Mint Brownies
If you’re a chocolate lover with a penchant for mint, you’re in for a treat! These Mint Brownies are the perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and invigorating. Imagine biting into a fudgy brownie, the chocolate melting in your mouth, followed by a cool burst of mint—pure bliss! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a delightful afternoon snack, these brownies will surely impress your family and friends.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– The fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
– A refreshing mint flavor that pairs beautifully with rich chocolate.
– Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
– Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself (we won’t judge!).
– Easy to customize for various dietary preferences.
What You’ll Gather
- Unsalted butter (12 tablespoons) – For rich, buttery flavor.
- Unsweetened baker’s chocolate (3 ounces) – Essential for deep chocolate taste.
- Large eggs (3) – To bind everything together.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – For a hint of warmth and depth.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup) – Sweetness to balance the chocolate.
- Whole wheat pastry flour (1/2 cup) or additional all-purpose flour – For a nutritious twist.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup) – For structure.
- Softer unsalted butter (3 tablespoons) – For the mint frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup) – For sweetening the frosting.
- Milk (1 tablespoon) – To achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
- Pure peppermint extract (1/4 teaspoon) – For that refreshing mint flavor.
- Green food coloring (2 drops) – Optional, for festive color.
- Unsweetened chocolate (1 ounce) – For the chocolate drizzle on top.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon) – To melt with the chocolate drizzle.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Baking pan (9×9 inches) – Perfect size for brownies.
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Whisk – To mix the brownie batter smoothly.
- Spatula – For spreading the frosting evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accuracy in your baking.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – To melt the chocolate.
Step-by-Step: Mint Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter (12 tablespoons) and the unsweetened baker’s chocolate (3 ounces) together. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs (3) and granulated sugar (1 cup) until well combined and slightly frothy. This will help incorporate air into the batter for a light texture.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Mixture
Once the chocolate mixture has cooled a bit, stir in the melted chocolate and butter into the egg and sugar mixture. Add the pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) and mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour (1/2 cup) and all-purpose flour (1/2 cup). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Mint Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter (3 tablespoons) and powdered sugar (1 cup) until creamy. Add the milk (1 tablespoon), pure peppermint extract (1/4 teaspoon), and green food coloring (2 drops) if using. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the mint frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
Step 9: Make the Chocolate Drizzle
In a small bowl, melt the unsweetened chocolate (1 ounce) with the unsalted butter (1 tablespoon) until smooth. Drizzle over the frosted brownies for an extra touch of decadence.
Step 10: Cut and Serve
Allow the chocolate drizzle to set slightly before cutting the brownies into squares. Serve and enjoy the delicious minty goodness!
Variations for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate options.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar and powdered sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia.
Errors to Dodge
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until combined.
- Baking for too long can dry out the brownies. Keep an eye on them as they bake.
- Not allowing the brownies to cool completely before frosting can result in a melted mess.
- Using cold eggs can affect the batter’s texture. Make sure they are at room temperature.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
These Mint Brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To freeze, cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.
Common Questions
Can I use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind that dark chocolate is sweeter, so you may want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
How can I make the mint flavor stronger?
Feel free to increase the amount of peppermint extract to your taste, but be cautious—too much can become overpowering!
What can I serve with these brownies?
These Mint Brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely garnish.
Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to your Mint Brownies. Fold them in gently with the dry ingredients.
Desserts to Finish
Wrap-Up
These Mint Brownies are not just a dessert; they’re an experience! The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint is sure to delight your taste buds. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, and let the compliments roll in. Happy baking!
Mint Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Step 2: Melt the Chocolate - In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter (12 tablespoons) and the unsweetened baker's chocolate (3 ounces) together. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3: Mix the Eggs and Sugar - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs (3) and granulated sugar (1 cup) until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Step 4: Add the Chocolate Mixture - Once the chocolate mixture has cooled a bit, stir in the melted chocolate and butter into the egg and sugar mixture. Add the pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) and mix until smooth.
- Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients - In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour (1/2 cup) and all-purpose flour (1/2 cup). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 6: Bake the Brownies - Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 7: Prepare the Mint Frosting - In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter (3 tablespoons) and powdered sugar (1 cup) until creamy. Add the milk (1 tablespoon), pure peppermint extract (1/4 teaspoon), and green food coloring (2 drops) if using.
- Step 8: Frost the Brownies - Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the mint frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Step 9: Make the Chocolate Drizzle - In a small bowl, melt the unsweetened chocolate (1 ounce) with the unsalted butter (1 tablespoon) until smooth. Drizzle over the frosted brownies.
- Step 10: Cut and Serve - Allow the chocolate drizzle to set slightly before cutting the brownies into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Cut and wrap brownies individually for freezing; they last up to three months.
- Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
