Mint Brownies are an absolute dream for anyone who loves the refreshing combination of rich chocolate and cool mint. This indulgent recipe features a deep, fudgy brownie base, crowned with a thick, vibrant layer of creamy mint frosting, and finished with a silky-smooth chocolate ganache. These aren’t just any brownies; they’re a decadent, multi-layered treat designed to satisfy your deepest cravings for a refreshing, chocolatey delight. Perfect for holidays, parties, or simply as a special homemade indulgence, these mint chocolate brownies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire, guaranteed to impress with every bite.
Looking for more delightful treats to bake? You’ll also love our Peppermint Brownies for a festive twist during the holiday season, our timeless classic Cosmic Brownies reminiscent of childhood favorites, and our equally delicious Gluten-Free Brownies for those with specific dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delightful dessert.
The Story Behind My Ultimate Mint Brownies
My journey to perfecting these irresistible mint brownies began during a pivotal and memorable period of my life – my junior year of college in Provo. It was a time of constant activity, as I balanced early morning shifts at the famous Creamery® with a full academic course load and demanding evening waitressing gigs. The Creamery was much more than just a place of work; it was a beloved local institution, renowned across the BYU campus and the wider community for its incredible, innovative ice cream flavors, particularly the legendary Graham Canyon, and a delightful array of freshly baked goods, including their highly sought-after donuts and, of course, their iconic mint brownies.
One of the best, most anticipated perks of my early morning shifts was the privilege of cutting the fresh batches of mint brownies. This daily ritual meant I often got to snag the “imperfect” pieces – the edges, the slightly misshapen corners – which, in my opinion, were always the most delicious. This consistent exposure wasn’t just about a free treat; it was an invaluable education. I quickly developed a discerning palate, becoming a true mint brownie connoisseur, with a keen sense for only the highest quality and most balanced flavors. I learned exactly what made a mint brownie truly exceptional: a rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey base, a refreshing yet perfectly balanced mint frosting that wasn’t overpowering, and a perfectly smooth, glossy chocolate topping that tied all the flavors and textures together harmoniously.
After months, and honestly, what felt like years, of dedicated trial and error in my own kitchen, I meticulously tweaked ratios, experimented with various types of chocolate, and painstakingly perfected the delicate balance of peppermint extract. The goal was always to recreate and surpass that Creamery magic, delivering a homemade version that was simply unparalleled. Today, I am beyond thrilled to finally share my ultimate mint brownie recipe with you. This isn’t just a collection of ingredients and steps; it’s a culmination of my college memories, refined and perfected into what I wholeheartedly believe are the absolute best homemade mint chocolate brownies you’ll ever taste. Prepare yourself to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to dessert heaven!
Essential Ingredients for Decadent Mint Brownies
Crafting these perfect mint brownies requires a thoughtful selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating its iconic layers of flavor and texture. Understanding the purpose of each component will help you achieve the best possible results. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this layered masterpiece:
- Fudgy Brownie Base: We start with a high-quality, 17.8-ounce brownie mix, such as Betty Crocker’s Triple Chunk Supreme or your preferred brand. The convenience of a mix significantly speeds up preparation without compromising on flavor, especially when enhanced. Crucially, we incorporate finely chopped Oreos into the batter. These cookies are not just a garnish; they boost the overall chocolate richness of the brownie and, more importantly, introduce a delightful textural crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fudgy base. Leaving the creme filling inside the Oreos adds to the indulgent texture.
- Creamy Mint Frosting: The vibrant green layer that defines these treats is a luxurious cream cheese frosting. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful combination of softened full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter, ensuring a rich, smooth base. The star flavor comes from potent peppermint extract (it’s vital to use peppermint, not spearmint or plain mint, for that classic, cool, and bright flavor profile). A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors, while ample powdered sugar provides a smooth, sweet, and perfectly spreadable consistency. Optional green food coloring is added to give these mint brownies their signature festive and appealing hue.
