When you think of brownies, you might picture a fudgy, chocolate delight that melts in your mouth. Now, imagine that same indulgence sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon and topped with a subtle kick of chili. Welcome to the world of Mexican brownies. These treats will take your taste buds on a wild fiesta, where every bite is a delightful dance of sweet and spicy.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer cookout with friends, where one brave soul decided to spice things up – literally! The aroma wafted through the air, drawing everyone to the dessert table like moths to a flame. The moment I took my first bite, I knew I had found my new favorite brownie recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Mexican brownies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or gatherings
- The unique flavor profile combines rich chocolate with hints of warmth from spices
- Their visual appeal will have everyone asking for the recipe at your next event
- Versatile enough to serve warm or chilled, they suit any occasion beautifully
You know that feeling when you whip up something so delicious that even your picky relatives can’t resist? Well, my family couldn’t stop raving about these brownies at our last get-together.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Choose a high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor and deeper color.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best here; it creates that perfect balance between sweetness and richness.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in the batter.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a smoother batter and better texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Sift it before measuring to ensure accurate amounts; this prevents dense brownies.
Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
Chili Powder: Adjust the amount based on how spicy you want your brownies; start small!
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor profile, making everything taste more decadent.
Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Chopped nuts add crunch and contrast but feel free to omit if preferred.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt Butter and Mix Cocoa: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Once melted, stir in cocoa powder until smooth and glossy.
Add Sugar and Eggs: Remove from heat and mix in granulated sugar. Let cool slightly before adding eggs one at a time for an even blend.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour, cinnamon, chili powder, and vanilla extract until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
Add Nuts (If Using): If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts at this stage for extra texture.
Bake Until Perfectly Chewy: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges start pulling away but center remains soft.
Let these magical Mexican brownies cool before slicing them into squares that are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite! Enjoy them as an after-dinner treat or whip them up during movie night for some serious comfort food vibes.
You Must Know
- These Mexican brownies are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and spicy heat
- The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy fiesta
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings, they add an unexpected twist to traditional brownies that everyone will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting the chocolate and butter together; once smooth, whisk in eggs and sugar before mixing in dry ingredients for optimal texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out half the flour for ground almonds or add a hint of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate for a richer flavor; it makes all the difference in taste and texture
- Always let the brownies cool completely before cutting; this prevents them from falling apart
- If you want more spice, consider adding chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper
Sometimes, I serve these Mexican brownies at family gatherings, and everyone is always surprised by how deliciously unique they are!
FAQ
Are these Mexican brownies really spicy?
Not overly spicy; they have a subtle kick that balances nicely with the sweetness.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for great results.
How can I enhance the chocolate flavor?
Try adding espresso powder to intensify the chocolate taste without making it coffee-flavored.
Mexican Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 brownies 1x
Description
Mexican brownies are a delicious twist on the classic dessert, combining rich chocolate with a hint of cinnamon and a subtle chili kick. These fudgy treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while adding an unexpected flavor profile that will leave your guests raving. Whether served warm or chilled, they are an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in cocoa powder until smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in granulated sugar. Let cool slightly before adding eggs one at a time, mixing until combined.
- Gently fold in flour, cinnamon, chili powder, and vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts before pouring batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges pull away but center remains soft. Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approximately 45g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
