If you are a fan of the magical combination of refreshing mint and rich, fudgy chocolate, then this Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe will become your new favorite treat. These brownies bring together the perfect balance of deep cocoa goodness with a cool peppermint twist, layered with a luxurious dark chocolate ganache topping that feels like a dream in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, this recipe offers an irresistible way to enjoy classic brownies with an exciting minty upgrade that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the texture and flavor of these Mint Chocolate Brownies. Each item serves a special purpose: from creating the fudgy base to adding that hint of mint and silky ganache finish.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Melts smoothly and helps create that rich, buttery brownie base.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Adds sweetness and contributes to a tender crumb texture.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the brownies.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the chocolate flavor and rounds out the taste.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup: The heart of the chocolate flavor, giving depth and richness.
- All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup: Provides the necessary structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes.
- Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Lightens the texture just a bit for a fudgy but soft bite.
- Peppermint extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Delivers that unmistakable minty zing that makes this recipe unique.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup: Add melty pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.
- Green food coloring (optional): Gives a festive minty look, but you can skip this if you prefer a classic chocolate appearance.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: For making the smooth, glossy ganache topping.
- Dark chocolate chips, 1 cup: Combine with the cream to create a decadent ganache layer.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal of the brownies later and even baking throughout.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients
Melt the unsalted butter gently over low heat in a medium saucepan. Once melted, remove from the heat and immediately stir in granulated sugar. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse those warm, aromatic notes.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Incorporate the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder into your wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps your brownies delightfully fudgy rather than cakey.
Step 4: Add Mint Flavor and Chocolate Chips
Blend in the peppermint extract along with green food coloring if you want a bright minty look. Then carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, giving pockets of gooey chocolate that melt perfectly during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking with a toothpick near the end. When inserted into the center, it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter, ensuring fudgy brownies.
Step 6: Make the Ganache
While the brownies cool, warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour it directly over the dark chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for a minute. Stir gently until it turns into a smooth, shiny ganache that’s just begging to be spread.
Step 7: Finish and Chill
Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies, then refrigerate the pan for at least 30 minutes. This firm layer elevates the brownies into a moist, velvety delight.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these Mint Chocolate Brownies even more inviting, consider topping them with fresh mint leaves, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Each adds a personal touch and enhances the peppermint-chocolate experience.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to contrast the fudgy texture and add a creamy coolness. For an extra twist, a drizzle of raspberry sauce can complement the minty tones beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Get innovative by cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and serving them on colorful skewers with a mint leaf in between. Alternatively, package them as gift boxes during holidays to share this delightful Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature if you prefer them soft and moist. Refrigerate if you want a firmer texture and a longer shelf life, usually lasting up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you enjoy warm brownies, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This revives the fudgy texture and makes the ganache even more luscious and melty.
FAQs
Can I use mint chocolate chips instead of peppermint extract?
Absolutely! Mint chocolate chips are a great substitute if you want to skip the extract, though the peppermint extract offers a more intense mint flavor that really shines in this recipe.
Is green food coloring necessary?
No, the green food coloring is completely optional. It adds a festive and fun touch, but the brownies taste amazing even without it, keeping things natural-looking with pure chocolate color.
How fudgy are these brownies?
This Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe produces brownies that are perfectly fudgy with a tender crumb. The texture strikes a lovely balance thanks to the right amount of flour and fat.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
To make a vegan version, you’d need to substitute the butter, eggs, and possibly the chocolate chips with plant-based alternatives. However, this recipe as written uses traditional ingredients for the classic texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan?
You can use a slightly larger or smaller pan, but keep an eye on the baking time. A smaller pan might require a few extra minutes, while a larger pan might shorten the baking time to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe is such a delightful twist on a beloved classic that it deserves a spot in your regular baking rotation. The combination of fudgy chocolate, refreshing mint, and silky ganache never fails to impress and is perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become your go-to dessert whenever you want something truly special and scrumptious. Grab your ingredients and start baking today — your taste buds will thank you!
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Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy Mint Chocolate Brownies, perfectly blending classic chocolate brownie decadence with a refreshing hint of mint. Topped with a smooth dark chocolate ganache infused with peppermint, these brownies make an irresistible holiday or anytime dessert that’s both indulgent and festive.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 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 semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Green food coloring (optional)
Ganache
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal of the brownies once baked.
- Make the brownie batter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing gently just until the ingredients come together to avoid overmixing. Stir in peppermint extract and add a few drops of green food coloring if using for a festive touch. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for bursts of melty chocolate in each bite.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter, ensuring a fudgy texture.
- Prepare the ganache topping: While the brownies cool in the pan, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it reaches a simmer. Remove from heat and pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips placed in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for one minute to soften the chocolate, then stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy, forming a rich ganache.
- Assemble and chill: Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the ganache firm up, making the brownies easier to slice cleanly.
- Serve and store: Once set, slice the brownies into 9 squares. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a softer bite or in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture. Enjoy these mint-infused chocolate treats as a perfect festive dessert or anytime indulgence.
Notes
- Replace peppermint extract with mint chocolate chips for an alternative mint flavor in the batter.
- For a stronger mint taste, increase the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture and up to 5 days.
- Adding green food coloring is optional but adds a festive appearance to the mint brownies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