- Silky Chocolate Ganache: The final, glossy topping is a classic, decadent chocolate ganache. This luxurious layer is made by melting milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer a slightly less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor) with rich heavy cream and a touch of unsalted butter. The heavy cream creates a smooth, emulsified texture, while the butter adds extra shine and a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth feel to the ganache, providing a perfect chocolate finish to every bite.
Quick Tip for Enhanced Brownie Fudginess
Many brownie mixes, especially those labeled as “supreme” or “deluxe,” come with a small, separate packet of fudge or chocolate syrup. If your chosen brownie mix includes such an addition, do not incorporate it into the initial batter preparation. Instead, reserve this packet for later. Once your brownies are freshly baked and still warm from the oven, immediately spread this entire fudge layer directly over the warm brownies. This clever technique melts the fudge into the brownie, significantly enhancing the overall fudginess and flavor, creating an even more indulgent and moist base for your subsequent mint frosting and ganache layers.
Simple Steps to Crafting Perfect Mint Brownies
Creating these beautifully layered mint brownies might appear elaborate, but the process is surprisingly straightforward when broken down into three manageable stages: preparing and baking the brownie base, whipping up the creamy mint frosting, and finally, adding the glossy chocolate ganache. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a truly irresistible and professional-looking dessert:
- Prepare and Bake the Fudgy Brownie Base: Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix package. Line your 9×9-inch (or 8×8-inch for a thicker brownie) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides for easy removal later. Prepare your chosen brownie mix according to its package directions. If a fudge packet is included, set it aside. Finely chop six Oreos, ensuring there are no large chunks, and gently fold these into the prepared brownie batter. Pour the thick batter into your lined pan and spread it evenly. Bake as directed, being careful not to overbake; a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, for optimal fudginess. As soon as the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven. If you reserved a fudge packet, spread it over the warm brownies now. Cover the brownies tightly and place them in the fridge (or freezer for faster cooling) to cool completely.
- Whip Up the Creamy Mint Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the vibrant mint frosting. It’s crucial that your full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter are softened to room temperature to achieve a lump-free, smooth consistency. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until they are smooth, light, and creamy. Incorporate the peppermint extract (start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste, up to 1½ teaspoons), salt, and optional green food coloring for that signature hue. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is perfectly smooth and velvety. It may seem stiff initially, but keep beating; resist adding any milk or cream, as this can make the frosting too thin. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread this delightful mint frosting evenly over the brownie base. Return the frosted brownies to the fridge to chill thoroughly while you prepare the ganache.
- Prepare and Pour the Silky Ganache: For the final luxurious layer, measure your chocolate chips into a heatproof bowl. In a separate glass measuring cup or small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and a tablespoon of unsalted butter until it is steaming hot but not boiling (about 60-90 seconds in a microwave or a few minutes on the stovetop). Pour this hot cream mixture over the chocolate chips. Do not stir immediately; instead, cover the bowl tightly with a pot lid or plate to trap the heat. Let it stand undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the chocolate chips.
- Achieve a Perfect Finish, Chill, Slice, and Serve: After 5 minutes, uncover the bowl and gently stir the mixture with a whisk or spatula, starting from the center and working your way outwards, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. If any small chocolate chunks remain, microwave the mixture in brief 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until perfectly smooth. Allow the ganache to stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly; this crucial step prevents it from being too runny and ensures it sets beautifully over the frosting. Whisk again, then carefully pour and smooth the ganache over the chilled mint frosting layer. Let the assembled brownies stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes to maintain a beautiful, glossy finish on the chocolate topping before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill for 2-3 hours, or until the chocolate topping is completely firm and set. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully remove the entire slab of brownies from the pan. For the cleanest, most professional-looking cuts, run a very sharp knife under hot water, wipe it completely dry, and then slice the brownies in quick, firm motions. Re-warm and clean your knife between *each* cut to prevent dragging and achieve beautifully defined edges. Slice and serve your magnificent homemade mint brownies!
