Name: Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup buttermilk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup andes creme de menthe baking chips; ½ cup unsalted butter softened; ½ cup milk; 4 cups powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 drop green food coloring; ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting are a delightful treat that captures a perfect balance between rich chocolate and refreshing mint. These brownies combine fudgy chocolate goodness with pops of minty flavor from Andes crème de menthe baking chips, creating a decadent dessert that is simply irresistible. Topped with a dreamy green swirl frosting that adds a whimsical touch, each bite promises to be a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting

Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting

I first discovered this petite wonder at a friend’s party where they were an instant hit among the crowd. Watching my friends indulge in these Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies, I knew I had to get the recipe to share with my loved ones. With a straightforward prep time of just 20 minutes and a bake time of 40 minutes, these brownies are not only charmingly easy to whip up but also a budget-friendly treat that pleases a crowd. I invite you to dive into this deliciousness and share the joy of baking these delightful brownies with your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in about an hour, making them perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute gatherings!
Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate base combined with minty freshness creates a flavor explosion that you can’t resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The green swirl frosting not only looks fun but adds a festive flair that’s great for any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, casual snacking, or even as a sweet breakfast treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily substitute ingredients to make them gluten-free or dairy-free without sacrificing flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup unsalted butter: Essential for moisture and richness in the brownies. If you’re short on butter, coconut oil can be a great alternative.
¼ cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor; opt for high-quality cocoa for the best taste.
½ cup vegetable oil: Contributes to the chewy texture; you could substitute with melted coconut oil for a different flavor.
2 cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a fudgy texture. Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for added depth.
2 large eggs: Essential for binding the brownies. Room-temperature eggs mix better and volume better when beaten.
¼ cup buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture; you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar for a DIY version.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and stability; you can use a gluten-free blend if necessary.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the brownies rise; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all flavors. Don’t skip it, as it’s important for balancing sweetness.
1 cup Andes crème de menthe baking chips: These delightful minty chips elevate the brownie taste. If unavailable, use chopped mint chocolate bars.
½ cup unsalted butter (for frosting): A creamy base for the frosting; softened butter works best for easy mixing.
½ cup milk: This helps achieve the desired frosting consistency.
4 cups powdered sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth frosting. Use sifted sugar for a creamier result.
½ teaspoon peppermint extract: Boosts the mint flavor in the frosting; replace with vanilla if preferred.
1 drop green food coloring: For a fun, vibrant look; use natural coloring for a healthier option.
¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: These provide a chocolatey crunch in the frosting; feel free to swap for another type of chocolate if desired.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is an essential first step to ensure your brownies bake evenly and rise perfectly.

Combine Butter, Cocoa, and Oil: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine ½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ cup vegetable oil. Stir continuously until it reaches a gentle boil, fragrant and bubbling beautifully. Then, remove it from heat.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup buttermilk until smooth. The mixture should be rich and creamy, inviting the rest of the ingredients in.

Incorporate the Chocolate Mixture: Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to your egg and sugar mix. Stir gently—no need to over-mix here; one or two strokes should do.

Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt, stirring just until combined to avoid tough brownies. Finally, fold in 1 cup Andes crème de menthe baking chips for that delightful burst of mint flavor.

Bake the Brownies: Pour this brownie batter into your lined 13×9 baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. The corners will look set while the middle remains slightly soft.

Cool the Brownies: Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely. This is where patience pays off; the cooling stage lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Make the Frosting: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes until it turns pale and fluffy. Add in ½ cup milk, 4 cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, and 1 drop of green food coloring. Beat for another 3-5 minutes until your frosting is light and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk.

Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. These little morsels add an excellent contrast in texture to your frosting.

Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the frost evenly over them.

Chill: Refrigerate the frosted brownies for at least 2 hours, allowing the frosting to set.

Cut and Serve: Finally, cut into squares and enjoy the bliss that is your Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you wish to freeze your brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat; do note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, so enjoy them fresh when you can!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When melting the butter and cocoa, do it gently to avoid scorching—low and slow is the way!
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for easier blending and fluffiness.
Don’t skip the cooling step; frosting warm brownies results in a melty mess!
If the brownie edges overbake, trim them off to keep the centers fudgy.
For extra chocolate goodness, sprinkle more mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting before it sets.
These brownies can be prepped a day ahead; just frost right before serving for a fresh look!

Taking a moment to enjoy these sweet, minty delights is a perfect way to brighten your day. The combination of fudgy chocolate brownies and creamy mint frosting creates a symphony of flavors that is simply hard to resist.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure your baking soda is gluten-free as well!

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing ¼ cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.

How do I keep my brownies from sticking to the pan?

Lining your baking dish with parchment paper is key. Make sure to lightly grease the paper for added security, so you can easily lift the brownies out once they’re baked.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer a bit of crunch, feel free to add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter during the folding stage. Just remember, it might distract from the minty flavor!