Hot Chocolate Bars take everything you love about a cozy cup of cocoa and transform it into a decadent dessert bar. Fudgy, chocolatey, and topped with gooey marshmallows, these bars are like biting into winter warmth. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a snow day treat, or just need a comforting dessert, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy every chocolate lover. With a soft brownie-like base and that signature hot cocoa flavor, they’re a seasonal favorite turned year-round staple.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Hot Chocolate Bars are the ultimate fusion of brownie and hot cocoa, featuring rich cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and fluffy mini marshmallows baked right in. What sets them apart is their perfect texture—soft and gooey inside with a lightly crisp top. They’re incredibly easy to make with pantry staples and are always a hit at parties, potlucks, or just paired with a cup of coffee or milk. You don’t need to wait for winter to enjoy these comforting bars.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup cocoa powder
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
1 cup mini marshmallows
Optional: extra chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and quickly sprinkle marshmallows (and extra toppings, if using) over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5–8 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and slightly golden.

Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

Variations

Peppermint Twist: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Mocha Version: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
S’mores Style: Add crushed graham crackers and chocolate chunks under the marshmallow topping.
Nutty Bars: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Extra Fudge: Swirl in some chocolate ganache on top before adding marshmallows.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
8×8-inch baking pan
Parchment paper (optional)

Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

Calories: ~210
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 2g

Values may vary based on specific brands and portion size.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keeps for up to a week in the fridge; reheat slightly for gooey texture.
Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds to serve warm.

My Cooking Experience

With over 4 years of experience developing comfort food recipes, these Hot Chocolate Bars are one of my go-to winter bakes. The idea came from wanting to bottle up the joy of a warm drink into a bite-sized treat—and it worked better than I expected. I’ve tested this recipe in different ways, and the marshmallow topping always makes it a nostalgic hit. It’s simple, cozy, and deeply chocolatey—everything you want when it’s cold outside.

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Bars bring all the magic of a warm mug of cocoa into dessert form. Rich, chewy, and topped with toasted marshmallows, they’re a perfect treat for chilly days or anytime you crave something sweet and satisfying. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whip up a batch and enjoy the cozy vibes in every bite.

Admin