Expert Tips for Flawless Mint Brownies
Achieving bakery-quality mint brownies at home is entirely within your reach with a few smart techniques and helpful insights. These expert tips will guide you through mastering each layer, ensuring a delightful and picture-perfect outcome every time you bake:
- Line Your Pan for Easy Removal: This simple but critical step is a game-changer. By lining your 9×9-inch baking pan (or 8×8-inch for thicker brownies) with parchment paper and leaving a generous overhang on two opposite sides, you create convenient handles. These handles allow you to easily lift the entire cooled slab of brownies cleanly out of the pan. This prevents sticking, makes frosting and subsequent slicing much easier, and ensures your brownies maintain their perfect shape without any crumbling or damage.
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients for Creamy Frosting: For an incredibly smooth, perfectly creamy, and lump-free mint frosting, it is absolutely essential that your full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter are softened to true room temperature. Cold ingredients will result in a clumpy, difficult-to-spread frosting that won’t emulsify properly. Plan ahead and take them out of the refrigerator at least one to two hours before you intend to start mixing your frosting.
- Finely Chop Your Oreos for Even Distribution: When incorporating Oreos into your brownie batter, make sure they are very finely chopped. Smaller, consistent pieces distribute more evenly throughout the batter, ensuring that every single bite gets a delightful crunch and an extra burst of chocolate flavor. Larger chunks of cookie can create an uneven brownie texture and make it harder to slice cleanly through the finished product.
- Master the Art of Cooling and Chilling Layers: Patience is a virtue when it comes to layered desserts! First, always allow your brownie base to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to apply the mint frosting. Applying frosting to warm brownies will cause it to melt and create a messy, unappealing result. Second, once the frosting is on, chill the brownies again until the frosting is firm before pouring on the warm ganache. This crucial step prevents the warm ganache from melting into the mint layer, ensuring distinct, beautiful layers. For convenience, you can even prepare the brownie layer a day ahead, store it covered in the fridge, and then complete the frosting and ganache the next day.
- Achieve Impeccably Clean Slices with a Warm Knife: For professional-looking, perfectly neat squares with crisp edges, use a very sharp knife. The ultimate secret weapon for clean cuts is to warm your knife under hot running water for a few seconds, then quickly wipe it completely dry with a paper towel. Make each slice swiftly and firmly, then re-warm and wipe your knife clean between *every single cut*. This technique prevents the chocolate ganache from cracking and dragging, giving you beautifully defined, clean-edged mint brownie squares.
- Choose Peppermint, Not Generic Mint Extract: For that classic, unmistakable, and refreshing mint chocolate brownie flavor, always opt specifically for peppermint extract. Regular “mint” extract can sometimes have a distinct spearmint-like flavor, which, while pleasant, isn’t quite the same as the cool, bright, and invigorating taste we traditionally associate with mint chocolate desserts like these brownies.
- Do Not Overbake Your Brownies: Overbaking is the primary enemy of fudgy brownies. To ensure your brownie base remains perfectly moist and dense, keep a very close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter, but also not completely dry. When in doubt, it’s always better to slightly underbake your brownies than to overbake them, as they will continue to set as they cool, resulting in an exquisitely fudgy texture.
Storage Guidelines for Optimal Freshness
Keeping Your Mint Brownies Delicious
To ensure your delectable mint brownies remain as fresh and enjoyable as possible, it is essential to store any leftovers correctly. Place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. This is crucial due to the dairy components present in both the rich cream cheese frosting and the silky chocolate ganache. When stored properly in the fridge, these brownies are best consumed within 3-4 days to maintain their optimal taste, texture, and quality. Freezing is generally not recommended for these particular brownies, as the dairy in the frosting and ganache tends to separate and can become grainy or watery upon thawing. This process often compromises their luxurious, smooth texture, diminishing the overall enjoyment of this indulgent treat. For the best experience, it’s always advisable to enjoy them fresh!
