Rocky Road Brownies are packed full of chocolatey flavor, gooey marshmallows, chocolate chips, and peanuts all topped with a chocolatey drizzle. These nutty marshmallow brownies are a triple chocolate threat dessert recipe that your family will adore.
When the chocolate craving strikes you are going to want to make sure you have this decadent brownie recipe! Make these Peppermint Frosted Brownie Cookies, when you want some mint. Or try Bailey’s Irish cream Chocolate Chip Cookies with a hint of cocoa right in the batter. A family favorite are these Nutella Oreo Truffles, which can be decorated any way you like them.
Rocky Road Brownie Recipe
Yes, you read that correctly! This rocky road brownie recipe has triple the chocolate. That means triple the flavor, right? There are even TWO types of chocolate chips in this recipe, dark chocolate and semi-sweet. I mean, this recipe takes brownies to a whole new level!
Mix up all the ingredients for the fudgiest brownies and then bake them for a bit. Here comes the fun part, adding on all of the decadence. Gooey marshmallows get mixed in with fresh peanuts and chocolate chips and that gets plopped on top. And why stop there?
Drizzle on even. more. chocolate!! Yay!! This is going to make your mouth do a happy dance.
Triple Chocolate Brownies
I am sure you have heard of Rocky Road ice cream. Cold, creamy chocolate ice cream that is swirled with miniature marshmallows (YES!) and chopped up almonds.
As a kid I definitely ate my fair share of rocky road! When I first heard that there was marshmallows in the ice cream, I was SOLD. I have discussed my love of marshmallows in the past like in this Lucky Charms Bars recipe or in these peanut butter s’mores cookies.
And these Fluffernutter Cookies, which are THE fluffiest peanut butter cookies sandwiched around fluffy marshmallow frosting. These are sooo good that my hubs said they may replace his favorite dessert which is BROWNIES. Needless to say, I was shook!
Another reason I wanted to make Julie’s Triple Chocolate Rocky Road Brownies is because brownies are my husbands favorite dessert…I think?? He’ll eat them either way and so will the kids!
Why Make Rocky Road Brownies?
- To fulfill that chocolate craving.
- They are delicious and your family is going to love them!
- Easily doubles to take to a picnic or potluck to feed a crowd.
- These are fun and messy.
How did Rocky Road get its Name?
It is said that William Dreyer (yes, the man behind Dreyer’s ice cream) moved to the United States from Germany in 1906. From New York he moved to California, where he opened an ice cream shop in the town I actually grew up in, Visalia, Ca!
Apparently, one day in 1929 he cut up some walnuts and marshmallows and threw them into his chocolate ice cream. He called it “Rocky Road” because the stock market had just recently crashed and was making life, well, rocky! He had hoped that this flavor would bring some joy to people.
Rocky Road Brownies Ingredients
Here are all of the ingredients you need to make each portion of this rocky road brownie recipe. It’s basically three different layers of deliciousness.
Brownie Batter Ingredients
- Flour: All purpose flour.
- Cocoa Powder: Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder, if sugar is added to it the brownies will come out way too sweet.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar.
- Salt: I like to use fine sea salt, if you use table salt you may need to cut it back to 1/8 tsp or it may be too salty.
- Butter: Unsalted butter that has been melted.
- Eggs: Use large eggs in this recipe.
- Vanilla: You want real vanilla extract for this recipe and not imitation vanilla flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips (or chunks) go into the brownie mixture.
Rocky Road Brownie Topping Ingredients
- Mini Marshmallows: You will need about 5 ounces or 2 cups of mini marshmallows.
- Peanuts: I like that Julie uses peanuts in this recipe, it gives the brownies a peanut butter chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are used in this layer.
Chocolate Drizzle Ingredients
- Butter: Unsalted butter that has been melted, but slightly cooled.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift if the powdered sugar has a lot of hard clumps.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Whipping Cream: You can also use half and half or milk.
How to Make Rocky Road Brownies
- Preheat the oven. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Mix in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla, combining until smooth.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and pour into the prepared 8×8 pan.
- Bake brownies. Then pull out of oven.
- Cover the top with mini marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chips.
