If you’ve ever dreamed of a brownie that’s both classic and delightfully adventurous, look no further than this Rocky Road Brownies Recipe. Imagine fudgy chocolate brownie base bursting with gooey mini marshmallows, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate chunks all baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines textures and flavors in the most scrumptious way, making it a perfect treat for any occasion or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts to impress friends or indulge yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret behind these luscious Rocky Road brownies. Each component plays a pivotal role, whether it’s the rich cocoa powder bringing deep chocolate flavor or the mini marshmallows adding that irresistible softness and chew.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Melted to infuse the batter with creamy richness and help achieve that tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies while helping create a slightly crisp crust.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone for depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while giving structure and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure without weighing down the brownies.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts the chocolate’s richness.
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks: Melts in pockets for gooey bursts of chocolate joy.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: Adds a soft, chewy contrast to the dense brownie base.
- ½ cup chopped almonds: Brings a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
How to Make Rocky Road Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your brownies will lift out easily and bake evenly without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugars
Melt the unsalted butter over low heat or in the microwave, then whisk together granulated and brown sugars into the warm butter. This step creates a flavorful, glossy base for your brownies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract. This gives the batter its smooth, velvety texture and rich aroma.
Step 4: Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to ensure even mixing and a silky batter. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined—overmixing can make brownies tough.
Step 5: Incorporate Rocky Road Mix-ins
Fold in half of the semi-sweet chocolate chunks, mini marshmallows, and chopped almonds with care. These components will create wonderful pockets of gooey, crunchy texture throughout your brownies.
Step 6: Pour and Top
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chunks, marshmallows, and almonds evenly on top to create that signature rocky road appearance and extra texture on the top layer.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the middle rack of your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The center should be just set, and a toothpick inserted will come out with a few moist crumbs, signaling perfectly fudgy brownies.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time helps them set fully and makes cutting clean squares much easier.
How to Serve Rocky Road Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these Rocky Road brownies, consider dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling a little warm chocolate sauce over each square. Adding a few extra mini marshmallows toasted on top can also add a lovely, caramelized finish for that café-worthy touch.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for contrast and to balance the sweetness. A warm cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate pairs beautifully, creating a decadent dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Rocky Road brownies into bite-sized treats by cutting them into small squares or using cookie cutters for festive shapes. Layer them in a dessert parfait with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an elegant twist that’s sure to wow guests at parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these brownies stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is a good option, though it may slightly firm up the marshmallows.
Freezing
Rocky Road brownies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed at room temperature when ready to enjoy, keeping their gooey texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
For a warm, melty treat, pop brownies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or reheat briefly in the oven at a low temperature. This revives the softness of the marshmallows and chocolate chunks, making them taste freshly baked once again.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts all work wonderfully and add their own unique crunch and flavor to this Rocky Road Brownies Recipe. Just chop them similarly to maintain the texture balance.
What’s the best type of chocolate to use?
Semi-sweet chocolate chunks provide a perfect balance of sweetness and rich cocoa. However, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1 for flour. Just ensure your cocoa powder and other add-ins are also gluten-free for safe enjoyment.
Why are my marshmallows melting completely?
Marshmallows tend to melt if stirred too vigorously or heated at too high a temperature. Folding them gently into the batter and baking at the recommended temperature helps keep their shape and that signature chewy texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to extend the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the brownies and test with a toothpick as usual.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate treat that combines rich chocolate, chewy marshmallows, and crunchy nuts, this Rocky Road Brownies Recipe is your answer. Every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’s impossible to resist. Whether for a special event or a cozy night in, these brownies promise to bring joy to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Rocky Road Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and chewy Rocky Road Brownies featuring a perfect blend of chocolate chunks, mini marshmallows, and crunchy almonds in a fudgy cocoa base. These brownies offer a delightful texture contrast and are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Toppings and Mix-ins
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the brownies.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Melt the unsalted butter, then whisk in the granulated and brown sugars until well combined. Next, stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution and remove any lumps.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. Stop stirring as soon as the batter is just combined to keep the brownies tender.
- Add Mix-ins: Carefully fold in half of the semi-sweet chocolate chunks, mini marshmallows, and chopped almonds, evenly distributing them throughout the batter.
- Assemble in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chunks, marshmallows, and almonds over the surface for an appealing topping.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a fudgy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into 12 squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the chopped almonds lightly before adding them to the batter.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Do not overbake; removing the brownies when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs ensures fudginess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans for almonds if preferred.
