St. Patrick’s Day is almost here! It’s time to whip up a mini delicious treat that is perfect for the holiday. I love these brownie cups for all occasions because they are always the first to go at parties (because they’re oh so delicious). It’s easy to give them a St. Patrick’s Day “twist” with a secret surprise! These brownie cups hide a POT O’ GOLD for all the lucky leprechauns.
If you’re making these for kids (or even adults), try only having one special brownie cup hold the gold and give a prize to the child who selects that brownie cup! They’ll have a blast and will love seeing the special gold inside this easy-to-make treat.
You can certainly customize these yummies to your liking! You could add shamrock sprinkles (let the kids help!) or even add a ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a minty dessert. If you’re in a hurry, use a store-bought brownie mix or even store-bought brownie cups. Below is the full recipe + how-to!
Hidden Pot of Gold Brownie Cups
Ingredients
For the Brownie Cups:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the Frosting:
- 1 /2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- green food coloring gel
- gold Sprinkles gold stars, or other edible gold decorations!
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
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Melt ½ cup butter for brownie cups. Add to sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir with wooden spoon.
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In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until combined. Stir into wet ingredients with wooden spoon just until mixed. Do not beat or overmix.
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Scoop 2 teaspoon size amounts into a greased mini muffin pan (with each cavity about halfway full).
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Bake for 15-18 minutes or until releasing from edges and a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
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Let cool and use back of a wooden spoon to push down brownie center for gold. Pour in gold sprinkles.
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In a mixing bowl with paddle attachment, beat together butter and 2 cups powdered sugar. Add additional sugar 1 cup at a time. Add cream (or milk) and food coloring. Beat for 2-3 minutes on medium until light and fluffy.
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Using a piping bag and fluted tip, swirl on a dollop of frosting to each brownie cup to hide the gold surprise! Top with a shamrock decoration or sprinkles.
Rachel @ Bakerita says
March 13, 2014 at 7:02 amThese are so adorable!! Absolutely love them :) would you mind if I featured them in my St. Patty’s Day recipe roundup on my blog?!
Courtney says
March 13, 2014 at 4:26 pmThanks Rachel!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
March 13, 2014 at 8:28 amI made hidden pot of gold cupcakes last year. They were chocolate cupcakes with a gold colored core. I love how you used gold sprinkles so that it really does look like pieces of gold pouring out!
Courtney says
March 13, 2014 at 4:26 pmLove your cupcake idea too!
Michelle - I DO invitations by michelle says
March 13, 2014 at 10:15 amHow cute + clever!! Love.
Courtney says
March 13, 2014 at 4:27 pmThanks Michelle! xoxo
Alissa S. says
March 18, 2014 at 8:54 amI made these for a St. Patrick’s Day get together this past Sunday, and they were such a big hit! Everyone loved them, and I didn’t tell anyone there was gold in it until they bit into it! The look on their face!
MARI says
February 19, 2015 at 2:15 pmThe website for the receipe and how to, doesn’t seem to be working. Could you kindly help? thanksss!!
Courtney says
February 19, 2015 at 5:24 pmHi Mari! It’s working on my end. Try it here: http://www.homes.com/for-the-holidays/pot-of-gold-brownie-cups/
MARI says
February 19, 2015 at 10:43 pmYes, thanks so much!
Brittany says
March 1, 2015 at 10:09 amLove the gold sprinkles in the middle! This will be a hit in my household for sure!
Courtney says
March 2, 2015 at 1:37 pmThanks Brittany!
Lisa Walsh says
March 13, 2015 at 12:48 pmSuper cute idea. I’m hosting an office party this weekend and will be trying this.