to Christmas Week, friends!

Today's recipe is inspired by one of my favourite wintertime rituals, which involves curling up with a big mug of hot cocoa topped off with a big fat marshmallow.

My version of hot cocoa is as straightforward as it gets - just hot milk with cocoa powder and sugar whisked in, though I do add a dash of ground cinnamon to give it a little extra oomph.

This year, though, winter's been taking its sweet time showing up.

Not that I'm complaining about how mild the weather's been so far, but it would be nice to get at least one properly chilly evening where that big mug of cocoa feels like pure bliss.

These hot cocoa brownies are my attempt to bridge the gap until we get some proper hot chocolate weather.

How to Get Your Brownie And Hot Chocolate fix in One

Admittedly, there isn't any substitute for the pure comfort you can get from a steaming-hot mug of cocoa, but I like to think these brownies cover all of the other bases.

They're neither warm nor comforting, but they are gooey and fudgey and deeply chocolately, with that little hint of cinnamon that makes my hot cocoa so delicious.

And because they're made with cocoa powder, they're easy enough to make at a moment's notice. Everyone keeps cocoa, butter, sugar, eggs and flour on hand at all times, right? (And if you don't, think of these as a good reason to get into the habit.)

Honestly, as far as seasonal indulgences go, this might just replace my beloved mug of hot cocoa.

Though... on second thought... maybe I should just combine the two into one super-indulgent tradition. There's no such thing as too much hot cocoa, right? Hello winter, goodbye diet!

What's Hot Cocoa Without a Marshmallow?

I couldn't possibly dream up a hot cocoa brownie without adding a layer of gooey marshmallows, toasted to a perfect golden-brown under a hot broiler. I think it's a pretty sweet upgrade from the plain un-toasted marshmallows I normally use in my hot cocoa.

If you're not a fan of toasted marshmallows (you crazy person, you), just skip the broiler, but you should still pop the marshmallow-topped brownies back into the oven to soften the marshmallows so you can properly smoosh them, though. The end result will be a softer, sweeter, gooey-er topping.

And if you don't like marshmallows at all, why are you even here? Go make a regular brownie, you heathen! (I'm kidding, but really... this recipe is all about the marshmallows.)

More Creative Brownies for the Holidays

Brownies may not seem like the most traditional Christmas treat, but I think there's always room for a little more chocolate on the menu, especially when it's paired with one or more festive flavours. Don't you agree?

• Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting from Carlsbad Cravings
• Candy Cane Brownies from My Baking Addiction
• Terry's Chocolate Orange Brownies from Absolutely Muffin
• Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies from A Cookie Named Desire

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But wait... there's more! Don't forget to check out all of the festive treats my fellow Christmas Week bloggers are sharing today:

• Pistachio Roca from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Slow Cooker Eggnog Granola from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• Cranberry Chai Tea Cookies from Farm Fresh Feasts
• Chanukah Gelt Cookies from Mother Would Know
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Thumbprints from Mind Over Batter
• Gingerbread Chocolate Sandwich Cookies from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
• Habanero Orange Marmalade from Everyday Southwest
• Homemade Instant Hot Cocoa Mix from Flour on my Face
• Chocolate Raspberry Walnut Rugelach from The Little Ferraro Kitchen