Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies
The rich, fudgy texture of brownies has a way of making life’s simplest moments feel special. When infused with the refreshing essence of mint and adorned with silky chocolate ganache, Mint Chocolate Brownies become more than just a dessert—they transform into a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave something sweet and indulgent, these brownies promise to please chocolate lovers while adding a whimsical touch to festive gatherings.
Table of Contents
My journey with these brownies began on a rainy afternoon when I sought to lift my spirits with something delicious. As the smell of melting chocolate and butter filled my kitchen, my heart warmed with each step. The result? Irresistibly fudgy brownies topped with a vibrant mint frosting and a glossy chocolate layer that feels almost sinful. With how easy it is to whip these up, you’ll find this recipe presents a perfect opportunity to impress friends and family or simply indulge yourself. I can’t wait for you to try making them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You’ll whip these up in just 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of about 40 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate, refreshing mint, and creamy ganache creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant green frosting and glossy chocolate ganache make these brownies visually stunning for any occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, picnics, or even a post-dinner treat with coffee.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With a few tweaks, gluten-free or dairy-free versions can easily satisfy various dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter: Cut into 6-8 slices; this forms the base of the brownie for a rich texture.
- 8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate: Coarsely chopped for melting; opt for high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- ¾ cup (150g) firmly packed brown sugar: This adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness to the brownies.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Combining this with brown sugar balances sweetness for the perfect bite.
- 3 large eggs: Preferably at room temperature; they create richness and assist in binding the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor—always choose pure vanilla for optimal taste.
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure, be sure to measure accurately for tender brownies.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: This amplifies flavor and offsets the sweetness.
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): Creates a creamy mint frosting that melds perfectly with the brownies.
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Essential for the mint frosting to achieve that sweet, creamy texture.
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk or cream: Adds moisture to the frosting; use cream for a richer finish.
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor that gives these brownies their signature minty kick.
- 2 drops green liquid or gel food coloring: Just for fun, making the treat visually appropriate for St. Patrick’s Day.
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: Extra chocolatey goodness folded into the batter for maximum brownie delight.
- ⅔ cup (160ml) heavy cream: Essential for the chocolate ganache that tops the brownies, creating a luscious finish.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. Don’t forget to spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking!
Melt chocolate and butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring frequently until smooth. Allow this mixture to cool for about 15 minutes to avoid scrambling your eggs in the next steps.
Whisk in sugars and eggs: Once cooled, whisk the firmly packed brown sugar and granulated sugar into the chocolate mixture until well combined. Add the 3 large eggs, one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until the mixture is smooth. Then, whisk in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Incorporate flour and salt: Carefully add the ¾ cup of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt into the mixture, stirring gently until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; you want your brownies to remain fudgy!
Bake the brownie base: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with some moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan while you prepare the next layers.
Make the mint frosting: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened ½ cup of butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. With the mixer on low, gradually add the 2 cups of powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and ¼ cup of milk or cream. Add 2 drops of green food coloring if desired, then increase the speed to medium until it’s completely smooth, about 3 minutes.
Prep the ganache: Place 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. Over medium heat, warm the ⅔ cup of heavy cream while whisking occasionally until it’s steaming, but not boiling. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips, whisking until it’s beautifully smooth. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before using.
Layer the mint frosting: When your brownie base is completely cool, evenly spread the vibrant mint frosting over it with a spatula, creating a beautiful green layer.
Drizzle with ganache: Next, working quickly, pour the prepared ganache over the mint frosting layer, gently guiding it with a spatula if necessary to cover the surface completely.
Refrigerate to set: Transfer the pan of brownies to the refrigerator, allowing the ganache to set completely for at least 2 hours. Patience will pay off when that first slice is taken!
Slice and serve: Once set, lift the brownies from the pan by pulling on the foil overhang. Peel back the foil and place the block onto a large cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make quick cuts, wiping the knife clean between each cut to keep the layers intact.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your brownies at their best, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you refrigerate, they’ll still taste delightful—simply make sure they’re well-wrapped to maintain freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Funnel them into a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them in the fridge overnight to thaw. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds can refresh their fudginess.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the brownie batter, as this can lead to a cakey texture; you want fudgy brownies!
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and a smoother batter.
- Use a gentle hand when spreading the ganache over the frosting to prevent disrupting the layers.
- If your ganache seems too thick, whisk in a bit more cream to achieve the desired consistency before pouring it over the brownies.
- For a more pronounced mint flavor, feel free to increase the peppermint extract in the frosting up to a teaspoon.
Making Mint Chocolate Brownies is such a joyous activity; it fills your kitchen with warmth and happiness. From that first rich bite to the fun of sharing with friends and family, these brownies create delightful moments that you’ll cherish. Feel free to experiment and add personal touches, whether it’s nuts, different types of chocolate, or a drizzle of caramel. I hope they bring you as much joy as they bring to everyone who enjoys them!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check the label to confirm it can be used in baked goods.
How should I store the brownies?
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re refrigerating them, ensure they’re well-wrapped to keep them from drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to 3 months.
What if my ganache doesn’t set?
If your ganache remains too runny, it may need more cooling time or additional chocolate. Simply heat a small amount of cream and mix in more chopped chocolate until smooth and desired thickness is reached.
Can I use a different flavor for the frosting?
Definitely! While mint is a great choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors such as orange, almond, or even coffee extract to suit your taste preferences.
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📖 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
Mint Chocolate Brownies offer an irresistible taste with their fudgy texture, simple preparation, and delightful mint flavor. Perfect for a sweet treat anytime!
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) and prepare an 8" or 9" square baking pan with foil and nonstick spray.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
- Incorporate the sugars into the cooled chocolate mixture and mix well. Add the eggs one by one, whisking until smooth, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gently stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until everything is combined evenly.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow cooling completely before adding other layers.
Notes
Ensure butter is at the right temperature for smooth mixing.
Measure flour accurately for the best texture in brownies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
