Mint Chocolate Brownies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with a refreshing mint flavor, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and invigorating. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet. The combination of fudgy chocolate and cool mint makes for a dessert that will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into why these brownies are worth your time and how to make them from scratch.
Why Mint Chocolate Brownies is Worth Your Time
There’s something magical about the combination of mint and chocolate. The rich, fudgy texture of the brownies paired with the coolness of mint creates a delicious contrast that is hard to resist. Not only are these brownies a treat for the taste buds, but they are also visually appealing, especially with a hint of green color that can be added to the frosting. Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or simply a cozy night in with family, Mint Chocolate Brownies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
What You’ll Need
- 4 ounces good quality unsweetened chocolate bar (I use Baker’s or Ghirardelli brands)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure mint extract (not peppermint extract)
- Green food coloring, if desired
- 5 ounces good quality semi-sweet chocolate bar (I use Baker’s or Ghirardelli brands)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the batter smoothly.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: To bake the brownies.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking pan for easy removal.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: For melting chocolate.
- Cooling rack: To cool the brownies after baking.
Mint Chocolate Brownies, Made Easy
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies will bake evenly.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate and 1 cup of unsalted butter. Melt them together until smooth and glossy, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix in the Sugar and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, add the packed light brown sugar to the melted chocolate mixture. Mix until well combined. Next, add in the 3 large eggs, one at a time, followed by the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into a lined 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare the Mint Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of powdered sugar, 10 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of pure mint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring if desired. Mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the mint frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
Step 8: Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate
In a small saucepan or using a microwave, melt the 5 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate with the 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir until smooth and drizzle over the frosted brownies.
Step 9: Chill and Cut
Refrigerate the brownies for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting and chocolate drizzle to set. Once set, cut into squares and serve!
Holiday-Friendly Variations
- Add crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive crunch.
- Swirl in some white chocolate into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.
- Use colored sprinkles that match the occasion for an extra pop of color.
- Substitute the mint extract with orange or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until combined.
- Not allowing the melted chocolate and butter mixture to cool slightly can cause the eggs to scramble when added.
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly; too much flour can dry out the brownies.
- Cutting the brownies before they are completely cooled may cause them to crumble.
Storage Pro Tips
- Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can also freeze the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQ
Can I use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate, but it may alter the sweetness and richness of the brownies. Adjust the sugar if necessary to balance the flavors.
What can I substitute for mint extract?
You can substitute mint extract with almond extract or orange extract, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile of the brownies.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Mint Chocolate Brownies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the brownies a day in advance. Just frost them before serving for the best flavor.
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The Takeaway
Mint Chocolate Brownies are a delectable dessert that perfectly balances the richness of chocolate with the refreshing taste of mint. With their easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll have a batch of delicious brownies that are perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, set your oven, and get ready to make some Mint Chocolate Brownies that everyone will love!
Mint Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 4 ounces good quality unsweetened chocolate bar I use Baker's or Ghirardelli brands
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure mint extract not peppermint extract
- Green food coloring if desired
- 5 ounces good quality semi-sweet chocolate bar I use Baker's or Ghirardelli brands
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt together the unsweetened chocolate and unsalted butter until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly.
- Add the packed light brown sugar to the melted chocolate mixture and mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into a lined 9x13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, heavy cream, mint extract, and green food coloring (if desired). Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Once cooled, spread the mint frosting evenly over the brownies using a spatula.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate with the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir until smooth and drizzle over the frosted brownies.
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set the frosting and chocolate drizzle. Cut into squares and serve!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Cooling rack
Notes
- For a festive touch, add crushed peppermint candies on top.
- Make sure to cool the chocolate mixture slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
