Ferrero Rocher Brownie Bites

If you are not familiar with Ferrero Rocher chocolates, they consist of a whole roasted hazelnut surrounded by a creamy caramel filling and crisp wafer coated in milk chocolate and chopped hazelnuts. Yum! Though most are familiar with the classic chocolate, there are also two other types of Ferrero Rocher out there; the Ferrero Rondnoir, which is a dark chocolate creation, and the Raffaello, which is an almond in a creamy coconut coating. Ferrero Rocher are exquisite creations, and very delectable. They are wrapped in fancy gold cup packaging and are a bit pricey, but make great gifts for Valentine's Day, Christmas, and birthdays. I found some extra Ferrero Rocher chocolates at my house, though it is a bit of a surprise they had not been gobbled up. I remember seeing a recipe for brownie bites with a Ferrero Rocher in the middle, smothered with a caramel and caramel cream cheese frosting. Though I did not bother with the frosting, these brownie bites are still divine!

Ferrero Rocher Brownie Bites
1 brownie mix or brownie recipe, about 18.5 ounces or enough to make an 8x8 inch pan or 24 miniature muffin cups full
24 Ferrero Rocher chocolates, or use any other chocolates you think will work, unwrapped
caramel sauce, if desired
frosting, if desired

Preheat oven to 350◦F. Line 24 miniature muffin cups with paper liners. 
Prepare the brownie mix, and divide batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them 3/4 full.
Bake for 11-13 minutes, or as directed.
Immediately press a chocolate into the center of each warm brownie bites. Be gentle, but press it in so the brownie sinks a bit. The chocolate will melt a bit, but will firm upon cooling.
Cool completely. Add a dab of caramel sauce, and a swirl of frosting if desired.

I used mostly original Ferrero Rochers, but I also had a few of the dark and coconut kind. I used a basic brownie cup recipe I have used before with another type of candy; chocolate peanut butter cups. You can find that recipe here:  Peanut Butter Cup Buttons.