Mint Brownies Recipe
If there’s one treat that truly delivers both a nostalgic punch and a crowd-pleasing wow factor, it’s Mint Brownies. Imagine a luxuriously fudgy chocolate base, a refreshing minty layer that’s impossibly creamy, and a glossy chocolate glaze crowning it all—each bite is like inviting your taste buds to a party. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just a Tuesday night craving, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a bakery-level masterpiece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Mint Brownies may taste like a bakery secret, but the magic is made from familiar ingredients, each playing a starring role. Rich chocolate, cool mint, and a silky glaze join forces to make these brownies unforgettable. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Unsalted butter (browned or melted): It ensures the brownies are irresistibly moist and gives the chocolate that deep, decadent flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base and creates that signature fudgy, crackly brownie top.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help give structure to both the brownies and the mint layer.
- Vanilla extract: Balances and enhances both cocoa and mint flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to give the brownies a classic, chewy bite without making them cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs in pure chocolate taste for a rich brownie foundation.
- Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift so the brownies aren’t too dense.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth and creamy mint layer you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
- Softened unsalted butter (for mint layer): Adds plushness and helps the mint layer to melt in your mouth.
- Milk: Makes the mint filling silky and easy to spread.
- Peppermint extract: Delivers that unmistakable, cool breeze of mint—adjust for your preferred intensity.
- Green food coloring (optional): A fun touch if you want to visually announce that there’s mint inside.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Form the perfect, snappy glaze that sets beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (for glaze): Helps the chocolate glide smoothly onto the mint layer.
How to Make Mint Brownies
Step 1: Bake the Brownie Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your 9×13-inch baking pan ready by greasing and lining it with parchment paper (this will be your best brownie-unmolding trick). Whisk the melted butter and sugar together until they’re glossy and smooth, then add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each for a rich, velvety batter. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold that into your wet mixture just until combined. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center emerges with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely—this is key for perfect layering!
Step 2: Make and Spread the Mint Layer
While the brownies are cooling, whip up the mint layer: beat the powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, peppermint extract, and a drop or two of green food coloring (if you want that classic hint-of-mint look) until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. Be sure to taste—it should be minty but not toothpaste-y! When your brownies are cool, gently spread the mint layer in an even, generous blanket over the top, then pop the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the filling set up.
Step 3: Finish with the Chocolate Glaze
For the crowning touch, melt the chocolate chips and butter together until silky—use a heatproof bowl over simmering water or the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Pour this gorgeous glaze over the chilled mint layer and spread evenly (an offset spatula works wonders here). Return the pan to the fridge for at least 1 hour so everything fully sets, resulting in perfectly layered Mint Brownies that slice like a dream.
How to Serve Mint Brownies
Garnishes
Sprinkle the top of your Mint Brownies with crushed peppermint candies, a dusting of cocoa powder, or delicate chocolate curls for that extra flourish. A few tiny mint leaves are lovely if you’re serving at a special gathering—they signal the refreshing flavor inside and look so inviting!
Side Dishes
Pair Mint Brownies with creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream. For a grown-up twist, serve them alongside a small glass of espresso or a chilled peppermint mocha, letting the chocolate and mint flavors really shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brownies into small squares and layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra mint chips for a quick trifle. Or turn them into Mint Brownie “sandwiches” with a scoop of ice cream in the middle for an irresistible frozen treat. If you’re sharing at a potluck, a platter filled with alternating rows of brownie and snowy-white mint pieces looks spectacular!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any remaining Mint Brownies covered in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, moist, and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for make-ahead entertaining or sneaky weekday desserts.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Stack squares in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They freeze well for up to three months. When the craving hits, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for an hour.
Reheating
If you love a soft brownie texture, let your chilled Mint Brownies rest on the counter for 20–30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the glaze, but if you prefer them slightly warm and gooey, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave works—just watch closely!
FAQs
Can I make Mint Brownies without food coloring?
Absolutely! The green coloring is just for fun—leave it out if you prefer a more natural look. The mint flavor will still come through beautifully with or without the color.
What’s the best way to cut Mint Brownies cleanly?
For really neat squares, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. Chilling your brownies thoroughly (at least an hour) makes slicing even easier.
Can I use other extracts besides peppermint?
You can! For a twist, try substituting with orange, almond, or coconut extract in the filling—just keep the amount small, as some extracts can be very intense.
Are these brownies overly sweet?
The layers are designed to balance each other, with the dark chocolate base offsetting the sweetness of the mint and glaze. If you like things less sweet, you can slightly reduce the sugar in the base or use a darker chocolate for the glaze.
Can I make Mint Brownies gluten-free?
Yes—swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The result is just as fudgy and indulgent, while being friendly to gluten-free guests!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably magical about Mint Brownies: every bite delivers the perfect blend of deep chocolate and playful mint, crowned with a decadent glaze. Whether you bake them for a special celebration or a quiet family treat, these brownies are sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients, and see just how fun (and delicious) homemade Mint Brownies can be!
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Mint Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint with these decadent mint brownies. Perfect for any occasion, these layered treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mint Layer:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Brownie Layer: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan. Whisk melted butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, stir in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Spread batter in pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool.
- Mint Layer: Beat together powdered sugar, butter, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips and butter, pour over mint layer. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- For a stronger mint flavor, increase peppermint extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- These brownies are easiest to cut when fully chilled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
