Irresistible Mint Brownies

Category: Sweet Treats for Every Craving

Chewy chocolate brownies layered with mint-flavored frosting and a shiny ganache. These treats are great for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want to indulge in minty goodness.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:00:31 GMT
Irresistible Mint Brownies Save
Irresistible Mint Brownies | homebitesbyana.com

This super minty chocolate brownie treat has totally become my go-to for every holiday hangout. Years ago I went hunting for something that mixed chocolate and mint—my two faves—and stumbled on this. You get a chewy brownie on the bottom, fluffy minty middle, glossy chocolate topping, and everyone just assumes you spent forever making them. They're actually fast to pull together, and the impressive look is so worth that tiny bit of extra work.

I took these along to my in-laws’ Christmas bash last year. Tom—my father-in-law—usually skips everyone’s baked stuff except his wife’s, but he grabbed two pieces and eventually packed up a third to take home. The next day, my mother-in-law even texted asking how to make them because Tom kept raving! Now, I’m officially in charge of bringing these to every family get-together from Thanksgiving right through New Year’s.

Essential Ingredients

  • Green food coloring: Totally optional but adding even a little makes that bold minty green you expect. Grab gel food color for the brightest shade without making your frosting runny.
  • Heavy cream: Both the ganache layer and frosting need this. The creaminess gives that lush feel and keeps things smooth. Skipping it or swapping milk just doesn't cut it.
  • Peppermint extract: Go easy—just a dash gives the perfect chill. Too much and it can taste straight-up like toothpaste! The real deal has way better flavor than fake stuff.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate: I’ve tried dark, I’ve tried sweeter, but semi-sweet gives the best combo with the mint. It’s bold without being bitter or too sugary.
  • Salted butter: I use this for every layer. I’ve experimented with other kinds, but there’s just something about the salty-sweet combo that’s perfect here without having to mess with adding your own salt.
Easy Mint Chocolate Brownies Save
Easy Mint Chocolate Brownies | homebitesbyana.com

Detailed Steps

Let every layer cool:
Patience is key! Give each part a chance to set up fully before moving on so you end up with crisp, clean layers instead of a messy swirl.
Ganache shortcut:
Dump hot cream right onto your chocolate and let it sit. Don’t microwave both together or you’ll scorch it. The chocolate will melt smoothly from just the heat of the cream.
Just the right mint:
Always start with less peppermint than you think you need—then sample a little. Add tiny bit more if needed. Too much can take over the flavor fast.
Frosting texture:
Beat your butter on its own for about 3-4 minutes before even adding sugar. Yeah, it sounds long, but it makes that filling dreamy and airy.
Order of mixing:
Add your eggs into the chocolate mix at the very end. This way the batter is cooler, and the eggs don’t end up scrambled. Super fudgy every time.
One-pan brownies:
Melt your chocolate and butter together for the base so you get brownies that stay chewy and luscious. Be sure to stir and keep your heat low so nothing burns.

I’ve tinkered with this for ages, fiddling with little things every time. I used to go overboard with cheap mint extract and totally drowned out the chocolate. Finding a good brand and using less nailed that mint-chocolate balance. At first I’d slather on too much frosting, but dialing back let all three layers really shine. These amounts get you the ultimate blend of decadent brownie, mint fluff, and chocolate cover—nothing overshadows the rest.

Fun Ways to Serve

Chill these and slice for the prettiest bars and coolest color contrast. Add fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cocoa on top if you want to get fancy. For the holidays, I throw on silver sprinkles before the topping hardens—they look sparkly and fun. They’re perfect with coffee or milk, and if adults are around, a splash of Baileys or Kahlúa on the side is next-level good.

Flavor Upgrades

Mix in a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie part—brings out the chocolate flavor without making them taste like coffee. For holidays, smash up some candy canes and scatter over the top before the chocolate sets for crunch and color. Switch the ganache up by using white chocolate for a totally different vibe next to the minty middle. If you want something grown-up, swap in crème de menthe liqueur for the peppermint in your frosting.

