Few desserts achieve the perfect balance of richness and refreshment quite like mint brownies. This indulgent treat combines three irresistible layers—a fudgy chocolate brownie base, a cool and creamy mint filling, and a silky chocolate ganache topping. The result is a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or simply as a treat for yourself, these brownies are guaranteed to impress. Their elegant layered look, rich chocolate flavor, and refreshing peppermint twist make them a standout dessert for any occasion.
What Makes Mint Brownies So Special?
Mint brownies are not just another brownie recipe—they are a next-level dessert that brings layers of contrasting flavors and textures together in perfect harmony.
- Fudgy Brownie Base: Rich, chewy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, providing a solid foundation.
- Creamy Mint Layer: Light, fluffy, and cool, offering a refreshing contrast to the dense brownie.
- Smooth Chocolate Ganache: A luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth topping that enhances the chocolate-mint experience.
The combination of these elements elevates the traditional brownie into something extraordinary.
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Layer:
- Fudgy Brownie Mix: 1 box (plus ingredients as per package directions)
For the Mint Cream Layer:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 stick (113g), room temperature
- Cream Cheese: 3 ounces (85g), room temperature
- Peppermint Extract: 2 1/4 teaspoons
- Kosher Salt: 1 pinch
- Powdered Sugar: 1 3/4 cups (198g), sifted
- Heavy Cream: 1 tablespoon
- Green Liquid Food Coloring: Optional
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: 3 ounces (85g), chopped
- Heavy Cream: 1/3 cup
Optional Garnish:
- Chocolate Mints (e.g., Andes): 12, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan:
- Follow brownie mix instructions for temperature.
- Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper.
- Bake the Brownie Layer:
- Prepare brownie batter as per package instructions.
- Pour into prepared pan, smooth into an even layer.
- Bake according to package instructions, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Mint Cream Layer:
- Beat butter, cream cheese, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth.
- Sift in powdered sugar, add heavy cream and green food coloring, then whip until fluffy.
- Spread evenly over cooled brownies and refrigerate for 30–40 minutes until firm.
- Make the Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream in the microwave for 30–45 seconds (hot but not boiling).
- Add chopped chocolate, let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- Let cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Brownies:
- Pour ganache over the mint layer, spreading quickly.
- Sprinkle with chopped chocolate mints (if using).
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Slice and Serve:
- Lift brownies from pan using parchment paper.
- Slice into squares, wiping knife clean between cuts.
- Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 100mg
Why Mint and Chocolate Are a Match Made in Dessert Heaven
There’s a reason chocolate and mint are one of the most beloved dessert pairings. The deep, slightly bitter richness of chocolate perfectly complements the bright, cooling effect of mint, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavor profile.
This contrast works so well because:
- Mint refreshes the palate, preventing the richness of chocolate from feeling too heavy.
- The herbal notes in peppermint enhance the complexity of cocoa flavors.
- The creaminess of the mint layer helps bridge the textures between the fudgy brownie and smooth ganache.
It’s no wonder that desserts like Thin Mints, Andes Mints, and mint chocolate chip ice cream have stood the test of time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mint brownies are not just delicious—they’re also incredibly versatile and easy to make. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
1. Simple but Elegant
Despite their gourmet appearance, these brownies are surprisingly easy to make. The layered look gives them a sophisticated feel, making them perfect for entertaining.
2. The Perfect Holiday Dessert
The cool mint flavor and green-colored layer make these brownies ideal for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, or any winter celebration.
3. Customizable to Your Taste
You can adjust the mint intensity, chocolate richness, or sweetness level to match your preferences.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly
These brownies store well in the fridge and freezer, making them a great option for meal prep, gifts, or a last-minute dessert.
Pro Tips for the Best Mint Brownies
Even though this recipe is simple, following these tips will help you achieve bakery-quality results every time.
1. Use High-Quality Chocolate
Since chocolate is the dominant flavor, using a good-quality cocoa powder and real semi-sweet chocolate will enhance the richness of the brownies.
