If you’re a fan of brownies and love a little spice in your life, chilli chocolate chip brownies are the ultimate indulgence. This fiery twist on a classic dessert combines rich, fudgy chocolate with a hint of heat that builds with every bite. Perfect for adventurous food lovers, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
What Makes Chilli Chocolate Chip Brownies Unique?
Chilli and chocolate might seem like an unusual pairing, but the combination has deep roots in culinary history. The ancient Aztecs were known to blend cacao with chilli in their traditional beverages. Today, this powerful duo creates a sophisticated flavour profile where the warmth of chilli enhances the richness of the chocolate without overpowering it.
These brownies offer a fudgy centre, crispy edges, and gooey chocolate chips throughout, all elevated by the subtle heat of chilli. They’re perfect for dinner parties, gifts, or whenever you’re craving something a little different.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make chilli chocolate chip brownies at home, you’ll need:
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)
- 150g unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 200g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g plain flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground chilli (or to taste)
- 100g chocolate chips (dark or milk)
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter:
In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in the microwave in short bursts), melt the dark chocolate and butter together. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Whisk the eggs and sugar:
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and ground chilli. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Add chocolate chips:
Stir in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
6. Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes. The centre should be slightly gooey—don’t overbake.
7. Cool and slice:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin before slicing into squares.
Tips for Perfect Chilli Chocolate Chip Brownies
- Adjust the heat to your preference. If you’re new to chilli in desserts, start with ½ teaspoon and build from there.
- Use quality chocolate for the best flavour. The better the cocoa content, the richer the brownie.
- Add a hint of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the flavour profile even more.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spice, or pair them with a cup of coffee or red wine for a more sophisticated dessert experience.
Chilli chocolate chip brownies are an unexpected yet delightful twist on a beloved favourite. With their rich texture and warming finish, they bring a touch of excitement to any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for friends or indulging solo, this recipe is a sure way to spice things up.
If you’re looking for a bold and delicious dessert that stands out, give these chilli chocolate chip brownies a try—you might never go back to plain brownies again.
