These Mint Brownies are so rich and decadent, they taste like they're made from scratch but they're actually semi-homemade! They come together easily with a combination of fudgy box mix brownies, homemade mint buttercream frosting, and an extra layer of chocolate indulgence on top.
Why You’ll Love This Mint Brownie Recipe
- Easy Dessert: Making mint brownies using brownie mix and a homemade frosting is a convenient way to get brownies that taste from-scratch, while saving time and effort in the kitchen.
- Perfect Flavor Combination: Rich, fudgy brownies with cool, creamy mint frosting are a match made in heaven!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making these to enjoy with the family, serve at a party, or bring to a bake sale, these mint chocolate brownies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
For more brownie recipes, check out these Almond Joy Brownies and these Caramel Pretzel Pecan Brownies.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you need to make these chocolate mint brownies.
- Brownie Mix: We love the Ghirardelli brand, but feel free to use your favorite.
- Brownie Box Ingredients: This is typically a combination of water, oil, and eggs; however, some mixes suggest using melted butter instead of oil. Be sure to check the package instructions for ingredient measurements.
- Butter: Used to make the frosting creamy and help melt the chocolate chips for the chocolate layer. You may also need butter for the brownie mix as noted above.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and provides texture to the mint frosting for brownies.
- Milk: You’ll use this as needed to thin out the frosting during mixing. Use any type of milk you’d like.
- Food Coloring: We used green food coloring to give these brownies a classic, minty look to match the flavor.
- Flavorings: A combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts add flavor to the frosting.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These get melted down with butter to create the rich chocolate topping for the brownies.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies: Mix some mini chocolate chips into the brownie batter and sprinkle some on top, too.
- Andes Mint Brownies: Break up some Andes Creme De Menthe Thins and sprinkle on top of the melted chocolate layer while it’s still not set. You can also crush some up and stir them into the brownie batter before baking.
- Peppermint Chocolate Brownies: Use red food coloring instead of green, and add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to the chocolate layer before it sets.
How to Make Mint Brownies
To get started, preheat your oven and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 1: Make the brownies. Add the brownie mix and ingredients listed on the box to a large bowl. Mix as directed and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake according to package directions.
- Step 2: Mix up the frosting. Add the butter to a bowl. Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter for 2 minutes. Add the remaining frosting ingredients and continue to mix for about 5 more minutes.
- Step 3: Spread the frosting. Evenly spread the frosting over the brownies after they have cooled.
- Step 4: Make and add the topping. Add butter and chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted. Pour the melted chocolate over the frosting and allow it to cool before slicing the brownies.
Storage Directions
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to refrigerate them instead to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Refrigeration: The brownies will keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Cut the brownies into squares and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the brownies thaw at room temperature or in the fridge for a couple of hours before eating them.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many great ways to enjoy these mint brownies. Here are some delicious ideas for serving and eating them:
- Indulge in a brownie while sipping on a cup of this Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate or this Warm Milk and Cinnamon.
- Serve the brownies at a holiday party along with other festive treats like these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies and this Peppermint Fudge.
- Add them to a colorful dessert tray along with some Fruity Pebble Treats and M&M Blondies.
Expert Tips
- Use room temperature butter for the frosting: Room temperature butter is easier to mix and creates a better texture for the frosting. Cold butter is not as easy to mix and can cause the frosting to separate.
- Cool before frosting: Be sure to allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the frosting so it doesn’t melt.
- Firm up the chocolate in the fridge: Place the brownies in the fridge to help firm up the chocolate layer so they are easier to cut. You can also stick them in the freezer for 15-30 minutes instead.
- Try a chocolate drizzle: If you think the chocolate layer is too rich, lightly drizzle the melted chocolate over top of the brownies instead. You can also shave a chocolate bar on top for garnish.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix and be sure to check the labels on the other ingredients for safety.
Dry brownies are most often the result of overbaking. Since oven temperatures vary, you should check on them a few minutes before the recommended time on the package, and remove them when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Chocolate Mint Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 2 boxes brownie mix I prefer Ghirardelli brand
- brownie box ingredients
Mint Frosting
- ½ cup room temp butter
- 3 cups powder sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk as needed
- drops green food coloring to reach desired shade of green
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Chocolate layer
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Brownie layer:
- In a large bowl add brownie mix and ingredients instructed on back of box. Mix well, pour into a parchment paper lined 9x13 baking pan and bake as directed. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.
Mint Frosting
- In a stand mixer, using your paddle attachment, cream your butter for two minutes. Slowly add in all other ingredients and mix at medium speed for about 5 minutes. Spread evenly over brownies after they have cooled.
Topping layer:
- Add your butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Microwave another 30 seconds and stir. If the chocolate chips are not completely melted continue this until melted. Pour over frosting. Let cool. When chocolate is firm cut. NOTE: I prefer to stick it in the fridge to help make the chocolate really firm for cutting. Or the freezer for about 15-30 minutes.
Video
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for the frosting: Room temperature butter is easier to mix and creates a better texture for the frosting. Cold butter is not as easy to mix and can cause the frosting to separate.
- Cool before frosting: Be sure to allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the frosting so it doesn’t melt.
- Firm up the chocolate in the fridge: Place the brownies in the fridge to help firm up the chocolate layer so they are easier to cut. You can also stick them in the freezer for 15-30 minutes instead.
- Try a chocolate drizzle: If you think the chocolate layer is too rich, lightly drizzle the melted chocolate over top of the brownies instead. You can also shave a chocolate bar on top for garnish.
Nutrition
Emily Kemp says
Wow these are the ultimate festive dessert, I can't stop staring!