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Rocky Road Brownies Recipe

Rocky Road Brownies

Fudgy, chocolate-loaded rocky road brownies topped with gooey marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and a rich chocolate layer. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 brownies
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (2 sticks / 226 g)
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed (100 g)
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled (120 g)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder natural or Dutch-process (about 95 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows fresh and soft
  • 1 cup chopped nuts walnuts, pecans, or almonds; lightly toasted if possible
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (170 g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for topping
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
  • salt pinch, for chocolate topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder optional, to deepen chocolate flavor
  • extra mini marshmallows optional, for garnish
  • flaky sea salt optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until glossy and thick, about 1–2 minutes. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and instant espresso powder (if using) until smooth.
    1 cup unsalted butter, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 4 large eggs, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pour the thick brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
  • Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. The center may look slightly soft; it will continue to set as it cools.
  • While the brownies bake, combine the chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons butter, and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, then remove from heat and stir in a pinch of salt.
    1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, salt
  • As soon as the brownie base comes out of the oven, sprinkle the mini marshmallows and chopped nuts evenly over the hot surface so they begin to soften.
    1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup chopped nuts
  • Drizzle the warm chocolate mixture over the marshmallow and nut layer. Gently spread if desired, or leave it rustic so some marshmallows show through.
  • Return the pan to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff and take on a light golden color in spots. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
  • Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1–2 hours. For cleaner cuts, chill in the refrigerator for 45–60 minutes once no longer hot. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into 18–24 squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts. Garnish with extra mini marshmallows and flaky sea salt if desired.
    extra mini marshmallows, flaky sea salt

Notes

For best fudgy texture, do not overbake; remove when a toothpick shows moist crumbs. Use room-temperature eggs to keep the batter smooth. Toasting the nuts at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes before adding enhances their flavor. For parties or potlucks, cut the brownies into smaller bite-sized pieces—they are very rich. Lining the pan with parchment (not foil) prevents sticking, especially with the marshmallows. These brownies slice most cleanly if made a day ahead and chilled before cutting.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal
Keyword brownies, Chocolate Marshmallow Brownies, Fudgy Brownies, Rocky Road Brownies, Rocky Road Dessert Bars
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