Mexican brownies

Homemade moist and chocolaty brownies with a little kick from cinnamon and cayenne make a fun and delicious dessert.

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Homemade brownies are always a special treat and these ones are a favorite. If you are looking for a dessert for a party when you are having Tex-Mex food, give these Mexican brownies a try.

 

These brownies are very chewy and full of chocolate flavor. They are the perfect brownie texture in my opinion. 

 

Mexican brownies, similar to Mexican hot chocolate, have a little kick from the addition of cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Don't let the bit of cayenne pepper scare you away. There is plenty of chocolate and sugar in here to offset the small amount of heat and spice.

 

The recipe includes only a tiny amount of cayenne pepper in the entire batch and provides just enough to give these a bit of extra warmth along with the warm cinnamon. It does not make the brownies hot and spicy.  

 

 

However, you can add a touch more if you want more of a kick! Or even a bit more cinnamon for extra spice flavor. I'd suggest trying them as written first and then see if you'd like more the next time you make them.

I've made these brownies for dinner parties when we've had tacos or fajitas for the main dish. People love trying them and pretty much always enjoy them a lot.

I love to top these with a dusting of powdered sugar, but this is optional. I like the way to dusting looks and the bit of sugar flavor it provides when you first bite in.

These brownies are also delicious without the spices. I use this brownie recipe anytime I make homemade brownies. You can leave out the spices, add some walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, etc. to customize the basic brownie base however you like. 

 

However, be sure to try them this way with the cinnamon and cayenne pepper as well. They will surprise people and hopefully in a good way!

Serve these brownies with hot coffee or hot tea for a delicious dessert. Or make them for a potluck for something different. 

This recipe is slightly adapted from this recipe for Mexican Brownies from Food Network. 

Yield: about 18 brownies

Author: Amy (Savory Moments)

Mexican Brownies

Homemade moist and chocolaty brownies with a little kick from cinnamon and cayenne make a fun and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• icing sugar, for dusting, optional

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper so it overhangs on two sides. Fold/tuck it down into the corners. Lightly grease the paper and other sides of the dish with butter.
3. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla into the saucepan with the butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
4. Add the cocoa, flour, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and baking powder. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Pour into the baking pan and spread the batter evenly.
5. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out fudgy, about 30-35 minutes. Cool in the pan on a rack.
6. Use the parchment paper to remove them from the pan. Slice and dust with icing sugar, if desired. Store in an airtight container.

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This post was originally published in 2012 and has been updated in 2023 with a recipe card, new text, and more to improve reader experience.

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Chocolate Crispy Rice Treats