2. Don’t Overbake the Brownies
For the perfect fudgy texture, remove the brownies from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can lead to dry, cakey brownies.
3. Let Each Layer Set Properly
Since this recipe has multiple layers, it’s important to chill each layer before adding the next. This prevents the layers from blending together and ensures clean, sharp layers when sliced.
4. Adjust the Mint Flavor to Your Liking
If you prefer a stronger mint taste, add a little more peppermint extract. If you like a subtle hint of mint, reduce the amount slightly.
5. For Cleaner Cuts, Use a Hot Knife
To get picture-perfect brownie squares, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it clean, and slice. This helps cut through the ganache without cracking it.
Fun Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize and adapt. Here are some fun variations to experiment with:
1. Double Chocolate Mint Brownies
Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra layer of melty goodness.
2. Oreo Mint Brownies
Crush mint-flavored Oreos and sprinkle them over the mint layer before adding the ganache.
3. Dark Chocolate Mint Brownies
Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a more intense cocoa flavor.
4. Peppermint Patty Brownies
Instead of making a mint cream layer, place peppermint patties on top of the brownie base before adding the ganache.
5. Holiday-Inspired Brownies
Top the ganache with crushed candy canes for a festive Christmas twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use a Homemade Brownie Recipe Instead of a Box Mix?
Yes! If you prefer homemade brownies, use your favorite fudgy brownie recipe instead of a mix.
2. Do I Have to Use Green Food Coloring?
No, the food coloring is optional. The mint flavor remains the same, but the green color adds a fun, classic touch.
3. Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the brownie mix or flour in your homemade recipe with a gluten-free flour blend.
4. How Do I Store Mint Brownies?
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container.
5. Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of Semi-Sweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate adds a more intense cocoa flavor, which pairs beautifully with the mint.
6. Can I Make These Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based butter, dairy-free chocolate, and non-dairy cream to create a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Make Mint Brownies
If you’re looking for a decadent, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing dessert, these mint brownies are a must-try. With rich layers of chocolate and cool mint cream, they bring together the best of both worlds in a way that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a sweet treat at home, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic chocolate-mint combination.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make the best mint brownies you’ve ever tasted!
Print
Best Mint Brownies Recipe | Quick & Delicious
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes cooling and chilling time)
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
Elevate your dessert game with these decadent Mint Brownies! Featuring a fudgy brownie base, a smooth and creamy mint layer, and a rich chocolate ganache topping, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or indulging in a sweet treat at home, these mint brownies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 box fudgy brownie mix (plus ingredients required by the package directions)
For the Mint Cream Layer:
- 1 stick (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 ounces (85g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 1/4 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups (198g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Green liquid food coloring (optional)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 3 ounces (85g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish:
- 12 chocolate mints (e.g., Andes), finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan:
- Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat according to the brownie mix directions.
- Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Brownie Layer:
- Prepare the brownie batter as instructed on the package.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer.
- Bake according to the package instructions for an 8-inch pan.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
- Prepare the Mint Cream Layer:
- In a bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the butter, cream cheese, peppermint extract, and salt on medium speed until smooth (about 1 minute).
- Sift the powdered sugar into the mixture, then add the heavy cream and green food coloring (if using). Beat on medium-high speed until fluffy (30 seconds).
- Spread the mint cream over the cooled brownies and refrigerate for 30–40 minutes until firm.
- Make the Ganache Topping:
- Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 30–45 seconds until very hot.
- Add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate to the cream. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- Let the ganache cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Assemble the Brownies:
- Pour the ganache over the mint layer, spreading quickly for an even coat.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped chocolate mints over the ganache.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until fully set.
- Slice and Serve:
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies onto a cutting board.
- Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
- Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Green Food Coloring: Skip the coloring if you prefer a natural look; the flavor remains the same.
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Mint Flavor: Adjust the peppermint extract to your taste—more for a stronger mint flavor, less for subtlety.
- Garnish Options: Crushed candy canes or sprinkles can be used instead of chopped mints for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