Keep It Fresh

After they're chilled and set, stash your brownies in a sealed container in the fridge. They'll hold up (and get even yummier) for about a week. Want them to last even longer? Cut and layer with parchment in the freezer for up to three months. Just move them to the fridge to thaw the night before you need them. I love making these ahead so party day is easy-breezy.

Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe Save
Mint Chocolate Brownies Recipe | homebitesbyana.com

I’ve carried these mint brownies to cookouts in July and tree-trimming parties in December. Something about the punchy chocolate and cool mint grabs almost everyone. The green center means they always look party-ready, and they disappear first off any sweets table. What started as a fun taste test has ended up the dish people always request. Sometimes a bit of extra fuss pays back huge, especially when it becomes the treat everyone connects to you!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I swap out salted butter and use unsalted?
Sure thing! Add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the batter and a little pinch to the frosting to make up for the difference.
→ What's the best way to tell if the brownies are baked perfectly?
Stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with just a couple of moist crumbs—not wet batter—they're ready. Don’t overbake, or they’ll lose their soft texture.
→ Are these brownies okay to freeze?
Definitely! They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Cut into squares first and stack with parchment paper in an airtight box.
→ What’s the trick to slicing these brownies cleanly?
Use a knife warmed under hot water, then dried off. Cut through the layers after chilling the brownies for a while.
→ Can I use peppermint oil instead of the extract?
Yes, you can! But don’t overdo it—use just about ¼ teaspoon since it’s stronger than the extract.

Mint chocolate layers

Chewy brownies topped with smooth mint frosting and a glossy chocolate finish. These triple-layer treats are perfect for special moments or mint chocolate cravings!

Prep Time
30 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Total Time
60 min
By: Ana

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yields: 12 Servings (12 brownies)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Brownies

01 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
03 4 large eggs
04 4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
05 2 cups granulated sugar
06 1 cup salted butter

→ Mint Frosting

07 10 drops green food coloring
08 3 cups powdered sugar
09 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
10 ¾ cup salted butter, softened
11 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

→ Ganache

12 2 tablespoons butter
13 ½ cup heavy whipping cream
14 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 dish thoroughly with cooking spray, then add a parchment paper layer. Put it aside for later.

Step 02

Heat butter with chocolate chips in a big pot on medium heat. Stir nonstop until it's all melted and smooth.

Step 03

Pour in sugar and vanilla, stir together until it’s nice and smooth.

Step 04

Gradually add in the flour while stirring to make sure there are no dry chunks left.

Step 05

Finally, crack in the eggs and mix just until it all comes together.

Step 06

Pour your thick batter into the prepped dish and smooth it out. Bake for 23-25 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick in the center. It’s ready if it comes out clean.

Step 07

Take the brownies out and let them sit on a rack until they’ve totally cooled.

Step 08

Put the butter in a stand mixer. Whip on high for 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and fluffy.

Step 09

Mix in the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl regularly.

Step 10

Add peppermint extract, heavy cream, and food coloring. Mix on low first, then turn up to high and beat another 3-4 minutes until light and airy.

Step 11

Take the cooled brownies and spread the frosting evenly on top.

Step 12

Heat the cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute or so, just until it’s hot but not bubbling. Toss chocolate chips and butter into a medium bowl, pour in the hot cream, and wait 3-4 minutes. Then whisk together. If any chunks remain, microwave for 20-30 seconds to smooth it out.

Step 13

Once the ganache has cooled a bit, gently spread it over the frosting to make the top layer.

Step 14

Pop the brownies in the fridge for at least half an hour until the ganache sets. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.

Notes

  1. These brownies have three amazing layers: fudgy chocolate, sweet mint frosting, and a smooth chocolate ganache on top.
  2. Before enjoying, let them warm up at room temp for about 15 minutes to enjoy the full flavor.

Required Equipment

  • 9x13 baking pan
  • Parchment sheets
  • Big pot
  • Mixer with paddle attachment
  • Whisk
  • Wire rack for cooling
  • Microwave-safe dish
  • Flat knife or offset spatula

Allergen Information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Includes gluten
  • Includes dairy
  • Includes eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbs: ~
  • Protein: ~