This post is sponsored by Cissé. All comments and opinions are my own.

Tis the season for lots of baking. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I bet you guys are looking for some tasty treats to add to your holiday menus!

Well, I have an amazing recipe that gives you the great taste of chocolate with a seasonal flair—my Maple Spice Brownies. These brownies will be a hit at your get together and will probably be the first thing to disappear.

The recipe starts with a box of Cissé Milk Chocolate Chip Brownie Mix. These brownies are fantastic prepared according to the box instructions. BUT…with the addition of a few extra ingredients it’s the perfect treat for your holiday table!

Maple Spice Brownies
Author: Michelle
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 30 brownie bites
Ingredients
  • [b]Brownies[/b]
  • 1 box Cissé Brownie Mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
  • [b]Frosting[/b]
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoons Cissé Semisweet Hot Cocoa
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
[b]Brownies[/b]
  1. Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease the mini muffin pan.
  2. Melt the butter and the chocolate chips (from the Cissé mix) in the microwave.
  3. Pour into a mixing bowl and mix in the eggs, one at a time.
  4. Add the maple syrup and whisk to combine.
  5. Gently fold in the brownie mix, cinnamon, nutmeg and pecans.
  6. Spoon into the muffin pan and bake for 12 – 15 minutes until set (toothpick inserted comes out clean).
  7. Set aside to cool.
[b]Frosting[/b]
  1. Heat the water in the microwave for 30 seconds and add the hot cocoa, stirring until the chocolate is melted. Set aside.
  2. Cream the butter with the paddle attachment of your stand mixer for 3 – 5 minutes until butter is a light yellow color.
  3. Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar and mix to incorporate.
  4. Beat on high for 2 – 3 minutes.
  5. Add the chocolate, vanilla and maple syrup then mix on high for an additional 1 – 2 minutes until combined.
  6. Add additional powdered sugar as needed to achieve the proper consistency.
  7. Spread or pipe onto cooled brownies.

If you haven’t tried the Cissé products, you’ll want to add them to your shopping list. You’ll find the baking mixes and hot cocoa available at your local Publix.

Along with great taste, it’s Cisse’s ingredients and their mission that set them apart. The cocoa used in all their products comes from a cooperative in the Dominican Republic that is both organic and Fair Trade. Their pricing model helps the small farmers earn a living wage and aids economic development in the region. Profits from the cooperative have been used for great things including  building clean water sources and even to help refurbish a school! That means you can feel good about indulging in these great tasting treats! I think their motto says it best…real ingredients, sourced with care, made with love.

I have tried the brownie, cake and cookie mixes and they all taste AMAZING. Look for all three products in the baking aisle at your Publix. With the holiday just around the corner, why not pick up a box (or two) so you’ll be ready to bake up something tasty.

Be sure to try my recipe and watch as they disappear as fast as you put them out! Grab the mixes while they are on sale right now at Publix. Plus look for in-store demos happening this weekend!