More Decadent Dessert Recipes to Explore:
- Carmelitas: Irresistible caramel-oatmeal bars with a delightfully chewy texture.
- Fudgy Molten Lava Brookie Cups: Miniature brownie bites boasting a gooey, molten chocolate center.
- 7-Layer Bars: A classic, rich dessert bar generously loaded with sweet condensed milk, chocolate chips, and crunchy nuts.
- Brownie Trifle: An elegant layered dessert featuring rich brownie pieces, luscious cream, and fresh berries, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Chocolate Dip for Fruit: A creamy, delectable dip made with brownie batter and Nutella, ideal for serving alongside fresh fruit.
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Mint Brownies
Equipment
- 9 x 9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 (17.8-ounce) package brownie mix and the ingredients called for on the package
- 6 Oreos finely chopped, leave the creme filling inside
- 3 ounces cream cheese full-fat
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract not mint
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Green food coloring optional
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips if desired
- 2/3 cup heavy cream full-fat
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch (or 8×8-inch works for slightly thicker brownies) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions—do not add the fudge packet if it came with your brownies (reserve the packet for later). Very finely chop 6 Oreos, ensuring no large chunks, and gently fold them into the brownie ingredients. Stir everything together to make a thick, consistent batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake according to package instructions, taking care not to overbake; a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter. As soon as the brownies are baked, remove from oven and allow to cool for 3–4 minutes. If you had a fudge packet, spread it evenly over the warm brownies now. Cover the brownies tightly with plastic wrap and place in the fridge (or freezer for quicker cooling) to cool completely while you prepare the frosting layer.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened (room temperature, not melted) cream cheese and butter until thoroughly smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps. Add the peppermint extract to your preference; I find 1 teaspoon to be perfect (see Note 1 in recipe notes below for guidance on strength). Incorporate the salt, green food coloring if using, and gradually add the powdered sugar. Beat until the frosting is smooth, light, and creamy. It will seem very stiff at first, but just keep beating until it comes together; resist the urge to add milk or cream, as this can thin it too much. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed with a spatula. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the mint frosting evenly over the top. Return the frosted brownies to the fridge to chill again while preparing the ganache.
Ganache
- Measure the chocolate chips into a heatproof bowl and set aside. Add the heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to a glass measuring cup or small saucepan and microwave (or heat on stovetop) until steaming hot (but not boiling), approximately 60–90 seconds in a microwave. Pour the hot cream mixture directly over the chocolate chips. Do not stir immediately. Cover the bowl tightly with a pot lid or plate to keep in the heat. Let stand undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt from the residual heat.
- After 5 minutes, uncover and stir gently with a whisk or spatula, starting from the center and working outwards, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. If needed, microwave the mixture for 15-second intervals, stirring after each, to fully melt any remaining chocolate.
- Let the ganache stand at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly; this prevents it from being too runny and ensures a good layer on top of the frosting. Whisk again briefly, then carefully pour and smooth the ganache over the chilled mint frosting layer. Allow the brownies to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes after applying the ganache (this helps to keep the top glossy—do not immediately refrigerate). Then, transfer the brownies to the refrigerator for 2–3 hours, or until the chocolate topping is completely firm and set. Using the overhang of parchment paper, carefully remove the entire slab of brownies from the pan. For clean, neat slices, cut with a very sharp knife. To get perfectly defined cuts, run your knife under very hot water, thoroughly dry it, and slice in quick, firm cuts, wiping and re-warming the knife between each cut.
Recipe Notes
Storage & Freezing Recommendations: To maintain the freshness and quality of your mint brownies, store any leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator. They will remain wonderfully delicious for up to 3–4 days. However, freezing these brownies is generally not recommended. The dairy components in both the cream cheese frosting and the chocolate ganache tend to separate and can become grainy or watery upon thawing, which unfortunately diminishes the overall luxurious texture and enjoyment of this indulgent treat.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.