If you’re craving a dessert that brings together the rich decadence of chocolate and the refreshing zing of mint, then this Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to treat. Imagine fudgy, moist brownies with a luscious layer of mint frosting, crowned with a silky chocolate topping that melts in your mouth. Each bite is a perfect harmony of sweet, cool, and chocolatey goodness that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or a cozy night in, these brownies will charm everyone lucky enough to get a slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each element playing a crucial role in building texture, flavor, and that signature minty twist. You probably have most of these essentials on hand, making it super convenient to whip up a batch anytime the craving hits.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, melted: Adds rich moisture and helps achieve that fudgy brownie texture.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the batter and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together and give the brownies structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and color.
- All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup: Provides the necessary body without making it cakey.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Gives a slight lift for the perfect texture.
- Peppermint extract, 1/2 teaspoon (plus extra for frosting): The star ingredient that infuses the minty freshness.
- Mini chocolate chips, 1/2 cup: Adds melty pockets of chocolaty delight throughout the brownies.
- Green food coloring (optional): Creates that classic minty appearance if you want to be festive.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup: For the smooth, sweet frosting layer.
- Butter, 2 tablespoons (softened): Makes the frosting creamy and spreadable.
- Milk, 1 tablespoon: Helps adjust frosting consistency.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup: For the rich chocolate topping.
- Heavy cream, 2 tablespoons: Adds silkiness to the melted chocolate topping.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Batter
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your 8×8-inch baking pan ready by greasing and lining it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, blend the melted butter and granulated sugar until beautifully smooth. Then, add your eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing with love until everything is well combined. Next comes the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder—stir gently but thoroughly to avoid overmixing. Now, infuse that amazing peppermint extract and fold in the mini chocolate chips, which will become pockets of melty goodness in every bite.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top so it bakes uniformly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remove it and let the brownies cool completely—this step is crucial for the frosting to spread without melting away.
Step 3: Make the Mint Frosting
While you wait for the brownies to cool, whip up the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and that lovely peppermint extract. If you want your brownies looking festive and extra minty, add a drop or two of green food coloring to achieve a vibrant shade. Once your brownie base is cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the surface with a spatula or knife, creating a luscious, creamy layer.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
For the finishing touch, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the heavy cream in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals until silky smooth. Pour this gorgeous chocolate topping over the mint-frosted brownies, smoothing it out so it covers every inch beautifully. Chill your masterpiece for at least 30 minutes before slicing, allowing each layer to set perfectly.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe look even more tempting, consider sprinkling some crushed mint candies or extra mini chocolate chips on top before chilling. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of white chocolate can also add a beautiful finish. These little touches not only elevate presentation but bump up the flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, balancing the richness with creaminess. A cup of hot coffee, peppermint tea, or even a glass of cold milk makes an excellent beverage companion, rounding out the indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party or as gifts, consider cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and placing them in decorative mini paper cups. You could also stack them with layers of mint leaves or edible gold flakes for a festive twist. For an adult version, drizzle a bit of peppermint schnapps reduction over the slice to add a boozy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and frosted, store your Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered will prevent them from drying out and maintain that luscious fudgy texture you love.
Freezing
Good news: these brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm them for that freshly baked vibe.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, especially with the frosting and chocolate topping, to avoid melting or becoming too soft. A warm brownie with gooey chocolate is truly a slice of heaven.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract in this recipe?
Absolutely! Peppermint extract is actually stronger than regular mint extract, and this recipe uses it to give that refreshing minty punch. Just remember not to go overboard, as a little goes a long way in these brownies.
Is it necessary to use green food coloring?
Nope! The green food coloring is purely optional and meant to give the frosting a classic minty appearance. The brownies will taste just as amazing without it, so feel free to skip it if you prefer a more natural look.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe vegan, you can substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, use flax or chia eggs instead of large eggs, and find dairy-free chocolate chips and cream alternatives. Keep in mind the texture might shift slightly, but the flavors will still shine.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick near the center of the pan. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but without raw batter. Overbaking can dry out the brownies, so keep a close eye starting at 20 minutes.
Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a fantastic crunch that complements the mint and chocolate. Dried cherries or cranberries can provide a chewy, tart contrast. Just fold them in along with the mini chocolate chips in Step 1.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of mint and chocolate in a brownie, and this Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and wildly delicious—perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on your own. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. So grab your ingredients and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mint Chocolate Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint for a delightful dessert. Perfectly moist and topped with a creamy mint frosting and a luscious chocolate drizzle, these brownies are ideal for holiday treats or any chocolate and mint lover’s craving.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Green food coloring (optional)
Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
Chocolate Topping
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to form a well-combined base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which ensures fudgy brownies.
- Incorporate Mint and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the peppermint extract and mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter. Optionally, add a few drops of green food coloring if you want a festive minty hue.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness without drying out.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting, which is essential for a smooth frosting application.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. Add green food coloring if using, blending until the color is uniform.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the mint frosting evenly over the cooled brownies, ensuring full coverage for a delicious minty layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Top and Chill: Pour the melted chocolate over the frosted brownies and spread evenly with a spatula. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and topping before slicing.
Notes
- You can skip the green food coloring for a more natural look.
- Use peppermint extract sparingly—it’s stronger than mint extract, so a little goes a long way.
- For an extra minty flavor, sprinkle crushed mint candies on top before chilling.
