Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies
Indulging in a rich, fudgy brownie is one of life’s simple pleasures. These Mint Chocolate Brownies are not just brownies; they’re a scrumptious adventure in every bite! With layers of luscious mint frosting and decadent chocolate ganache, they add a pop of color and flavor to any occasion. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive gathering, they have a delightful minty kick that makes them unforgettable.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday celebration when I was looking for something unique yet familiar. The vibrant green frosting combined with the deep chocolatey goodness caught my eye—and my taste buds! Since then, it’s become a go-to recipe in my kitchen when I want to impress friends and family with minimal effort. The combination of textures—from the fudgy brownie to the creamy mint topping—offers everything a dessert lover craves. I can guarantee that once you’ve had a bite of these brownies, you’ll be lining up for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only about 15 minutes of prep time, these fudgy brownies come together quickly.
- Irresistible Flavor: The harmony of chocolate and mint in every bite is nothing short of addicting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green mint frosting makes for a stunning presentation on any dessert table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—be it a party, dessert table, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Consider making them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter: This helps create a rich and moist brownie base. Always use fresh, unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- 8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate: Chopped for even melting, semi-sweet chocolate delivers the perfect depth of flavor.
- ¾ cup (150g) firmly packed brown sugar: This adds moisture and contributes to the chewy texture of the brownies.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Balances the deep flavors, making the final result perfectly sweet without being overpowering.
- 3 large eggs: Room temperature eggs are best; they mix more evenly and help create a lovely fudge texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A favorite flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour: Make sure to measure it correctly for the right brownie texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): This is used for the mint frosting; it must be softened to ensure smooth blending.
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and gives the frosting its fluffy structure.
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk or cream: This helps adjust the consistency of the frosting—feel free to use your preference!
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the frosting; add gradually to achieve your desired minty flavor.
- 2 drops green liquid or gel food coloring: Optional, but it adds a fun festive touch, especially for St. Patrick’s Day!
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are a delightful addition to the brownie batter for extra choco flavor.
- ⅔ cup (160ml) heavy cream: Used for the chocolate ganache; choose a good quality cream for the best results.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Prepare an 8″ or 9″ square baking pan by lining it with foil and spraying it with nonstick spray for easy removal later.
Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ½ cup unsalted butter and the 8 ounces of coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Stir frequently until everything is melted and completely smooth. Once combined, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking when mixed in.
Combine Sugars and Eggs: Whisk the ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture until fully combined. Next, add in the 3 large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that extra depth of flavor.
Add Flour and Salt: Gently stir in the ¾ cup all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt until completely combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that fudgy texture.
Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. Once done, allow the brownies to cool completely—this keeps them from melting the frosting layers.
Prepare Mint Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add in 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ to ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract, and ¼ cup milk or cream. Mix until everything is smooth, adjusting with more milk or powdered sugar as needed. Add 2 drops of green food coloring for that festive touch.
Heat Cream for Ganache: Pour ⅔ cup heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat over medium until steaming. Remove from heat and pour over 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a separate bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes.
Frost the Brownies: Once the brownie base is completely cool, evenly spread the mint frosting over the brownies using a spatula, making sure it reaches all corners.
Add Ganache: Working quickly, pour the slightly cooled ganache over the mint frosting. It should spread out on its own, but you can gently guide it with a spatula if needed.
Chill to Set: Place the brownie pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the ganache set completely.
Cut and Serve: When ready, lift the brownies out using the foil overhang and place on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, making quick cuts to avoid smearing the ganache into the frosting. To serve, store leftover brownies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Storing & Reheating
Store these delicious brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. If you’d like a longer storage option, refrigerate them in the same type of container for up to a week. For freezing, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To refresh their fudgy texture when you want to enjoy one, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and, if desired, warm slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be cautious not to overbake the brownies; they should be fudgy! Check them a few minutes before the recommended time.
- For a shinier ganache, avoid whisking too vigorously once you’ve added the cream.
- If you want a deeper mint flavor, don’t hesitate to add a touch more peppermint extract, but do it gradually.
- Use a serrated knife when cutting to minimize dragging through the ganache layer for clean cuts.
- Feel free to play with the food coloring based on the holiday—it’s super versatile!
Enjoying these Mint Chocolate Brownies is a delightful experience. Their combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout dessert that’s guaranteed to please. I encourage you to get creative—whether it’s adjusting the mint or adding nuts, the possibilities are endless! Share them with loved ones, and watch them disappear in no time. Happy baking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the blend for proper measurements as some may have different volume ratios.
How long do these brownies last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they should remain fresh for about 3 days. If refrigerated, they’re good for up to a week.
Can I make the mint frosting a day ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the mint frosting in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on the brownies.
What can I do if my ganache is too thick?
If the ganache ends up too thick, gently warm it over low heat or add a splash more cream to thin it out. Whisk until you’ve achieved the desired consistency.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Valentine Easy Cookie Cake
- Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)
- Clementine & Almond Flour Tea Cake (Naturally Gluten-Free)
- Bailey’s Irish Cream Tiramisu | Easy No-Bake Dessert
- Glazed Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake (Ultra Moist Winter Citrus Loaf)
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mint Chocolate Brownies offer a delightful blend of fudgy chocolate and refreshing mint. With a simple preparation process and key ingredients, they make for the perfect treat for your celebrations or a cozy evening at home.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line an 8" or 9" square baking pan with foil and apply nonstick spray. Set this aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter along with chopped chocolate, stirring frequently until smooth. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
- Whisk in the sugars until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- 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 frosting and ganache.
Notes
Ensure to let the brownie base cool completely before adding toppings for best results.
Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 234
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 118mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
