Cinco de Mayo Brownies

A rich, fudge-like brownie with a kick of cayenne pepper and cinnamon- the perfect Mexican Chocolate inspired dessert!

The Cinco de Mayo celebration is continuing today on Boston Chic Party! (insert flamenco dancer emoji here 😉 )

Last Cinco de Mayo, my team at work had a party to celebrate- we are always looking for an excuse to celebrate and to have afternoon snacks. As we all signed up to bring different items, I noticed there was no dessert on the list, just a whole lot of different salsas! So, then and there I made it my mission to bring a Cinco de Mayo inspired dessert to our fiesta.

Enter my Cinco de Mayo Brownies- a homemade brownie with an extra kick in the addition of cayenne pepper and cinnamon. These were a big hit at last year’s fiesta and also a recent favorite at MJD’s co-workers, who get to benefit greatly from many of my Tuesday Treats recipes and experiments. If you are planning a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, these are a must add to your menu. The subtle spice and smokiness mixed with the fudgy chocolate is a real crowd pleaser!

Have you ever had a spicy chocolate dessert? Do you like the combination?

xoxo, Jenna

You’ll Need:

Makes 8×8 pan of brownies

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (equivalent to two baking bars- I like Ghiradelli)
• 3/4 of a cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 of a cup light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 of a cup all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1.4 teaspoon salt

To Make:

Pre-heat oven to 350 Degrees F.  Prepare a square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

Melt butter and chocolate in microwave or over double boiler. If melting in microwave, melt in 20 second increments, stirring in between each increment until fully melted.

Allow chocolate and butter mixture to cool for a few minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the chocolate-butter mixture with the two sugars.

Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well to combine.

Stir in vanilla.

Gradually stir in flour and cocoa powder to the batter.

Once completely combined, add in cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt. Stir well to combine.

Pour batter evenly into prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick is removed clean.

Allow to cool for at least one hour before cutting into squares to serve.