Rocky Road Brownies

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If there’s one dessert that never fails to bring a crowd to the kitchen, it’s these Rocky Road Brownies. I grew up watching my mom make these every holiday season, and now, I bake them whenever I need a little nostalgic comfort or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’ve got that unbeatable trio of gooey marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and rich, fudgy chocolate that turns a simple brownie into something unforgettable.

These brownies are not just sweet—they’re an experience. Every bite is packed with different textures and flavors: the crackly top gives way to a rich, chocolatey base studded with melty chocolate chips and soft marshmallow pockets. And the chopped nuts? Just the right amount of crunch. They’re the kind of brownies that make you close your eyes after the first bite.

Why You’ll Love These Rocky Road Brownies

They’re indulgent, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a sweet treat, or just having a moment of chocolate craving, these brownies come through every time. No fancy equipment, no hard-to-find ingredients—just pantry staples and a whole lot of flavor.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

The richer the chocolate, the better the brownie. I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder for depth and semi-sweet chocolate chips for that melt-in-your-mouth finish. If you really want to elevate the flavor, try adding a few chopped chunks of dark chocolate too. Avoid milk chocolate, as it can make the batter too sweet, especially with the marshmallows.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t eat nuts? Swap them out for crushed pretzels for a salty crunch or leave them out entirely. Want it extra gooey? Toss in some caramel bits. Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. And if you’re vegan, use plant-based butter and marshmallows—there are some great options out there now. These brownies are super flexible, which is part of their magic.

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Ingredients for Rocky Road Brownies

Unsalted Butter – It adds richness and moisture to the brownies, creating a fudgy texture.

Granulated Sugar – Essential for sweetness and helping create that crackly brownie top.

Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of molasses flavor and makes the texture even softer and chewier.

Eggs – They provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the brownies.

All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the batter and gives the brownies their shape.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Brings that deep chocolate flavor that defines a good brownie.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.

Baking Powder – Just a small amount to give a slight lift and prevent the brownies from being too dense.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Melty bits of chocolate in every bite. These add extra richness.

Mini Marshmallows – The classic rocky road component that gets perfectly gooey in the oven.

Chopped Walnuts (or Pecans) – Adds a nutty crunch and balances the sweetness.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to lift the brownies out easily after baking.

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Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in both sugars until well combined and smooth.

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Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Let the mixture cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture isn’t too hot or it might scramble the eggs.

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Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

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Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Gently fold in most of the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, saving a handful of each for topping.

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Step 6: Add Marshmallows

Fold in the mini marshmallows gently so they don’t melt into the batter. Don’t overmix, or they’ll dissolve before baking.

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Step 7: Spread and Top

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and nuts on top.

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Step 8: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

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Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and enjoy that gooey, crunchy, chocolaty bite.

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How Long to Prepare Rocky Road Brownies

Preparation Time: It takes about 20 minutes to prep all your ingredients, melt the butter, mix everything together, and get the batter into the pan. This includes a few extra minutes if you’re toasting the nuts for added flavor or measuring everything from scratch.

Baking Time: The brownies bake for approximately 30–35 minutes. Let them cool in the pan for another 30 minutes before slicing, to ensure clean cuts and the perfect texture. So from start to finish, you’re looking at just under 90 minutes, including cooling time.

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Tips for Perfect Rocky Road Brownies

• Use room temperature eggs to help them incorporate more easily into the batter.
• Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients—this keeps the brownies tender.
• For extra-gooey marshmallow pockets, press a few extra marshmallows into the top before baking.
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
• Chill the brownies before cutting if you want super clean edges.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: This will dry out your brownies. Check them at 30 minutes.
• Hot butter with eggs: If your butter mixture is too hot, it could cook the eggs. Let it cool slightly.
• Adding too many marshmallows: They can melt too much and make the brownies soggy.
• Not measuring flour properly: Spoon and level it instead of scooping straight from the bag.
• Using low-quality cocoa: This affects the depth of chocolate flavor dramatically.

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What to Serve With Rocky Road Brownies?

1. A Glass of Cold Milk

Classic and always satisfying. The richness of the brownies pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

The contrast of cold, creamy ice cream with warm brownies is unbeatable.

3. Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a tart contrast to the sweet chocolate.

4. Whipped Cream

A light, airy topping that balances the density of the brownie.

5. Espresso or Coffee

The bitterness of coffee enhances the chocolate notes and makes for an indulgent dessert moment.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. Be sure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.

Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Let them come to room temp before serving or zap them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Freezer: These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 1 of 16 pieces):

• Calories: ~280
• Sugar: 24g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Cholesterol: 40mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The top should look set and slightly crackled.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

What’s the best way to cut clean brownie squares?

Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. You can also chill the brownies first for neater edges.

Can I use jumbo marshmallows instead of mini?

You can, but it’s best to chop them into smaller pieces so they melt more evenly into the batter.

Do I need to toast the nuts first?

Toasting brings out extra flavor, but it’s optional. If you have time, toast them in a dry skillet for 5 minutes before adding to the batter.

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Conclusion

Rocky Road Brownies combine everything I love about dessert into one decadent bite—chocolate, crunch, and gooey marshmallows. They’re nostalgic, rich, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or indulging in a cozy night in, they’re always a hit. Make a batch and enjoy the little mess of joy they bring!

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