Mint brownies are the perfect treat, combining the rich taste of chocolate with a refreshing hint of mint. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple dessert, these brownies are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With a fudgy texture and a burst of mint, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Key Benefits
Mint brownies are a perfect combination of two classic flavors—rich chocolate and refreshing mint. They’re simple to make, and with just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress. Here are some key benefits that make these mint brownies a must-try:
- Refreshing Flavor: The mint adds a cool contrast to the richness of the chocolate, making each bite feel like a refreshing treat. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and minty, ideal for those who love chocolate desserts with a twist.
- Fudgy Texture: These brownies have a soft, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. The chocolate keeps them moist while the mint glaze or flavoring adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Versatile: Whether it’s a holiday, a special occasion, or just a weekend treat, mint brownies are perfect for any time of year. You can easily customize them with additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed mint candies for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead and Store: Mint brownies can be made in advance and stored for several days. They’re perfect for meal prep or making ahead for a party or gathering. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Simple to Make: With a short list of ingredients and straightforward instructions, these brownies are easy to whip up, even for beginner bakers. No complicated steps—just a delicious dessert in no time!
Ingredients
Cake flour – Cake flour is important for a soft and tender texture. Don’t substitute with all-purpose flour, or the brownies will be denser.
Leavening – Use baking powder, not baking soda, as they’re not interchangeable.
Salt – Salt enhances sweetness and mint flavor without making it salty.
Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and richness. If using salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the brownies and helps keep the texture right.
Mint extract – Gives the brownies their mint flavor.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and create a smooth texture.
All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the brownies.
Cocoa powder – Adds chocolate flavor without making the brownies too sweet.
Chocolate chips – Melts into the brownies for a gooey texture.
Whole milk – Keeps the brownies moist. Lower-fat milk may dry them out.
Instructions
Making these mint brownies is simple and fun! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious treat in no time.
Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Melt the butter and chocolate – Melt butter and chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often and remove from heat once smooth. Let it cool.
Mix the wet ingredients – Whisk sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Add the cooled chocolate-butter mix and stir until combined.
Add the dry ingredients – Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Gradually fold into the wet mix, stirring just until combined.
Add the mint flavor – Stir in peppermint extract. Be careful not to use too much—one tablespoon is enough.
Prepare the pan – Grease or line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Pour in the brownie batter and spread evenly.
Bake the brownies – Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and garnish – Let the brownies cool for 10-15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and slice into squares.
Pro Tips
To make sure your mint brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips that will elevate your baking game!
Use high-quality chocolate
The chocolate you use will make a big difference in flavor. Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate for the richest taste. Avoid using cheap baking chocolate, as it can affect the final flavor and texture of the brownies.
Don’t overmix the batter
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can cause the brownies to become cakey instead of fudgy. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the perfect texture.
Adjust mint flavor to your taste
Mint extract can vary in strength, so start with a tablespoon and taste the batter before baking. If you prefer a more intense mint flavor, feel free to add a little more, but be cautious – a little goes a long way!
Let the brownies cool completely
It can be tempting to cut into the brownies right away, but letting them cool completely in the pan will help them set properly. This ensures they slice cleanly without falling apart.
Use parchment paper for easy removal
For an easy and mess-free way to remove the brownies from the pan, line it with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures you don’t lose any of the brownies in the pan.
Top with a minty frosting
For an extra indulgent touch, consider adding a layer of mint frosting on top. You can easily make this by mixing powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, and a splash of milk. Spread it over the cooled brownies for an added burst of minty goodness.
Variations
Mint brownies are wonderfully versatile, and you can easily customize this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun and creative variations to try:
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies
For a fun twist, add mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate pieces into the brownie batter before baking. This will create pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the brownies, paired with the minty goodness.
Peppermint Bark Brownies
Add crushed pieces of peppermint bark to the top of your brownies after they come out of the oven. The crunchy, candy-cane bits will give your brownies a festive flair while intensifying the mint flavor.
Gluten-Free Mint Brownies
For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients for the chocolate chips and peppermint extract to keep it fully gluten-free.
Vegan Mint Brownies
To make this recipe vegan-friendly, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) and the butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips as well to complete the vegan version.
Serving Suggestions
These mint brownies are rich, indulgent, and bursting with flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a sweet snack, or after a family meal, here are a few creative ways to enjoy your mint brownies:
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
Warm up a brownie and top it with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream perfectly complements the rich, fudgy brownie, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Minty Brownie Sundae
Transform your mint brownies into a decadent sundae by adding whipped cream, a drizzle of hot fudge or chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of crushed mint candies or chocolate chips. For extra fun, top with a cherry!
Serve with Fresh Berries
Fresh raspberries or strawberries can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies. Their tartness complements the minty chocolate flavor and provides a nice balance to the richness of the dessert.
As a Snack with Coffee or Hot Chocolate
For an afternoon pick-me-up, enjoy a mint brownie alongside a hot cup of coffee or a creamy mug of hot chocolate. The rich chocolate and mint flavors pair wonderfully with warm beverages.
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FAQs
Do mint and chocolate go together?
Absolutely! The pairing of mint and chocolate is a classic combination. The cool, refreshing taste of mint beautifully complements the rich, smooth flavor of chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced dessert. This combination has stood the test of time in everything from ice cream to brownies, making it a go-to flavor duo for many.
Can I add peppermint extract to my brownie mix?
Yes, you can! Peppermint extract is an excellent way to infuse a fresh, minty flavor into your brownies. Start with a small amount, around 1/2 teaspoon, and taste the batter. You can always add a bit more if you prefer a stronger mint flavor, but be careful not to overwhelm the chocolate.
What can I add to brownies to make them taste better?
There are many ways to elevate the flavor of brownies! Here are a few ideas:
- Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch.
- Chocolate chips or chunks enhance the chocolatey richness.
- A pinch of sea salt on top can balance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate flavor even more.
- For extra depth, you could mix in a tablespoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate taste.
Can you freeze mint brownies?
Yes, mint brownies freeze beautifully! After they’ve cooled, simply wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
mint brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
- Powdered sugar for topping
Instructions
Preheat your oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brownies bake evenly once they’re ready to go in.
Melt the butter and chocolate
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips together over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and remove from heat once melted and smooth. Let it cool for a few minutes.
Mix the wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the cooled chocolate-butter mixture and stir until well combined. This step helps to get a nice smooth batter.
Add the dry ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is combined—avoid overmixing to keep your brownies dense and fudgy.
Add the mint flavor
- Stir in the peppermint extract. Be careful not to add too much, as peppermint can be very strong. Just a tablespoon is all you need for the perfect minty balance.
Prepare the baking pan
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake the brownies
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking.
Cool and garnish
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. For a sweet finishing touch, dust the top with powdered sugar once fully cooled. Slice them into squares and serve!