Rocky Road Brownies Recipe

Rocky Road Brownies Recipe

If you’re craving a decadent treat with rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, crunchy peanuts, and a smooth chocolate drizzle, then this Rocky Road Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need! These brownies are perfect for chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to impress your friends or enjoy a cozy night at home with a sweet indulgence, these brownies will satisfy every craving.

Why You’ll Love These Rocky Road Brownies

There’s something magical about the combination of flavors in rocky road desserts. You’ve got the rich fudginess of the brownie base, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of marshmallows, and that delightful crunch from peanuts. And don’t get me started on the drizzled chocolate! Plus, this recipe gives you the option to make everything from scratch or use a store-bought brownie mix to save time while still delivering a knockout dessert.

Want to take your brownie game up a notch? Serve these up with a scoop of rocky road ice cream for the ultimate chocolatey experience.

Key Ingredients for the Best Rocky Road Brownies

Here’s what you’ll need to create these indulgent treats:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup (113g) shortening
• 1/2 cup (113g) butter or margarine
• 1 cup (240ml) strong, brewed coffee – Adds depth and richness to the chocolate.
• 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted – The star of the show!
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk – Adds moisture and tenderness to the brownies.

For the Rocky Road Frosting:

• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (113g) butter or margarine
• 2 Tbsp (12g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-1/2 cups (420g) powdered sugar

For the Topping:

• 1 cup (180g) white mini marshmallows – The gooey topping that defines rocky road!
• 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted peanuts – Feel free to swap these for another nut if preferred.
• 3 squares of semi-sweet chocolate, melted (or 1 cup chocolate chips) – To drizzle over the top.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease or line a 13×9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

Make the Brownies

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine shortening, butter, coffee, and cocoa. Stir constantly and bring to a boil.
4. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Stir in the sugar, then beat in the eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk until just incorporated.
6. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

8. In a small saucepan, heat milk, butter, and cocoa over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is steaming but not boiling.
9. Remove from heat and gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth.
10. Stir in the vanilla extract, then spread the frosting over the warm brownies.

Add the Toppings

11. Sprinkle the marshmallows and peanuts evenly over the frosted brownies.
12. Bake for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the marshmallows are puffed up slightly.
13. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top.

Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12–16 brownies, depending on how large you cut them.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Perfection:

• To make things even easier, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for a quick go-to mix.
• Want to make it a gift? Layer the dry ingredients in a mason jar with a cute label, and give your friends the gift of fresh brownies.

Variations and Substitutions

There are so many ways to switch up this Rocky Road Brownies recipe:

• Nuts: Don’t like peanuts? Swap them out for cashews, almonds, or pecans.
• Chocolate Choices: You can replace chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate, or even a mixture of all three for an extra indulgent bite.
• DIY Marshmallows: Feeling ambitious? You can make your own marshmallows from scratch!
• Large Marshmallows: If you only have large marshmallows, no problem—just cut them into quarters before adding them to the brownie topping.

FAQs

Can I use a brownie mix?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought brownie mix and still get all the delicious Rocky Road flavor.

How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!

Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Ready to take your dessert game to the next level? You can get all the essential ingredients for this Rocky Road Brownies Recipe directly through my Amazon affiliate link. Plus, if you’re looking for more simple yet delicious recipes, check out my How-To Cookbook for Teens. It’s packed with easy recipes that are perfect for any beginner chef!

Craving more? Head over to my Pinterest board for even more recipe inspiration.

Continue to Content

Rocky Road Brownies Recipe

Yield: 12–16 brownies, depending on how large you cut them.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Looking for a delicious twist on a classic dessert? Try this Rocky Road Brownies Recipe—fudgy, gooey, and packed with marshmallows, peanuts, and chocolate drizzle!

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Ingredients

Rocky Road Brownies Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup (113g) shortening
• 1/2 cup (113g) butter or margarine
• 1 cup (240ml) strong, brewed coffee – Adds depth and richness to the chocolate.
• 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted – The star of the show!
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk – Adds moisture and tenderness to the brownies.

Rocky Road Brownies Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (113g) butter or margarine
• 2 Tbsp (12g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-1/2 cups (420g) powdered sugar

Rocky Road Brownies Topping:

• 1 cup (180g) white mini marshmallows – The gooey topping that defines rocky road!
• 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted peanuts – Feel free to swap these for another nut if preferred.
• 3 squares of semi-sweet chocolate, melted (or 1 cup chocolate chips) – To drizzle over the top.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease or line a 13x9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

Make the Brownies

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine shortening, butter, coffee, and cocoa. Stir constantly and bring to a boil.
3. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Stir in the sugar, then beat in the eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk until just incorporated.
5. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

1. In a small saucepan, heat milk, butter, and cocoa over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is steaming but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, then spread the frosting over the warm brownies.

Add the Toppings

1. Sprinkle the marshmallows and peanuts evenly over the frosted brownies.
2. Bake for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the marshmallows are puffed up slightly.
3. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top.

Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips for Perfection:

• To make things even easier, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for a quick go-to mix.
• Want to make it a gift? Layer the dry ingredients in a mason jar with a cute label, and give your friends the gift of fresh brownies.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 134Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 88mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g

The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

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