Brownie Bon Bons: A Sweet Surprise in Every Bite

The aroma of baking brownies always takes me back to my childhood. My grandmother, a true wizard in the kitchen, would often whip up a batch on rainy afternoons. But it wasn’t just any brownie; it was her special brownie bon bons. I remember being captivated as she carefully wrapped the gooey brownie batter around Hershey’s Kisses, creating perfect little spheres of chocolatey goodness. Each bite was an explosion of textures and flavors, a delightful treat that always brought a smile to my face. Now, decades later, I’m excited to share this treasured recipe with you, so you too can create your own memories with these irresistible morsels.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 18-20 minutes
• Yields: 18 bon bons
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 (15 1/2 ounce) package fudge brownie mix
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 18 Hershey’s chocolate kisses

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the fudge brownie mix, chopped walnuts, egg, and water. Mix thoroughly until a uniform dough forms. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

3. Unwrap all 18 Hershey’s chocolate kisses. These will be the surprise center of our bon bons.

4. Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop a portion of the brownie dough. Flatten the dough slightly in your palm. Place one chocolate kiss in the center of the flattened dough.

5. Carefully wrap the brownie dough around the chocolate kiss, completely encasing it. Seal the edges of the dough to prevent the chocolate from leaking out during baking. Make sure the seam is well-sealed. Roll the bon bon between your palms to form a smooth sphere.

6. Place each completed bon bon onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one. This allows for proper air circulation and even baking.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the bon bons are set and the edges are slightly firm. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. They should be firm to the touch but still slightly soft in the center.

8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bon bons cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking to the pan.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Walnut Woes: If you are not a fan of walnuts, feel free to use other nuts, such as pecans or almonds, or omit them altogether.
• Perfect Sealing: For a perfectly sealed bon bon, dampen your fingertips with a little water while sealing the edges. This helps the dough adhere better and prevents the chocolate from leaking.
• Baking Sheet Bliss: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Doneness Detectives: To test for doneness, gently press the top of a bon bon. It should feel set but still slightly soft. If it’s too soft, bake for another minute or two.
• Mix-in Magic: You can add other mix-ins to the brownie batter, such as chocolate chips, chopped caramels, or sprinkles, for extra flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: The brownie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is great for planning ahead when you have limited time.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Using an egg at room temperature will allow it to incorporate into the other ingredients more easily, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Chocolate Selection: While Hershey’s Kisses are classic, feel free to experiment with other small chocolates like Rolos, mini peanut butter cups, or even caramel squares. Just make sure they are completely enclosed in the dough.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These brownie bon bons are best served slightly cooled or at room temperature. They make a delightful addition to dessert platters, gift baskets, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

To store leftover bon bons, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. If freezing, wrap each bon bon individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. To reheat frozen bon bons, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	156.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	38%
Total Fat	6.7 g	10%
Saturated Fat	1.5 g	7%
Cholesterol	12.8 mg	4%
Sodium	78.7 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	22.2 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	14.5 g	N/A
Protein	2.4 g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Goodness: Use a gluten-free brownie mix to make these bon bons gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Opt for a dairy-free brownie mix and use dairy-free chocolate kisses to create a dairy-free version.
• Nut-Free Nibbles: Omit the walnuts entirely for a nut-free option. You can also substitute them with other toppings like sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the brownie batter for a warm and spicy twist.
• Caramel Center: Instead of chocolate kisses, use small caramel candies for a gooey caramel-filled bon bon.
• Peanut Butter Bliss: Swap the chocolate kiss for a mini peanut butter cup.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different kind of chocolate in the center?
A: Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are classic, feel free to use any small chocolate or candy that will fit inside the brownie dough.

Q: My brownie dough is too sticky. What should I do?
A: If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of flour until it reaches a workable consistency.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! The brownie dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Baked bon bons can also be stored for a few days at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.

Q: My chocolate kisses melted during baking. What went wrong?
A: This usually happens if the oven temperature is too high or the bon bons are baked for too long. Make sure your oven is set to the correct temperature and keep a close eye on the bon bons while they’re baking.

Q: Can I add frosting to these bon bons?
A: While these are delicious on their own, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of frosting would definitely elevate them!

Final Thoughts

These brownie bon bons are more than just a recipe; they’re a journey back to simpler times, filled with love, laughter, and the sweet aroma of baking. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories with these delightful treats. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make them your own. And, most importantly, share them with those you love. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence. I’d love to hear about your experience, so feel free to share your feedback and photos! Happy baking!