Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Mint Brownies, a perfect balance of rich cocoa and refreshing mint that melts in your mouth.
High in fiber from cocoa and eggs, with healthy fats from butter, these brownies offer a guilt-free treat option.
Quick to prepare and easy to bake, they make a satisfying dessert or snack, ideal for everyday cooking, special occasions, or even meal prep for chocolate lovers.
Easy Chocolate Mint Brownies
Equipment
- 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan (33 x 22 x 5 cm)
- Mixing bowls, large
- Sifter
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wire rack
- Small bowl for glaze
- Spoon or small spatula for drizzling glaze
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 teaspoon butter for greasing pan
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter melted, divided
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2 cups granulated sugar or caster sugar
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or peppermint extract
- 1 cup mint baking chips or chopped chocolate mint bars
Glaze
- ⅔ cup icing sugar
- 1 –3 teaspoons water
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 drop green food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), or 165°C for fan ovens, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for even baking. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch (33 x 22 x 5 cm) pan with about a teaspoon of butter, making sure every corner is coated. This prevents the brownies from sticking and makes removal easy once baked. For an extra smooth release, you can also line the pan with parchment paper.
- Combine Cocoa and Leavening Agents: In a large mixing bowl, sift together ¾ cup cocoa powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Sifting helps remove lumps and ensures your brownies will be smooth and evenly textured. Take a moment to enjoy the rich chocolate aroma—it’s the first hint of the delicious brownies ahead.
- Mix in Melted Butter: Add ⅓ cup of melted unsalted butter (half of the total butter amount) to the cocoa mixture. Stir thoroughly using a whisk or spoon until the mixture becomes uniform. This step enriches the cocoa with a creamy texture and lays the foundation for fudgy brownies. The mixture may look thick, but that’s exactly what you want.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully pour ½ cup boiling water into the chocolate mixture while stirring continuously. The hot water will bloom the cocoa, enhancing its chocolate flavor and creating a glossy, thick base for your brownie batter. Keep stirring until the mixture smooths out into a luscious, chocolatey consistency.
- Incorporate Sugar and Eggs: Next, stir in 2 cups granulated sugar (or caster sugar) until evenly distributed. Then, gradually add 2 beaten eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The eggs provide structure and moisture while creating a soft, tender crumb. At this stage, your mixture will transform into a smooth, shiny batter.
- Add Remaining Butter and Flavoring: Stir in the remaining ⅓ cup melted butter along with 1 teaspoon vanilla or peppermint extract. The butter enriches the batter with fat, making it ultra-moist, while the extract gives a hint of refreshing mint or classic vanilla, depending on your choice. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Sift together 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt, then gradually fold them into the chocolate mixture. Use gentle motions to avoid overmixing, which can make brownies dense. Fold until just combined, ensuring a consistent batter with no streaks of flour.
- Add Mint Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in 1 cup of mint baking chips or chopped chocolate mint bars. These will create pockets of minty sweetness throughout the brownies, giving every bite a delicious surprise. Make sure they are evenly distributed, but avoid overmixing to preserve the soft texture.
- Spread the Batter in the Pan: Pour the prepared brownie batter into the greased pan and use a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly to the corners. Smooth the top gently for even baking. This ensures consistent thickness and a uniform bake, preventing edges from drying out before the center cooks.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20–30 minutes. Start checking at 20 minutes: insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the brownies are ready. Baking times can vary slightly based on oven differences, so careful observation is key. The edges should begin to pull away from the pan slightly.
- Cool the Brownies: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial to allow the brownies to set and develop their fudgy texture. Avoid cutting while warm, as the glaze and brownies may not hold their shape.
- Prepare the Mint Glaze: While the brownies cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine ⅔ cup icing sugar with 1–3 teaspoons water gradually, stirring until you reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract and a drop of green food coloring, mixing thoroughly for a glossy, minty finish.
- Drizzle Glaze Over Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze evenly across the top using a spoon or small spatula. The green glaze creates a festive look and adds an extra hint of mint flavor. Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes to firm up before slicing.
- Cut and Serve: After the glaze has set, carefully cut the brownies into 12 squares using a sharp knife. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. These brownies are perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or enjoying as a decadent everyday treat.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and a smooth batter.
- Carefully monitor baking time; overbaking can result in dry brownies. The edges should slightly pull away from the pan when done.
- Mint chips or chopped mint chocolate bars add bursts of flavor—feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your preference.
- Allow the glaze to fully set before cutting to achieve clean, neat squares.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Brownies
For the ultimate fudgy texture, start by blooming the cocoa powder with hot water—this intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the batter a glossy, silky finish.
Be gentle when folding in flour to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the brownies.
Choosing room-temperature eggs ensures they mix smoothly, creating a tender crumb.
Finally, using a sharp knife and letting the glaze set fully before slicing guarantees professional-looking, perfectly portioned squares.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Mint Brownies
These brownies shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream elevates them to dessert perfection.
They also work beautifully alongside a hot cup of coffee, peppermint tea, or a frothy hot chocolate.
For festive occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, serve them on a platter with decorative green sprinkles or edible gold accents for a fun presentation that impresses friends and family.
Storage Tips to Keep Brownies Fresh
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days to maintain their soft, fudgy texture.
For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving.
Avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as this can dry out the brownies.
Keep the glaze covered or airtight to prevent it from becoming sticky or absorbing odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure.
The texture may be slightly different but will still be moist and delicious.
2. Can I use regular chocolate instead of mint chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Using dark or milk chocolate pieces will still create indulgent brownies.
If you want the mint flavor, consider adding ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter.
3. How do I make my brownies extra fudgy?
Slightly underbake the brownies, aiming for a moist center that tests with a few crumbs on a toothpick.
Avoid overmixing the batter once flour is added, as this keeps the texture soft and fudgy.
4. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
You can also freeze baked, unglazed brownies for up to two months, then thaw and glaze when ready to serve.
5. Can I adjust the sweetness or mint flavor?
Definitely. Reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet brownie, or add extra peppermint extract to enhance the minty flavor.
Taste the glaze before drizzling to ensure it matches your desired sweetness and mint intensity.
