Chocolate Mint Brownie Squares

Name: Chocolate Mint Brownie Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16.0
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; Green food coloring (optional) for color

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

When I first combined chocolate and mint, I knew I was onto something special. These Chocolate Mint Brownie Squares have become a staple in my kitchen for any gathering. The layers of fudgy brownie topped with a refreshing mint frosting create a delightful contrast that always impresses my friends and family. It’s the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and a hint of cool mint that lingers on your palate. I love how easy they are to prepare, making them the ultimate indulgence for any occasion.

Created by

Matilda Rowe

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:35:34.841Z

One memorable afternoon, I decided to play around with my classic brownie recipe and add a mint twist. The result was nothing short of magical! The chocolate brownie base is so decadent, and pairing it with a creamy mint frosting just elevates the experience. I discovered that using both dark chocolate and cocoa powder gave them a richer flavor that complements the mint beautifully.

As I shared these brownies with friends at a recent gathering, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People couldn’t stop raving about the unique flavor combination. The key is letting the brownies cool completely before frosting them; this ensures that the layers don’t mix and keeps the mint frosting perfectly fluffy. Trust me, this is a recipe you'll want to keep close!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Irresistible chocolate and mint combination
Fudgy texture that is simply delightful
Perfect for parties, holidays, or a sweet treat!

Achieving the Perfect Brownie Texture

To create that perfect fudgy brownie texture, it's essential to master the mixing of the ingredients. When combining the butter and sugar, mix them until they’re just blended. Overmixing can lead to cakey brownies, which is not the goal here. After adding the eggs, only mix until it's combined; the last thing you want is to incorporate too much air. Finally, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips to maintain that rich doughy consistency.

Using high-quality cocoa powder is vital for depth of flavor. I recommend Dutch-processed cocoa, which has a smoother taste and darker color. If you don’t have cocoa powder on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsweetened baking chocolate. Just melt it down with the butter first and adjust the sugar levels slightly, as melted chocolate can be less sweet than cocoa powder.

Perfecting the Mint Frosting

The mint frosting is what elevates these brownies to another level of deliciousness. To ensure the frosting is airy yet substantial, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy before adding the powdered sugar. It should look creamy and pale before you mix in the heavy cream and peppermint extract. The cream not only aids in achieving the right spreading consistency but also helps to make the frosting a little richer.

If you're making these for a special occasion or holiday, consider using themed food coloring to give the frosting a festive touch. A few drops of green can enhance the minty theme perfectly. Additionally, be cautious with the peppermint extract; start with a teaspoon and taste before adding more, as it can quickly overpower if you’re not careful.

Storing and Serving Tips

These brownies stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature and can also be refrigerated for a richer flavor. If you're looking to make them ahead of time, the brownies freeze wonderfully. Cut them into squares and freeze the pieces separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for a perfect texture.

For serving, these squares can be plated with a dusting of additional powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra appeal. They pair excellently with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the mint flavor. For a fun twist, you could even serve them with a side of fresh mint leaves to heighten that fresh mint experience.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips

For the Mint Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring (optional) for color

Instructions

Prepare the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, melt the butter and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold in the dark chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake the Brownies

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow them to cool completely in the pan.

Make the Mint Frosting

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract and adjust the coloring if desired.

Frost the Brownies

Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the mint frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Pro Tips

For an extra minty kick, consider adding crushed peppermint candies on top of the frosting before it sets.

Key Techniques for Success

It's crucial to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they're ready; if it's clean, you've likely overbaked them. Keep an eye on the edges as they will firm up faster than the center. This recipe should produce a soft center that gives a little when you press it gently.

When frosting the brownies, ensure you are using completely cooled brownies so that the frosting doesn’t melt. This step is vital for achieving a nice, even layer of frosting rather than a gooey mess. If you encounter any cracks during baking, don’t worry! The frosting will cover them, resulting in a lovely finished product.

Ingredient Adaptations

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, ensuring similar structure and texture. Always check the blend you choose to make sure it has the appropriate properties to mimic regular flour in baking.

If you're looking to reduce sugar in the recipe, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or a blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind that these alternatives can alter the texture slightly, so it's best to experiment if you're sensitive to sugar.

Creative Variations

You can easily switch up the flavor profile by adding crushed peppermint candies on top of the frosted brownies for a crunchy texture. Alternatively, try swapping the mint extract for orange or raspberry for a completely different dessert experience while keeping the fudgy brownie base.

For a more indulgent treat, layer a chocolate ganache on top of the mint frosting. Simply warm heavy cream and pour it over chocolate chips, stirring until glossy. This adds a layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the mint and cocoa flavors in the brownies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to use semi-sweet or milk chocolate depending on your taste preference.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll last for up to three months in the freezer.

→ What can I substitute for peppermint extract?

You can substitute with mint extract or even vanilla extract, though the flavor will be different.