Classic mint chocolate brownies
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One reader says: "To say this recipe is delicious is an understatement. They are PERFECTION! The texture of the brownie, the creamy frosting and the soft ganache on top are just right
Thick and fudgy brownies layered with sweet mint frosting and easy chocolate ganache. The classic mint chocolate combination!
Ingredients
Brownies
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup + 3 Tablespoons (86g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1/4 cup (21g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
Mint Frosting Layer
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk
1 and 1/4 teaspoons peppermint extract*
optional: 1 drop liquid or gel green food coloring
Chocolate Layer
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
1 heaping cup (around 200g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
For the brownies: Melt the butter and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Or melt in a medium microwave safe bowl in 20 second increments, stirring after each, in the microwave. Remove from the heat, pour into a large mixing bowl, and allow to slightly cool for 10 minutes.
Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan* with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Set aside.
Whisk the granulated and brown sugars into the cooled chocolate/butter mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla. Gently fold in the salt, flour, and cocoa powder. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35-36 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the edges of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs when the brownies are done. All ovens are different, so keep an eye on them after 30 minutes and use the toothpick test to see when yours are finished. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, lift the foil out of the pan using the overhang on the sides. Place the whole thing on a baking sheet as you make the frosting. Do not cut into squares yet.
For the mint frosting layer: In a medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar and milk. Beat for 2 minutes on low speed, then increase to high speed and beat for 1 additional minute. Add the peppermint extract and food coloring (if using) and beat on high for 1 full minute. Taste and add a drop or two more peppermint extract if desired. Frost cooled brownies, that you placed on the baking sheet, and place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. This allows the frosting to “set” on top of the brownies which makes spreading the chocolate layer easy. Keep in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
For the chocolate layer: Melt the butter and chocolate chips in a medium saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Or melt in a medium microwave safe bowl in 20 second increments, stirring after each, in the microwave. Once melted and smooth, pour over mint layer. Gently spread with a knife or offset spatula. Place the brownies, that are still on the baking sheet, in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour (and up to 4 hours or even overnight) to set the chocolate.
Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator and cut into squares. For neat cutting, make very quick cuts, using a very sharp large knife, and wiping the knife off with a paper towel between each cut. Brownies are OK at room temperature for a few hours. Cover tightly and keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: I recommend freezing the baked brownies, then thawing overnight in the refrigerator, then frosting with the mint and then the chocolate topping. This way the topping is nice and fresh. OR you can freeze the finished brownies, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cut into squares.
Peppermint Extract: I always recommend using peppermint extract in these brownies– I find that mint extract tastes more like spearmint toothpaste than true mint flavor.
Smaller Pan: This brownie recipe is a combination of these chewy brownies and these raspberry cheesecake brownies, only made into a larger batch for a bigger pan. If you’d like to make today’s recipe in a 9×9 or 8×8 size square baking pan, you can halve the frosting and the chocolate topping. Then use this brownie recipe as the bottom layer.
Recipe and image source: Sally's Baking Recipes.
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