- Bake for a few more minutes to melt the marshmallows.
- In a small bowl mix all ingredients for the drizzle together. Add it to a zip bag and cut a tiny bit off the corner or piping bag with a little cut off the tip. Drizzle over warm brownies.
- Let cool before cutting.
Can I Make Rocky Road Brownies from a Box Mix?
I like to make baked goods from scratch, but also like to have a good cheater recipe, too. So, I wanted to include a short cut recipe in case you are in a hurry.
- Using a 16 ounce box of brownie mix, make according to the package directions adding in the 1/3 cup of chocolate chips.
- Cook the brownies according to the package.
- Top with the the topping ingredients and bake for 4-6 minutes.
- Mix the topping ingredients and drizzle the chocolate onto warm brownies.
How to Apply the Chocolate Drizzle
I like to either use a zip bag that has a little of a corner cut off or a piping bag with the tip cut off. Before cutting the bag, fill with the chocolate topping, then snip a little off the bag. Drizzle across the top of the brownies horizontally and then vertically. You could also use a fork or spoon dipped in the chocolate and then drizzle across.
How to Cut Rocky Road Brownies
The best time to cut brownies is once they have completely cooled. Run a very sharp knife under hot water and dry it, then slice into brownies. Once knife gets too goopy, repeat the process of running it under hot water and drying it. Then cutting again.
Tips to Make the Best Rocky Road Brownies
- Always hand mix the brownie batter. After combining the dry ingredients with a whisk, you can switch to a wooden spoon to mix the wet ingredients into the dry.
- Don’t over mix ingredients. Only mix until the flour disappears. This will ensure that the batter doesn’t get over mixed.
- Good quality ingredients. Using good quality ingredients will ensure you get the best brownies.
- Use boxed brownies. If you are in a hurry, you can use a box mix to make the brownies. I included the directions above.
- These brownies are RICH. A small square might not look like that much, but they are quite rich.
- Make a double batch. Easily double the ingredients to make a double batch of this brownie recipe. Bake in a 9×13 pan.
- Eat them warm. Reheat brownies in microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Rocky Road Brownie Variations
- Use different nuts. I use peanuts in this brownie recipe, but you could use chopped up almonds, cashews, pecans, or hazelnuts.
- Make your own marshmallows. It would be fun to put your own homemade marshmallows into these nut brownies.
- Add caramel. You could make rocky road brownies with caramel, you can make your own caramel or buy the pre-jarred stuff. Drizzle it on with the chocolate drizzle or on its own.
- Use different chocolate chips. Instead of using dark chocolate chips and semi sweet chocolate chips you can use different flavors like white chocolate or even butterscotch or a combination of any of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rocky road brownies dairy free? No, I do not recommend making these brownies without dairy.
Can I make these rocky road brownies gluten free? Although I have not tried making these brownies gluten free, they may work with a gluten free flour. If you try it let me know how it turns out.
Rocky Road Brownie Storage Instructions
How to store brownies? Let the brownies cool and put in an air tight container. They should last about 2-3 days at room temperature. Storing them in the refrigerator can make them dry out.
Can you freeze rocky road brownies? I don’t recommend freezing these brownies.
Freaky Friday
Hooray, it’s Freaky Friday (my favorite Friday)! If you are wondering what I am talking about, Freaky Friday is a blog hop that happens every quarter that was created by Michaela from An Affair From the Heart. You HAVE to go check out her blog, she has got some of the best recipes and is a just a great person!
For this quarter, I was randomly assigned to Julie’s Blog, Hostess at Heart. I had a blast looking over Julie’s blog, she has an abundance of delicious recipes. Some of the ones that caught my eye were these Overnight Brioche Cinnamon Roll and this Baked Blackened Shrimp Recipe. Her adoration for entertaining and cooking for her family and friends really shines through.
