Name: Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick's Day Fudgy Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
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

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Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies are the delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint that makes your taste buds dance. With a soft and fudgy texture, each bite delivers the perfect balance between sweetness and a hint of mint, creating a dessert that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, these brownies look stunning, bringing a vibrant pop of green to any table while remaining incredibly easy to whip up.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies

Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick's Day Fudgy Brownies

I still remember the first time I made Mint Chocolate Brownies for a St. Patrick’s Day gathering. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and the sound of clinking glasses. When I set the brownies out, they disappeared in a flash, garnering ooohs and aaahs from friends and family alike. Their delightful green hue topped with a glossy chocolate ganache was not only a feast for the eyes but a treat for the palate, too. Try this recipe for the occasion, or just because you want something sweet; it’s easy, inexpensive, and sure to charm anyone lucky enough to have a taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to serve in about 1 hour including baking and cooling time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fudgy brownie, creamy mint frosting, and smooth chocolate ganache is pure heaven.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green mint layer and glossy ganache make these brownies a showstopper on any dessert table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them for dessert, as a snack, or even as a special treat for breakfast!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free by using a suitable flour alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter: Essential for creating that gooey brownie texture. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate: This is the foundation of the brownie’s rich chocolate flavor. You can use dark chocolate for a deeper taste.
¾ cup (150g) firmly packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that’s essential in brownies.
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: A touch of white sugar balances the rich flavors beautifully.
3 large eggs: Eggs create structure and moisture. Room temperature eggs mix more easily into the batter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This enhances the overall flavor, making the brownies even more delicious.
¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour: Use a proper measurement for great texture; too much flour can make brownies dry.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the chocolate taste.
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened): Used for the creamy mint frosting, it contributes to the richness.
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, sweet frosting.
¼ cup (60ml) milk or cream: This gives the frosting a silky texture; adjust as needed based on desired consistency.
½ to ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract: The star ingredient that imparts a refreshing mint flavor; taste as you go!
2 drops green liquid or gel food coloring: Not mandatory but helps achieve that festive green hue.
1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the luscious ganache topping, add richness and texture.
⅔ cup (160ml) heavy cream: The key player for your chocolate ganache, it creates a velvety finish.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and prepare an 8” or 9” square baking pan by lining it with foil and spraying with nonstick spray. This will help in easy removal later on.

Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter (½ cup, cut into 6-8 slices) along with 8 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate, stirring frequently until smooth. This delightful chocolate mixture should cool for about 15 minutes before adding other ingredients.

Combine Ingredients: Whisk together ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture until combined. Then, add the 3 large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

Mix Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in ¾ cup all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt until fully combined. It’s crucial not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.

Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely—this is crucial before moving on to the frosting and ganache layers.

Prepare the Mint Frosting: In a large bowl with a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat ½ cup (softened) unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Then, gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ to ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract, and ¼ cup milk or cream. Toss in a couple of drops of green food coloring to achieve that festive vibe. Beat until it’s completely smooth—add more milk if it’s too stiff, or more powdered sugar if too runny.

Make the Ganache: For the chocolate ganache, place 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm ⅔ cup heavy cream until steaming, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow this to cool for at least 20 minutes before using.

Spread the Frosting: Once the brownies have cooled completely, use a spatula to evenly spread the mint frosting over the top.

Pour the Ganache: Carefully pour the cooled ganache over the mint frosting layer. It should spread evenly, but you can guide it gently with a spatula if necessary.

Set the Brownies: Place the entire pan of brownies in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours. This is what makes slicing so much easier.

Cut and Serve: When ready to serve, lift the brownies from the pan using the foil overhang. Carefully peel back the foil and set the brownies on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares, and clean the knife between cuts for clean edges.

Storing & Reheating

Store your brownies at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you prefer to refrigerate them, they will stay good for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the brownies, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If they seem a bit dry after freezing, a quick 10-second microwave heat can restore some of their luscious texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to measure your flour correctly; scooping directly from the bag can lead to uneven brownies.
Remember, room temperature eggs mix into the batter more smoothly than cold eggs.
Keep an eye on your brownies near the end of baking; they can go from perfect to dry quite quickly.
If frosting becomes too soft during assembly, chill it slightly for easier spreading.
You can make the brownie base ahead of time and frost and layer chocolate ganache the next day.
If you love a stronger mint flavor, feel free to adjust the peppermint extract to suit your taste.

Mint Chocolate Brownies are sure to be a highlight of any gathering, thanks to their beautiful appearance and irresistible taste. Getting creative with the flavors while keeping the core of the recipe is part of the fun. Don’t be afraid to try adding extra treats like crushed cookies or nuts. Enjoy every indulgent bite and share the joy of baking with others!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the brownies and allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to three days or refrigerate them for a week. The mint frosting and chocolate ganache can also be prepared a day in advance and layered just before serving.

How should I store leftovers?

To store your Mint Chocolate Brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well!

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes! You can experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the sweetness level may change, so taste your batter before baking.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If peppermint extract isn’t available, you can try using spearmint extract or even a bit of almond extract for a different flavor twist. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary significantly from the traditional mint taste, so adjust to your liking.