Name: Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick's Day Fudgy Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter cut into 6-8 slices; 8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate coarsely chopped; ¾ cup (150g) firmly packed brown sugar; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 3 large eggs room temperature preferred; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour be sure to measure properly; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature; 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar; ¼ cup (60ml) milk or cream; ½ to ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 drops green liquid or gel food coloring; 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; ⅔ cup (160ml) heavy cream

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Mint Chocolate Brownies are that perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion, especially a festive celebration like St. Patrick’s Day. These brownies provide that fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that anyone would adore, finished off with a glossy chocolate ganache that adds both elegance and indulgence. The vibrant green mint frosting not only enhances their appearance but elevates the flavor to a whole new level, keeping everyone coming back for seconds.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies

Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick's Day Fudgy Brownies

I still remember the first time I made these brownies. It was a cold March afternoon, and I was searching for a way to bring some spring cheer into my kitchen. I had a handful of ingredients and inspired by the flavors of the season, I whipped up these Mint Chocolate Brownies. The delightful mix of fresh mint and intense chocolate created a comforting atmosphere in an otherwise chilly day. Each bite felt like a little celebration on the palate, which is why I’m excited to share this timeless recipe with you all!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven, these brownies are a breeze to whip up.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint creates a decadent flavor that’s tough to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The green mint frosting topped with glossy ganache makes these brownies as beautiful as they are tasty.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game nights, or just as a delightful afternoon treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust the recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free variations if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter: Essential for a rich, fudgy base. Make sure to use unsalted to control the saltiness in your brownies.
8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate: Coarsely chopped to melt smoothly into the batter, giving those brownies their luscious chocolatey goodness.
¾ cup (150g) firmly packed brown sugar: This adds moisture and depth of flavor, enhancing the fudgy texture.
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Balances the flavors and helps achieve the perfect level of sweetness.
3 large eggs (room temperature preferred): Eggs bind everything together, creating a chewy texture. Be sure they’re at room temperature for best results!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This amplifies the sweetness and adds warmth to the overall flavor.
¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies; precise measurement ensures the right texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): Used in the mint frosting to achieve that creamy, spreadable texture.
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the mint frosting and gives it a lovely, velvety finish.
¼ cup (60ml) milk or cream: Adds moisture to the frosting; adjust based on desired consistency.
½ to ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the mint frosting that gives a refreshing coolness; adjust to your taste preference.
2 drops green liquid or gel food coloring: For that festive touch, making these brownies perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt beautifully into the ganache, adding richness and flavor.
⅔ cup (160ml) heavy cream: Used for the ganache to achieve a silky smooth texture that complements the brownies.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line an 8″ or 9″ square baking pan with foil and spray it with nonstick spray. This helps ensure easy removal later.

Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into 6-8 slices) and the 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (coarsely chopped), stirring frequently until completely smooth. Make sure to cool the mixture for about 15 minutes before moving forward.

Mix the sugars: Whisk ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture until well combined. This combination creates the perfect sweetness to balance the chocolate.

Add the eggs: Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Then, gently whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Incorporate the dry ingredients: Slowly add in ¾ cup all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over mixing—this helps the brownies stay tender.

Bake the brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the mint frosting.

Prepare the mint frosting: In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the ½ cup softened unsalted butter (at room temperature) on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.

Add frosting ingredients: With the mixer on low, add 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ to ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract, and ¼ cup milk or cream. Once well combined, add 2 drops of green food coloring, then increase the speed to medium. Beat until the frosting is smooth, which should take about 3 minutes. Adjust the consistency if needed.

Make the ganache: Pour 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips into a small bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, gently heat ⅔ cup heavy cream until hot, whisking occasionally. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and whisk until smooth, letting it cool for at least 20 minutes.

Frost the brownies: When the brownie base has cooled completely, use a spatula to spread the mint frosting evenly over the brownies.

Pour on the ganache: Working quickly, pour the cooled ganache over the mint frosting layer. It should spread out nicely on its own, but you can gently help it along with a spatula if needed.

Set the brownies: Place the pan of brownies in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the ganache set completely.

Cut and serve: Once set, you can lift the brownies out of the pan by pulling up the foil overhang. Carefully peel back the remaining foil and place the block on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares, cleaning the knife between cuts to avoid smearing the layers.

Storing & Reheating

These mint chocolate brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. However, for best flavor and texture, it’s best to refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To do that, wrap them tightly in foil or in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious not to overmix the brownie batter, as this can create tough brownies.
Always use room temperature eggs and butter for the frosting to ensure a smooth mix.
Adjust the peppermint extract to your favorite mint intensity; start with less, and add more if needed.
If the mint frosting seems too stiff, you can add a splash of milk to soften it.
For a rich flavor twist, you might consider adding a splash of espresso to the brownie batter.

Mint chocolate brownies are not just a dessert; they’re a deliciously vibrant celebration of flavor that perfectly embodies the spirit of spring. Whether you bake them for St. Patrick’s Day or just a casual get-together, they’ll definitely become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe—experimenting with the layer thickness or adding a sprinkle of crushed mint candies on top could be a fun touch! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day in advance. Just ensure they are completely cool before adding the frosting and ganache. You can store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Can I substitute the peppermint extract?

Yes! If peppermint extract isn’t available, you can use mint extract, but be aware that it may have a more robust flavor, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

You’re looking for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs are ideal, as they indicate the brownies will stay fudgy.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Definitely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is designed for baking. Make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free, especially the baking chips.