These Mint Brownies are everything you want in a layered dessert: a rich, fudgy base, cool peppermint frosting, and smooth chocolate ganache on top. They’re easy to make and perfect for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, or whenever that chocolate-mint craving hits.
Why this is the best mint brownies recipe
Let me just say: If you love the chocolate–mint combo, these brownies are about to become your new obsession. Here’s why my version is the one you’ll come back to every time:
- That frosting? It’s silky, minty perfection. Not too thick, not too sweet, and made with peppermint extract (not the weird toothpastey mint kind). It’s cool and creamy with just the right amount of bite to cut through the richness.
- The ganache sets up like a dream. It’s glossy, fudgy, and sliceable without turning rock-hard. I skip the overcomplicated double boiler and melt butter with chocolate chips for a ganache that’s foolproof and fast—because no one needs extra steps when they’re craving brownies.
- And the layering? It’s next level. The brownies are thick and fudgy on the bottom (use a good box mix or use my favorite homemade brownie recipe for the ultimate rich and fudgy base.), topped with fluffy mint frosting, then sealed in with that luscious chocolate layer. Every bite is rich, cool, and exactly what you want from a mint brownie – and my recipe actually gets the ratios of the layers right, so your brownies will come out exactly like the photos.
I’ve tested this combo again and again—and it never lasts more than a day in my house. These brownies don’t just look pretty, they deliver on flavor and texture like no other!
Printable recipe
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 (18-oz) box brownie mix + ingredients on package (or 1 batch homemade brownies)
Mint Frosting:
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract (not mint extract)
- 1 drop green food coloring (optional for a brighter hue)
Chocolate Ganache:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Bake the brownies: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line or grease a 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan. Prepare and bake brownies according to package or homemade recipe. Cool completely in pan before frosting.1 (18-oz) box brownie mix + ingredients on package
- Make mint frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cream, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Mix until fluffy and spread over cooled brownies in pan. Chill for 15–20 minutes to set.½ cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk, ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract, 1 drop green food coloring
- Make chocolate ganache: Melt butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until smooth. Cool slightly (about 5 minutes), then spread over chilled frosted brownies in pan. Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes until firm.6 tablespoons butter, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Slice & serve: Let sit at 10-15 minutes before slicing to prevent cracking. Carefully remove from pan. Use a warm knife and wipe after each cut for clean cuts. Enjoy!
Ingredient notes
Here’s everything you need! Be sure to let your butter soften for a smooth frosting.
- Peppermint extract: Be sure to use peppermint extract, not mint extract—trust me, there’s a difference!
- Brownie base: A good-quality box mix works beautifully, but you can absolutely use homemade.
- Food coloring: Just one drop for a soft green hue. Skip it if you prefer a more natural look.
Pro tips from my kitchen
I’ve made these mint brownies more times than I can count—here are a few tips I’ve learned that make all the difference.
- Cool completely before frosting: If the brownies are even slightly warm, the mint frosting will melt and slide. Been there, regretted that.
- Chill between layers: A quick fridge break (15–20 minutes after frosting, 30–60 minutes after ganache) makes slicing so much easier and cleaner.
- Use peppermint extract, not mint: Peppermint has that fresh, clean flavor you want—mint extract can taste like toothpaste.
- Slice with a warm knife: Run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and clean it between each cut. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute.
- Store chilled, serve at room temp: Let brownies sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving so the ganache softens slightly for the best bite.
How to make Mint Brownies (step-by-step)
Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, here’s what each step looks like:
Variations
- Make it extra minty: Stir ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract right into the brownie batter before baking for a double mint hit.
- Top it off: Sprinkle crushed Andes mints or peppermint candies on top of the ganache before it sets for a festive crunch.
- Swap the ganache: Try using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a totally different (and gorgeous) mint-and-vanilla vibe.
- Holiday twist: Add red or green sprinkles for Christmas, Lucky sprinkles for St. Patrick’s Day or use pastel sprinkles for Easter-themed mint brownies.
- Brownie cake version: Bake in a round cake pan and serve in wedges for a more elegant dessert.
💡Serving & storage tips
- Serving: Let brownies sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing for clean, crack-free cuts.
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (already sliced) for up to 2 months!
FAQs
Absolutely! A homemade brownie base can enhance the richness and allow you to control the sweetness.
Peppermint extract provides a pure mint flavor, while mint extract is a blend of spearmint and peppermint, resulting in a milder taste.
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry. Clean the knife between cuts to maintain tidy edges.
And that’s everything you need to make the best mint brownies ever! Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just need a chocolate fix, I hope they bring a little extra joy to your day.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear how your mint brownies turned out! Leave a comment and star rating below to let me know what you think—or tell me how you made them your own. I read every comment and truly appreciate your feedback! 💚
📌 Pin for later
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe so you can find it next time that mint-chocolate craving hits! These brownies are a guaranteed hit for the holidays, St. Patrick’s Day, or just because.
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