Prepare to be enchanted by the delightful fusion of rich chocolate and refreshing mint in these irresistible Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies. This recipe delivers a perfectly fudgy brownie base, crowned with a vibrant, creamy mint frosting that will captivate your taste buds. Whether it’s a sunny summer afternoon, a festive holiday gathering, or just an ordinary day craving something sweet and satisfying, these brownies truly hit the spot. Their ease of preparation and universally loved flavor profile make them a must-try for any dessert enthusiast. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it’s hard to stop at just one!

Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies: A Fudgy & Refreshing Treat

These Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Imagine the nostalgic flavor of your favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream transformed into a rich, decadent brownie. By simply enhancing a classic boxed brownie mix with a hint of peppermint extract and topping it with a luxurious, creamy mint frosting, we elevate a simple treat into something extraordinary. This recipe is an ideal choice for a refreshing summertime dessert, yet its festive green color and cool flavor also make it a standout for holiday celebrations. Prepare for compliments and requests for seconds – these brownies are an absolute delight!

5 from 1 vote

Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe

These fudgy mint chocolate brownies are topped with a luscious green mint frosting and taste just like my favorite ice cream flavor!

Prep:

10 minutes
minutes

Cook:

25 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes
minutes

Chill Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Servings:

16
brownies

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Ingredients

For the Brownies

• 18 ounces triple chocolate brownie mix (1 box)*
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon peppermint extract

For the Frosting

• 32 ounces vanilla frosting (2 containers)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (¼ stick)
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
• 5 drops green food coloring optional

US Customary – Metric

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional, for precise ingredient measurement)
• 8×8 Baking Pan
• Large Mixing Bowls
• Whisk or Electric Mixer

Instructions

For the Brownies

• Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish evenly with nonstick cooking spray. For easier removal, you can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to lift the brownies out later. Set the prepared pan aside.
• Mix the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 18 ounces (1 box) of triple chocolate brownie mix, ¼ cup of water, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon of peppermint extract. Mix thoroughly with a whisk or electric mixer until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher brownies.
  18 ounces triple chocolate brownie mix,
  ¼ cup water,
  ½ cup vegetable oil,
  1 large egg,
  1 tablespoon peppermint extract
  
• Bake the Brownies: Pour the prepared brownie batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. To ensure even baking, rotate the dish halfway through the cooking time. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Remember, you want them slightly fudgy, so avoid overbaking. They will continue to set as they cool.
  
• Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial; attempting to frost warm brownies will result in a messy, melted frosting.

For the Frosting

• Prepare the Mint Frosting: In a separate large bowl, combine the 32 ounces (2 containers) of vanilla frosting, 2 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter, ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of peppermint extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat these ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
  32 ounces vanilla frosting,
  2 tablespoons unsalted butter,
  ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt,
  1 tablespoon peppermint extract
• Add Green Food Coloring: If desired, add green food coloring to the frosting, 2 drops at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you achieve your desired shade of mint green. I typically use about 5 drops for a vibrant yet natural hue. Once the color is satisfactory, place the frosting in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly, making it easier to spread.
  5 drops green food coloring
• Frost and Serve: Once the brownies are completely cool and the frosting has chilled, spread the mint frosting evenly over the top of the brownies. For clean slices, chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp, warm knife for the best results. Cut into 16 slices, serve, and enjoy your sensational Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies!
  

Notes & Expert Tips

*I like triple chocolate brownie mix because it adds extra depth and chocolate chunks, but any good quality boxed brownie mix will work perfectly. If you want even more chocolate-mint goodness, choose a mix that already contains chocolate chips.

Tips for Perfect Brownies:

• Parchment Paper Lining: For effortless removal of the brownies from the pan, I highly recommend lining the bottom of your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” to lift the cooled brownies out.
• Prevent Crispy Edges: If you prefer softer, less crispy edges on your brownies, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking time.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to fudgy brownies is to avoid overbaking. Brownies are typically done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. A slightly gooey center is desirable, as they will continue to set as they cool.
• Room Temperature Butter for Frosting: Ensure your unsalted butter for the frosting is at true room temperature. This allows it to cream smoothly with the vanilla frosting, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky texture.

