Description
These Classic Mint Chocolate Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a luscious mint frosting and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfectly moist and decadent, this layered treat is enhanced by the refreshing peppermint flavor, making it a festive and indulgent dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup + 3 Tablespoons (86g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/4 cup (21g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
Mint Frosting Layer
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoons peppermint extract*
- optional: 1 drop liquid or gel green food coloring
Chocolate Layer
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter
- 1 heaping cup (around 200g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup butter and 8 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate together, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until smooth. Alternatively, melt in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring between each until fully melted. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Adjust oven rack to lower third and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on all sides for easy removal later.
- Make Brownie Batter: Whisk granulated sugar and light brown sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Gently fold in salt, all-purpose flour, and cocoa powder until combined.
- Bake Brownies: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-36 minutes or until edges start to pull away and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift brownies out using parchment overhang and place on a baking sheet.
- Prepare Mint Frosting: Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and milk, beating 2 minutes on low speed, then 1 minute on high speed. Stir in peppermint extract and optional green food coloring, then beat on high for another minute. Adjust peppermint extract to taste if desired.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the mint frosting evenly over cooled brownies on the baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours to allow the frosting to set, which will help when spreading the chocolate layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: Melt 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until smooth. Alternatively, melt in microwave in 20-second increments with stirring.
- Spread Chocolate Layer: Pour melted chocolate over the chilled mint frosting layer and spread gently with a knife or offset spatula. Return brownies to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to overnight to set the chocolate layer.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from refrigerator and cut brownies into squares using a very sharp large knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat pieces. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift brownies from the pan.
- Keep brownies refrigerated after frosting and chocolate layer are applied for best texture and ease of cutting.
- Add a drop or two more peppermint extract in frosting if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.
- For festive presentation, use green food coloring in the frosting.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe clean between cuts to maintain neat brownie squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American