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
Scale
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