Rich, fudgy chocolate flavor with a refreshing mint twist
Beautiful layered appearance that’s great for gifting or events
Perfect combination of cool and indulgent
Easy to make from scratch with pantry staples
Crowd-pleaser for all ages
Can be made ahead of time
Freezer-friendly for batch baking
Customizable with extra chocolate chips or nuts
Great alternative to traditional brownies
Ideal for mint chocolate lovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder
All-purpose flour
Salt
Baking powder
Peppermint extract
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream or milk
Green food coloring (optional)
Semisweet or dark chocolate (for ganache)
Directions
Make the brownie base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until well combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.
Make the mint frosting: Beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, a tablespoon of cream or milk, and a few drops of green food coloring if using. Spread evenly over cooled brownies. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Make the chocolate topping: Melt chocolate with a tablespoon of butter or cream until smooth. Pour over the mint layer and spread evenly.
Chill again until set, then slice into squares and serve.
Servings and timing
This mint brownies recipe yields about 24 squares. Prep time: 20 minutes Bake time: 25–30 minutes Cooling and chilling time: 1 hour Total time: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
Variations
Double Mint: Add mint chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
Andes Mints Topping: Use chopped Andes mints as the top layer instead of ganache.
Thin Mint Inspired: Add crushed Thin Mint cookies on top for crunch.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, egg replacers, and dairy-free chocolate.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
No Food Coloring: Omit the green coloring for a more natural look.
Mint Chocolate Swirl: Swirl mint frosting into the batter before baking instead of layering.
Nutty Version: Add walnuts or pecans to the brownie layer for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store mint brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature keeps the frosting firm and the flavors fresh. To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. Reheating is not recommended as it may melt the mint and chocolate layers.
FAQs
What kind of mint is used in mint brownies?
Peppermint extract is most commonly used, but you can also use spearmint extract for a different flavor. Avoid using mint oil unless the recipe is specifically formulated for it.
Can I use a brownie mix?
Yes, you can start with a boxed brownie mix and then add the mint frosting and chocolate topping for a semi-homemade version.
How do I keep the layers from mixing?
Make sure each layer is fully cooled or chilled before adding the next. Spreading ganache over warm mint frosting can cause them to blend.
Are mint brownies supposed to be green?
Not necessarily. Green food coloring is optional and mostly used for visual effect. The mint flavor doesn’t depend on color.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, mint brownies are perfect for making ahead. They actually taste better the next day as the flavors develop.
How do I get clean cuts when slicing?
Chill the brownies well and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
Can I make mint brownies without frosting?
Yes, you can mix peppermint extract directly into the brownie batter for a simpler version without layers.
What kind of chocolate should I use for the topping?
Use semisweet or dark chocolate for a rich contrast to the sweet mint layer. Avoid milk chocolate if you want a less sweet finish.
Can I add cream cheese to the mint layer?
Yes, adding cream cheese will make the mint layer richer and creamier. Just beat it with powdered sugar and peppermint extract.
Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the frosting and ganache layers, it’s best to store mint brownies in the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Mint brownies are a delicious, eye-catching dessert that perfectly blends the richness of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these layered treats are sure to impress. With their striking appearance, balanced flavor, and easy-to-follow method, mint brownies are a must-have addition to your baking repertoire.
Mint brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies layered with creamy mint frosting and a smooth chocolate ganache. This refreshing twist on a classic dessert is perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you want to impress with bold flavor and beautiful layers.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
Mint Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Green food coloring (optional)
Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tbsp butter or cream
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until fully combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool the brownies completely in the pan.
For the mint frosting, beat softened butter with powdered sugar, peppermint extract, cream, and a few drops of green food coloring (if using) until smooth and spreadable.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
For the ganache, melt chocolate chips with butter or cream until smooth. Pour over the mint layer and spread evenly.
Chill the brownies again until the ganache is set. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Use high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor.Chill each layer fully before adding the next to keep clean layers.Omit green coloring for a natural look, or use natural food dyes.Use a hot knife to get clean cuts when slicing.Store chilled and serve cold or at room temperature.