See all of our 2022 Freaky Friday Spring Edition Recipes
Hosted by – An Affair from the Heart- An Affair from the Heart – Blueberry Lemon Pull-Apart Bread
- Aunt Bee’s Recipes – Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
- The Carefree Kitchen – Carrot Cake
- The Culinary Compass – Dunkaroo Dip Recipe
- Devour Dinner –Fruit Charcuterie Board
- Family Around the Table – Fresh Strawberry Milkshake
- Feast + West – Frozen Grasshopper Martini
- Home Cooked Harvest – Rocky Road Brownies
- Hostess at Heart – Honey Bun Cake
- Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog –Homemade Sour Cream Funfetti Cupcakes
- Off the Eaten Path – Beer Margarita Recipe
- The Speckled Palate – Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Bourbon and Walnuts
- Sue Bee Homemaker – No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
- Take Two Tapas – Crab Dip
- The Wimpy Vegetarian – Texas Trash Dip Warm Bean Dip
Try these other sweet recipes!
- Air Fryer Chocolate Frosted Biscuit Donuts
- Bakery Style Strawberry Muffins
- No Churn Butterfinger Ice Cream
- Homemade Apple Crumble
- Cream Cheese Bars
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to give me a star rating and leave me a comment below in the comment section. I love to hear from people who have made my recipes.
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Rocky Road Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer
- 1 cup sugar granulated
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder measured and sifted
- 1/2 cup butter unsalted, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour spoon and level technique
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Marshmallow Topping
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/4 cup butter melted, slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon whipping cream half and half or milk can be substituted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Mix in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla, combining until smooth.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and pour into the prepared 8×8 pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Then remove from oven and top with the mini marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chips.
- Bake 4 to 6 minutes just to melt the marshmallows.
- In a small bowl mix together the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, and whipping cream. Add it to a zip bag and cut a tiny bit off the corner or piping bag with a little cut off the tip. Drizzle over warm brownies. Let cool before cutting.
Notes
- Always hand mix the brownie batter. After combining the dry ingredients with a whisk, switch to a wooden spoon to mix the wet ingredients into the dry.
- Don’t over mix ingredients. Only mix until the flour disappears. This will ensure that the batter doesn’t get over mixed.
- Good quality ingredients. Using good quality ingredients will ensure you get the best brownies.
- Use boxed brownies. If you are in a hurry, you can use a box mix to make the brownies. I included the directions above.
- These brownies are RICH. A small square might not look like that much, but they are quite rich.
- Make a double batch. Easily double the ingredients to make a double batch of this brownie recipe. Bake in a 9×13 pan.
- Eat them warm. Reheat brownies in microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out!
If you’ve tried this or any other of my recipes, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and leave me a comment. I love hearing from you! Share a picture on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookedharvest.
Tristin!! I am DROOLING! It’s 9 AM and I think I need a couple of these for breakfast!! I had no idea that you lived in Nebraska? I, too, live in Omaha where Julie lives.
Thank you for the kind words. I am so tickled that you are a part of our group – thank you for sharing your amazing talents with us! <3
Michaela, I mean why not make these for breakfast? I could go for some right now, too! I did live in Nebraska while I was in the military, it was quite some time ago though. I want to take my fam up there one of these days and we will have to stop in and see both of you!
Wow, you did an amazing job with these ooey-gooey brownies! I’m just drooling looking at your photos. It’s time to put another batch together.
Girl, I am already craving these! Thank you for sharing this fabulous recipe with the world!
I think I devoured every photo with my eyes wishing I could just taste it. I can’t wait to try this recipe, it looks perfect. YUM!
You definitely need to try this recipe, Rebecca. They are like heaven in your mouth!
Oh my gosh your photos make me want to make myself a batch of these brownies for breakfast!
I could definitely eat these for breakfast! Thanks so much Chrissie!
I made these for a party on Saturday and they were THE BEST BROWNIES! Everyone loved them!
Aren’t these AMAZING, Sue?! I think I could eat these daily. Thank you so much for your sweet comment!
These are my kind of brownies! Love everything about these especially since we all love s’mores! Can’t wait to make these- I know they will be a huge hit!
They are kind of like s’mores in brownie form! Hope you love them Kathryn.
Oh wow, These Rocky Road Brownies are perfection! Thanks for all the great tips and tricks on getting the perfect brownies and an epic chocolate drizzle! I have been slacking on my brownies lately. Time to level up!! I can’t wait to try these!
