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Mint Chocolate Brownies are my absolute favorite thing to bake when I want a dessert that looks completely show-stopping and tastes even better than it looks. The brownie base is rich and fudgy with deep chocolate flavor, the mint frosting is cool, creamy, and perfectly sweet, and that dark chocolate drizzle on top makes every square look gorgeous.
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I make these for St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas cookie trays, and birthday celebrations because they look stunning, taste incredible, and are always the first dessert gone at every single gathering. They are easy to make ahead and slice into perfect squares that travel beautifully to potlucks and holiday parties. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Brownies with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
These brownies come together quickly with simple mixing and one baking step. The mint frosting adds the perfect cool, creamy layer, making them special.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). I always use this oven thermometer to help me verify that the temperature is accurate for perfectly baked brownies.
Grease a 9 × 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside. You can also line the prepared baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. A hand mixer helps combine everything quickly without overworking the batter.
You can swap white sugar for brown sugar to deepen the molasses notes in the chocolate base. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until the chocolate mixture is smooth.
Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. I use a fine-mesh flour sifter to remove lumps from cocoa powder, resulting in a smoother texture.
If you prefer a darker, more intense flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa. Fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the fudgy brownies tender.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and evenly spread it to the edges. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. I always use my cake tester, which gives me more precise results when checking for doneness.
The brownies will rise slightly in the oven, then settle as they cool. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Make the Mint Frosting
While the brownies cool, prepare the mint buttercream. Beat the softened butter until creamy using a hand mixer, electric mixer, or stand mixer at medium speed.
Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and mix until smooth. Add the milk or heavy cream and mint extract.
You can also use peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor. Beat until light and fluffy. Add green food coloring, if using.
Frost and Decorate
Spread the mint buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. An offset spatula creates a smooth, professional-looking mint layer.
You’ll want to frost the cooled brownies completely before adding toppings. Sprinkle with chocolate chips or chopped chocolate if desired.
For a richer finish, use semi-sweet chocolate chips or even add crushed Andes mints on top. If you prefer a glossy chocolate ganache topping instead of mint frosting, melt dark chocolate with heavy cream over medium heat, then pour it over the brownies.
Slice and Serve
Cut into squares and serve. A sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts creates clean edges without tearing the creamy mint layer.
Now, enjoy your Mint Chocolate Brownies!
These brownies travel beautifully to potlucks, parties, and picnics because the frosting sets firmly and doesn’t melt easily. Keep them in a single layer in an airtight container to protect the mint frosting during transport.
If you’re heading somewhere warm, pack them in a cooler with ice packs to keep the frosting from softening. They hold up well at room temperature for several hours, making them reliable for bake sales and outdoor gatherings.
Mint Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Mint Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring optional
- Chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9 × 9-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the brownies fudgy.⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- While the brownies cool, prepare the mint frosting. Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.½ cup unsalted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar
- Add the milk and peppermint extract. Beat until light and fluffy. Add green food coloring, if using.2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, Green food coloring
- Spread the mint frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle with chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.Chocolate chips
- Cut into 9 squares and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overbake the brownies: Pull them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean, to keep them fudgy instead of cakey.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting: Warm brownies will melt the frosting and create a messy layer that won’t set properly.
- Use gel food coloring for brighter green: Liquid food coloring can thin out the frosting, while gel creates vibrant color without changing the texture.
- Soften the butter to room temperature: Cold butter won’t blend smoothly into the frosting, leaving you with lumps instead of a creamy spread.
- Adjust the peppermint extract to taste: Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you want a stronger mint flavor, tasting as you go.
- Flash-freeze before storing: Freeze the brownies on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer them to containers so the frosting doesn’t smudge or stick to other squares.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. The fridge keeps the frosting firmer, which I prefer during warmer months.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Freezer-safe glass containers keep them fresh and prevent freezer burn during storage.
Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
What to Serve With Mint Chocolate Brownies
Serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a simple dessert that balances the rich chocolate and cool mint. They also pair well with hot coffee or peppermint tea, which echoes the mint flavor without overwhelming it. For parties, arrange them on a platter with other chocolate treats like cookies or fudge to create a dessert table that appeals to chocolate lovers.
I also love serving them with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, which add tart contrast to the sweet frosting. For a more decadent presentation, drizzle extra melted chocolate on top or add crushed candy canes during the holidays for extra crunch and festive flair.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you loved these brownies, you’ll want to try my other impressive dessert recipes.
