Mint Brownies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with mint brownies like you never have before! These Mint Brownies are the ultimate, drool-worthy treat with their rich, fudgy brownie base, a perfectly creamy mint filling, and a luscious blanket of smooth chocolate ganache. Each bite strikes the dreamiest balance between decadent chocolate and refreshing mint, making them irresistibly addictive. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or simply because you deserve something special, this recipe delivers impressive flavor with a beautiful, bakery-style finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Mint Brownies is that they use simple, everyday ingredients — each one playing a key role in creating incredible taste, texture, and that unmistakable chocolate-mint color contrast. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters!

• Unsalted Butter: Ensures a rich, tender crumb in both the brownie and mint filling; always go for real butter for best results!
• Unsweetened Chocolate: The backbone of true chocolate intensity for the brownie layer.
• Andes Crème de Menthe Baking Chips (optional): Adds an extra boost of minty chocolate goodness — toss some in if you’re a true mint lover.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve that shiny, delicate crust on top.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives warmth and depth to the chocolate layers.
• Mint Extract: Provides that fresh, breezy mint punch in both brownie and filling; use a good-quality extract for the purest flavor.
• Large Eggs: Binds everything together and gives the brownies just the right amount of chew.
• All Purpose Flour: The structure behind each thick, fudgy square.
• Salt: Balances and brightens up all the chocolate and mint flavors.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Used in the filling for a smooth, creamy texture — no grittiness here.
• Water: Just a splash in the mint layer keeps it silky and spreadable.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Turns the filling that signature minty green, so you know exactly what flavor to expect.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the dreamy, pourable ganache topping.
• Bittersweet Chocolate: Keeps the ganache grown-up and just sweet enough to balance the mint.

How to Make Mint Brownies

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, giving yourself some overhang for easy removal later. Melt the unsalted butter, unsweetened chocolate, and optional Andes chips together — either over a double boiler or with gentle microwave bursts, stirring until glossy. Stir in granulated sugar, then both vanilla and mint extracts. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, for lushness, then fold in flour and salt. Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely, resisting the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 2: Whip Up the Mint Filling

Once your brownies are cooled, beat the softened butter until creamy and light. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mint extract, water, and those precious drops of green gel food coloring — keep beating until you have a smooth, lightly green mint cream that’s easy to spread. Smooth this refreshing layer over the cooled brownies, reaching all the corners. Pop them in the fridge to firm up while you prep the ganache.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Place your chopped bittersweet chocolate in a medium bowl. Gently heat the heavy whipping cream until just simmering (watch closely… cream loves to boil over when you look away). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it stand for 2 minutes. Then, whisk until it becomes a glossy, decadent ganache. Let this cool for 10 to 20 minutes so it’s thick but still pourable.

Step 4: Top and Decorate

Pour the cooled ganache evenly over the chilled mint layer — it should glide right across, gleaming and smooth. For extra mint joy, sprinkle more Andes crème de menthe baking chips or chopped mints over the ganache about 10 minutes later, when it’s just begun to set. Refrigerate the whole pan for at least another 30 minutes to make slicing a breeze. Cut your mint brownies into small, rich squares (trust me, a little goes a long way) and admire your masterpiece.

How to Serve Mint Brownies

Garnishes

Top your mint brownies with a flourish! A sprinkle of Andes crème de menthe chips, a few fresh mint leaves, or even a dusting of confectioners’ sugar look stunning against that black-and-green contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, add a swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate just before serving.

Side Dishes

These mint brownies are divine on their own, but they also pair beautifully with simple sides. A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream turns them into a dinner-party-worthy dessert. For a more grown-up twist, serve with fresh berries or alongside a cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your mint brownies by slicing them into triangles for a modern look, cutting with cookie cutters for special occasions, or stacking mini squares for a dramatic dessert tower. For parties, arrange them in cupcake liners or use decorative platters for a pop of color and style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mint brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep their texture beautifully for up to one week. Let them sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to bring back that soft, creamy bite.

Freezing

Mint brownies freeze remarkably well! Wrap individual squares or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. For the freshest taste, add the mint filling and ganache after thawing, but fully assembled brownies will freeze just fine, too.

Reheating

Typically, mint brownies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly gooier treat, just microwave a piece for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the chocolate and brings everything almost back to bakery-fresh!

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract?

Absolutely! Peppermint extract brings a stronger, more classic mint flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate. Just start with a little less (it’s potent) and adjust to taste so your mint brownies aren’t overwhelmed.

What’s the best way to cut mint brownies cleanly?

Use a large, sharp knife heated under hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This makes the layers slice smoothly and gives you those picture-perfect squares worthy of a bakery window!

Can I make mint brownies without food coloring?

Of course! The food coloring is purely for that iconic green look, but leaving it out won’t affect the taste at all. You’ll still get all the refreshing mint flavor and chocolatey delight.

How do I know when the brownie base is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center — you want it to come out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s wet with batter, give it a few more minutes. Overbaking leads to dry brownies, so watch closely!

Can I double this recipe for a big crowd?

Go for it! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on that toothpick test for doneness.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about homemade mint brownies — rich, refreshing, and totally unforgettable. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these triple-layer goodies, and don’t be surprised when they disappear faster than you imagined. You deserve every chocolaty, minty bite!

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