Oh my that chocolate drizzle just puts them over the top! I just know you are going to love them Jill.
These brownies are just a dream and combine some of my FAVORITE flavors! We’ll definitely be making and serving these again and again because they are a delight!
Same, Erin, same! I’ve already made them a couple times since I posted this. Thanks!
These are gorgeous and look soooo good! What a great recipe to choose to make!!
I am beyond thrilled that I chose such a winning recipe! Hope I always get so lucky!! Thanks Susan.
My husband’s favorite ice cream is rocky road so when I found this recipe I knew he would love them….and he did! These are the best brownies! So good and rich!
Such a great flavor, we love that one too. I am sooooo glad that your husband loved these brownies Amanda, he could even eat them with the rocky road ice cream!
These are GORGEOUS brownies! I can’t wait to make these for a party I have coming up. So good!
I hope they impress Susannah! We love this recipe, it is a favorite.
The rocky road topping on these takes brownies to a whole new level! Love those marshmallows and chocolate drizzle.
Oh couldn’t stop eating these!! Loved the rocky road topping!
Yeeesssss, Heather! I have to pry myself from the dish every time! Thanks so much!
As soon as I found this recipe, I had to try it. I love sweet and salty desserts and these brownies were amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂
No problem, thanks Amy!
Sometimes I get confused with baking recipes but your step-by-step photos made everything really clear and easy to follow! The brownies came out amazing and everyone really liked them!
Awww thanks Veronika, I am glad the directions were easy to follow!
Definitely a chocolate lovers must make! This was such a hit with the family!
So happy your family loved these!
So many great flavors in these awesome rocky road brownies. They are perfect to serve at all your summer parties.
Love that idea Ellen! thanks!!
Oh my goodness, look at these brownies! I am a brownie lover, and then you add items to make it taste like Rocky Road ice cream! I am so excited to give these a try!
Hope you love them!
Is it bad that I made them for dessert last night and ate them for breakfast this morning? I mean, peanuts are healthy right?
Sounds like a brilliant plan to me! Peanuts are definitely healthy!!
This is an amazing combination of flavors and has just become my new favorite brownie recipe. I can’t stop eating them. They are dangerously delicious!
I completely understand, lol! These things are addictive! My kids (and husband) keep begging me to make them again and again.
Wow these look INCREDIBLE! The marshmallow topping has my heart and I cannot wait to make these.
I love marshmallows, too! Hope you love them Sam.
Love this recipe! I made it a couple of days ago and we all ate it in one day! Very easy to prep and so delicious!
It doesn’t last long! Thanks Veronika!
These Rocky Road Brownies are calling my name! WOW!!!!!
These brownies are legit, a must try recipe!
These brownies topped with Rocky Road toppings are always a hit! So easy to make too.
I am glad these were easy for you Erin, thanks!
These Rocky Road Brownies are packed full of chocolatey flavor, and chocolate chips. so delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
You are so welcome Uma!
All the toppings elevate them for sure, Sharon. Thanks!!
These scream decadence and I love it! This is a definite show stopper and one that my friends would hate to cut into first.
Oh yes, these are super decadent!
These brownies look like a real treat. My hubby is a real chocoholic and am going to surprise him with these soon. I just know he’s going to be in chocolate heaven!
I hope he loves these super chocolatey brownies!
Wow these rocky road brownies are a hit! I brought them to a potluck at my son’s school this weekend. Let me just say they were gone in a flash! I’ll need to make a double batch next time 🙂
Great! Im glad they were well received. Thanks Marie!
I love marshmallow fluff, but not the texture of marshmallows. Could you swirl fluff into the batter before baking and add the nuts to the batter also and bake it, or spread fluff around on top of the warm brownie after baking it and sprinkle with nuts?
Hi Sharon. I don’t see why marshmallow fluff wouldn’t work. I would use about 1 cup of fluff. Before baking, drop small spoonfuls of fluff around the brownie batter and gently swirl it. You could stir the peanuts into the brownie batter maybe or sprinkle them over the swirled brownies? I have never done this before, so this is only a suggestion. Let me know if you try it!