Storage: Store these delicious mint chocolate chip brownies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They will last well at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 brownie)

Calories 460
Calories from Fat 198

% Daily Value*

Fat 22g
34%

Saturated Fat 5g
31%

Trans Fat 0.1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 9g

Monounsaturated Fat 7g

Cholesterol 15mg
5%

Sodium 221mg
10%

Potassium 26mg
1%

Carbohydrates 64g
21%

Sugar 52g
58%

Protein 2g
4%

Vitamin A 61IU
1%

Calcium 4mg
0%

Iron 1mg
6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author:
Becky Hardin

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies

Let’s walk through the simple steps to create these minty chocolate delights. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll find this recipe incredibly approachable and rewarding.

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

First, ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8-inch baking dish and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray. For even easier cleanup and removal, consider lining the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 18-ounce box of triple chocolate brownie mix with ¼ cup of water, ½ cup of vegetable oil, one large egg, and 1 tablespoon of peppermint extract. Mix these ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher brownie, so mix only until no dry streaks remain.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. To ensure a uniform bake, rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. A slightly gooey center is ideal for that signature fudgy texture, so be careful not to overcook them. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step. Patience is key for perfect frosting!

Step 3: Frost the Brownies

While the brownies are cooling, prepare your luscious mint frosting. In a separate large bowl, combine 32 ounces (which is typically two containers) of vanilla frosting with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (softened to room temperature), ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt, and another 1 tablespoon of peppermint extract. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Now for the signature minty color: add green food coloring, two drops at a time, mixing after each addition, until you achieve your desired shade of green. I found about 5 drops gave a perfect vibrant hue. To make the frosting easier to spread and hold its shape, place it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Once the brownies are fully cooled and the frosting is perfectly set, spread the mint frosting generously over the brownies. For the neatest slices, chill the frosted brownies for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Use a warm, sharp knife to cut them into 16 perfect slices, and serve this exquisite dessert!

Creative Variations & Customizations for Your Mint Chocolate Brownies

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment and make these mint chocolate chip brownies uniquely yours:

• From Scratch Brownies: If you prefer baking from scratch, substitute the box mix with your favorite homemade fudgy brownie recipe and simply add 1 tablespoon of peppermint extract to the batter.
• Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate. Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, milk chocolate for a sweeter profile, or even white chocolate chips in the batter for a fun visual contrast.
• Nutty Addition: For added crunch, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter.
• Adult Twist: For a grown-up version, add a splash of crème de menthe or peppermint schnapps to the frosting (reduce other liquids slightly to maintain consistency).
• Mint Overload: If you’re a true mint fanatic, consider adding some finely chopped fresh mint leaves to the frosting for a burst of natural freshness.
• No Food Coloring: If you prefer to avoid artificial coloring, simply omit the green food coloring. The frosting will still taste wonderfully minty.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

These Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or, for an extra minty treat, mint chocolate chip ice cream. The contrast of warm brownie and cold ice cream is heavenly.
• Beverage Pairings: Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a rich hot chocolate. For a special occasion, a festive mint latte would be a perfect match.
• Dessert Platter: Cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a dessert platter alongside other holiday cookies or sweet treats. Their vibrant green color makes them a festive addition.
• Party Favorite: These brownies are always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Their refreshing flavor stands out amongst traditional desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you make the best mint chocolate chip brownies!

Can I use fresh mint instead of peppermint extract?

While fresh mint can be lovely in some desserts, for the strong, consistent mint flavor desired in these brownies, peppermint extract is highly recommended. Fresh mint can sometimes lose its potency during baking or may not distribute evenly, leading to a less pronounced mint taste.

How can I ensure my brownies are fudgy and not cakey?

The key to fudgy brownies is not to overmix the batter and, most importantly, not to overbake them. Remove the brownies from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. The residual heat in the pan will continue to cook them slightly as they cool, ensuring a perfectly fudgy texture.

Can I make the frosting from scratch?

Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade frosting, you can make a classic buttercream frosting by creaming softened butter with powdered sugar, a splash of milk or cream, and 1 tablespoon of peppermint extract. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or milk as needed, and then add green food coloring.

How do I cut the brownies cleanly?

For perfectly neat slices, ensure the brownies are completely cooled and the frosting has been chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife and, for extra clean cuts, wipe the knife with a hot, damp cloth between each slice.

What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan?

You can use a 9×9-inch pan, but the brownies might be slightly thinner, and the baking time may be reduced by a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them during baking. A 9×13-inch pan would make very thin brownies and require doubling the recipe to achieve a reasonable thickness.

These Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. The combination of rich, chocolatey fudginess with the cool, refreshing burst of mint is simply irresistible. Perfect for sharing or for treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your dessert collection. Give them a try, and prepare to fall in love with this delightful minty masterpiece!