Mexican Brownies with a Surprising Cinnamon-Chili Twist

If you’re a fan of rich, decadent brownies and love a little spice in your life, then these Mexican Brownies are about to blow your mind. Imagine everything you love about a traditional fudgy brownie—deep chocolate flavor, chewy edges, and that perfect crackly top—but now add a warm undertone of cinnamon and a subtle heat from chili powder. Intrigued? You should be.

These aren’t your average brownies. They’re bold, flavorful, and impossible to eat just one. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with pantry staples and don’t require any fancy equipment. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dessert game, impress guests with something different, or just treat yourself to an upgraded classic, this Mexican brownie recipe hits all the right notes.

Let’s dive into what makes these brownies so unforgettable—and how you can whip them up in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (good-quality recommended)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground Mexican cinnamon (canela)
• 1/4 teaspoon pequen chili powder or cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Key Ingredients

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

The star of any great brownie is the chocolate, so choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. This gives the brownies their rich, deep flavor.

Mexican Cinnamon (Canela)

Canela has a slightly more floral and sweet flavor than traditional cinnamon. It complements the chocolate and adds a subtle warmth that makes these brownies uniquely “Mexican.”

Chili Powder (Pequen or Cayenne)

Don’t worry, these brownies won’t burn your mouth. The chili is just enough to give a lingering warmth that elevates the chocolate without overpowering it.

Butter

We’re not skimping on richness here. Using melted butter gives these brownies their dense, fudgy texture.

Steps to Making Mexican Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a couple of inches hanging over two sides (this makes removing the brownies easier later). Press the paper into the corners, and lightly grease the surface with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 2 sticks of butter. Be careful not to let it boil. Once melted, remove from heat and let cool for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract directly into the saucepan with the melted butter. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Next, stir in the cocoa powder, flour, cinnamon, chili powder, salt, and baking powder. Mix until no streaks of flour remain. The batter will be thick and slightly glossy.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). This ensures a perfectly fudgy texture.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 18 squares.

Ways to Enjoy Your Mexican Brownies

These Mexican brownies are incredibly versatile, which makes them great for both casual snacking and special occasions. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

With Ice Cream

Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an indulgent dessert.

As a Party Dessert

These brownies are easy to transport and stay moist for days, making them a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, birthday parties, or holiday gatherings.

Dipped in Chocolate

Feeling fancy? Dip half of each brownie square in melted dark chocolate and let them set for an upscale presentation.

Brownie Sundae Bar

Set up a DIY sundae station with chopped brownies, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and spicy candied nuts.

Kitchen Tools Worth Grabbing

If you love baking, here are a few tools that make this recipe even easier—and are worth adding to your kitchen arsenal:

Product	Why You’ll Love It	Link
9×13 Nonstick Baking Pan with Lid	Great for baking and easy storage	View on Amazon
Reusable Piping Bag + Star Tip	For smoothing batter into corners evenly	View on Amazon
Silicone Spatula Set	Heat-resistant and ideal for stirring melted butter	View on Amazon
Digital Oven Thermometer	Ensure your oven is baking at the exact temp	View on Amazon
Parchment Paper Sheets	Pre-cut and nonstick, no trimming required	View on Amazon

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Tips for Mexican Brownies Success

Don’t Overbake

It’s better to slightly underbake brownies than overdo it. Keep an eye on them at the 20-minute mark and test with a toothpick.

Spice Level

If you’re unsure about the spice, start with just 1/8 teaspoon of chili powder and taste test after baking. You can always add more next time.

Use Quality Cocoa

Since cocoa is the primary flavor, using a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder makes a noticeable difference.

Let Them Cool

It’s tempting to slice them right out of the oven, but letting them cool helps them set and enhances the fudgy texture.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe zip bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

These Mexican brownies are everything you didn’t know you needed in a dessert: fudgy, flavorful, and just a little fiery. They strike the perfect balance between comfort and surprise, with the cinnamon and chili adding a layer of complexity that chocolate alone just can’t deliver.

Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or hoarding them at home (no judgment here), these brownies are sure to earn you rave reviews. Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast—after all, they’ve got just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

Ready to upgrade your brownie game? Go ahead, preheat that oven—you’ve got some spicy, chocolatey goodness to whip up.

More Taco Bar Combo Recipes:

• Shredded Chicken: An Easy Slow Cooker Favorite
• Black Bean and Corn Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Dip: The Ultimate Cheesy Appetizer
• Easy Guacamole: The 5-Minute Dip
• The Best Fresh Homemade Salsa
• Easy Churro Bites: Small in Size, Big on Flavor
• The Classic Margarita: A Quick & Easy Recipe

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