Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. These decadent brownies have a fudgy texture that melts in your mouth, topped with a vibrant green frosting that adds a whimsical touch. Each bite bursts with the delightful flavor of Andes mint chocolate chips, making them not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or simply indulging yourself, these brownies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday gathering, where a friend brought a batch to share. I remember sneaking a bite and thinking about how the freshness of mint paired so beautifully with the richness of chocolate. It was love at first taste, and I knew right then I had to recreate it in my kitchen. The great news is that this recipe is super straightforward — perfect for any baking novice and fun enough for seasoned pros. So, let your oven do the magic and prepare to impress your friends and family with Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip these brownies up in no time with just a 20-minute prep and 40 minutes of baking.
- Irresistible Flavor: The fudgy chocolate base mixed with mint chocolate chips is a taste sensation you won’t forget!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The green swirl frosting not only looks delightful but also makes for a perfect centerpiece at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a snack, dessert after dinner, or a special treat to brighten someone’s day, they fit any occasion beautifully.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable and perfect for mint lovers, you can explore various chocolate chip options or even dairy-free alternatives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness to the brownie base. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil.
- ¼ cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides an intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa gives a deeper color and flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Helps keep the brownies moist. You could substitute with melted coconut oil.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies perfectly, balancing the bitterness of cocoa. Brown sugar could work for a chewier texture.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients. Room temperature eggs create a more consistent batter.
- ¼ cup buttermilk: Contributes to the moistness and adds a hint of tang. You can make a substitute with regular milk and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the brownies. For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the brownies rise slightly. Baking powder can work too but may alter texture.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors throughout the brownie. A little sea salt can add a nice touch.
- 1 cup Andes crème de menthe baking chips: The star ingredient for that minty chocolate burst. Alternatively, use any mint-flavored chocolate if you can’t find these.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for fluffy frosting. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- ½ cup milk: Necessary for the right consistency of frosting. Non-dairy milk can work here too.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting. Adjust sugar to taste for desired sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: Amplifies the mint flavor in the frosting. Use pure mint extract for a natural option.
- 1 drop green food coloring: Adds a festive touch. If you prefer natural colors, try spirulina or matcha.
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: For extra texture and chocolate goodness in the frosting.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaning later on.
Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine ½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ cup vegetable oil. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil and then remove from heat.
Mix Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup buttermilk. Gradually pour in your butter mixture while stirring gently; avoid over-mixing. Now, fold in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and finally, add 1 cup Andes crème de menthe baking chips. Mix until just combined.
Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for around 20 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs – perfection achieved!
Cool Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. This will make it easier to apply the frosting later.
Prepare Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes pale and creamy. Slowly add in ½ cup milk, 4 cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, and 1 drop green food coloring. Continue to beat for an additional 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. You can add more milk if necessary to reach your desired consistency. Gently fold in ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra chocolate touch.
Frost Brownies: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the green swirl frosting generously over the top.
Chill and Cut: For the best texture, refrigerate the frosted brownies for about two hours until set. This step helps the frosting become firm and makes cutting easier.
Storing & Reheating
These brownies can be stored at room temperature for about 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, seal them in the fridge where they can last up to a week. If you’d like to keep them even longer, consider freezing them for up to three months. Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature eggs; they’ll blend more easily into your batter, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Don’t over-mix the brownie batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to dense brownies instead of light and fudgy ones.
- Allow enough time for brownies to cool completely so that the frosting doesn’t melt.
- If your frosting seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you get a spreadable consistency.
- For a fun twist, try adding crushed mint candies or nuts on top before refrigerating for extra crunch.
- Want to prep ahead? Bake your brownies a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting bring together the rich chocolate flavor and refreshing mint in harmony. With their simple preparation, eye-catching presentation, and delicious taste, these brownies are bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Feel free to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different flavor variations, or enjoy them just as they are. Your friends and family will love them, and you might find yourself making these delightful treats again and again!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Andes crème de menthe baking chips with any chocolate chips you prefer. Dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips would create a deliciously unique twist while still keeping the mint flavor.
How can I add more mint flavor to the brownies?
If you’re a mint lover, try adding an extra half teaspoon of peppermint extract into the brownie batter, or even mixing in crushed peppermint candies. This will amplify that refreshing flavor throughout.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake these brownies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature; add the frosting on the day you plan to serve for maximum freshness.
What should I do if my brownies are too cakey?
To prevent cakey brownies, make sure not to overmix once you add the flour and avoid overbaking. Properly measuring your ingredients and using the correct baking time is crucial for achieving that fudgy texture!
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📖 Recipe Card
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting combine rich chocolate flavors with refreshing mint. Perfect for parties or a special treat, they feature a delightful brownie base topped with a luscious green frosting for a festive touch!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup andes creme de menthe baking chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 drop green food coloring
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and oil over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil while whisking continuously and then remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. Gradually add the butter mixture, being careful not to over-mix. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Gently fold in the Andes mints.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- To prepare the frosting, use an electric mixer on the butter for 3-4 minutes until it becomes pale. Next, add the milk, powdered sugar, peppermint, and food coloring, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy; add more milk if necessary. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and refrigerate for two hours until set. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
Feel free to adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade.
For a more minty flavor, you can add additional peppermint extract to the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
