Dark Chocolate Red Wine Brownies
April 26, 2026
A fudgy brownie recipe made with boxed mix, dark chocolate chips, and a sweet red wine glaze on top!
These Dark Chocolate Red Wine Brownies feel a little fancy while still starting with a boxed brownie mix, which makes them perfectly semi-homemade. A splash of red wine gets mixed into the batter, dark chocolate chips make them even richer, and the glaze on top adds pretty color and, of course, extra wine flavor. They’re perfect for girls’ night, date night, or even as a fun Mother’s Day treat.
Flavor Profile
These brownies are rich, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey with a slightly bold flavor from the red wine that keeps them from tasting overly sweet. The dark chocolate chips melt into the batter and make every bite even richer. The glaze adds a smooth sweetness with an extra layer of red wine flavor that ties everything together without overpowering the chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Starts with a boxed brownie mix, so it’s totally semi-homemade.
- The red wine adds a fun twist without making the brownies taste too strong or overly boozy.
- Dark chocolate chips make the texture even fudgier and richer.
- The glaze gives them a pretty redidsh-pink accent.
- Perfect for Mother’s Day, girls’ night, holiday parties, dinner parties, or a stay-at-home movie night.
The Twist
The twist is the red wine glaze. Most red wine brownie recipes stop at adding wine to the batter, but the glaze gives these an extra layer of flavor and makes them feel a little more fun. It adds sweetness, a subtle fruity note, and gives the brownies a deep rose-colored finish.
Ingredient Highlights
- Brownie Mix: Use your favorite boxed brownie mix. Fudge-style mixes work especially well here.
- Red Wine: A merlot, cabernet, or red blend works best. Choose something you actually enjoy drinking.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: These add extra richness and help balance the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates the smooth glaze.
- Vanilla Extract: Softens the glaze flavor and rounds everything out.
Dark Chocolate Red Wine Brownies
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 1 box brownie mix
- Ingredients listed on the brownie mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1/4 cup red wine (replace 1/4 cup of the water listed on the box with red wine- or whatever amount the mix requires)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
For the red wine glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons red wine
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix package directions and prepare your baking pan.
- Make the brownie batter according to the package directions, but replace 1/4 cup of the water called for on the box with red wine.
- Stir in the dark chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to package directions.
- Let the brownies cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, red wine, and vanilla extract until smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons of wine and add more if needed for a drizzle consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies.
- Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
FAQ
Do these brownies taste strongly like wine?
No. The chocolate is still the main flavor. The wine adds a subtle richness and slight fruitiness.
What type of red wine works best?
Merlot, cabernet sauvignon, or a red blend all work well.
Can kids eat these brownies?
Most of the alcohol bakes off in the brownies, but the glaze contains wine, so these are best saved for adults.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze adds a lot of flavor and makes them feel more special.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Store them in an airtight container for up to three days.
Sprinkle of Fun
These are a pretty great excuse to catch up with friends over something sweet. Serve them during an at-home paint night with a charcuterie board and a playlist full of throwback songs.
Suggested Recipes
If you like these Dark Chocolate Red Wine Brownies, then you’ll love the recipes below.
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