Quick Benefits
Chocolate Mint Brownies combine two classic flavors—rich chocolate and refreshing mint—for a dessert that’s both indulgent and surprisingly refreshing. These brownies are easy to prepare, perfect for holidays or anytime you want a unique twist on a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying one with a cup of tea, they’re sure to impress with their fudgy texture and minty bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these fudgy, minty treats:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped mint candies (like Andes mints or peppermint bark)
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips and chopped mint candies.
- Spread batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Health Benefits
While these brownies are definitely a treat, they still offer:
- Dark chocolate and cocoa powder, which contain antioxidants like flavonoids.
- Peppermint, known for its natural digestive and calming properties.
- Portion control, as these rich brownies are satisfying in small servings.
To lighten them up slightly, you could reduce the sugar or use dark chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve brownies sliced into squares on a festive platter.
- Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy with a warm drink like mint tea, hot cocoa, or even a cold glass of milk.
- Great for holiday dessert tables, cookie exchanges, or as edible gifts!
Creative Variations
- Use crushed candy canes on top for a holiday twist.
- Swirl in mint cream cheese for a cheesecake brownie hybrid.
- Add a layer of mint chocolate ganache after baking for extra richness.
- Use gluten-free flour to make them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage Tips
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To freeze, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for best flavor.
Pro Tips
- Let the melted butter and sugar cool before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the brownies soft and fudgy.
- Use parchment paper to lift brownies out of the pan easily and cut clean squares.
- For gooier brownies, bake closer to 25 minutes; for cakier ones, bake a little longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
A: Yes, but use much less—peppermint oil is more concentrated. Start with ⅛ tsp and adjust to taste.
Q: What kind of mint candies work best?
A: Chopped Andes mints, peppermint bark, or even crushed mint chocolates work well.
Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour.
Q: Do these need to be refrigerated?
A: Not necessarily, but refrigerating can help extend shelf life and firm them up.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! Just use a larger pan or bake in two batches, adjusting the bake time slightly as needed.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per brownie):
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 4g
Chocolate Mint Brownies
Chocolate Mint Brownies are a rich and fudgy dessert with a refreshing twist. Infused with peppermint extract and studded with chocolate chips and mint candies, these brownies offer the perfect balance of decadence and cool minty flavor. Ideal for holidays, parties, or a sweet treat anytime, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress with every bite.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped mint candies
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important first step to ensure your brownies bake evenly.
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This little trick makes for easy removal later.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sugar together, stirring gently until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly—this will help keep the eggs from cooking when added.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract for that refreshing minty flavor.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Now, it’s time to add in the chocolate chips and chopped mint candies. Stir them in, and you’ll have a luscious brownie batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Make sure you take your time to get it nice and level.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You will know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into delightful squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: ~330 per brownie
