Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting are the ultimate treat for fans of that delightful combo of minty freshness and rich chocolate. Imagine the sensation of biting into a fudgy brownie loaded with creamy Andes mint chips, then topped with an eye-catching green frosting that looks as delicious as it tastes. This treat is perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or simply indulging your sweet cravings. Trust me, once you try making these brownies, they will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Table of Contents
I first discovered these brownies at a friend’s holiday party, and since then, they’ve held a special place in my heart. The vibrant green frosting always catches people’s attention, sparking curiosity and excitement. The sweet mint chocolate aroma wafts through the air as they bake, making it nearly impossible to resist sneaking a taste before they’re fully frosted. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and serves up to 24 generous portions — ideal for sharing (or not!). You’re going to want to give them a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven, you can whip these up in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint creates an explosion of taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The pretty green frosting with swirls is not just delicious; it looks stunning on any dessert table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, holidays, or satisfying late-night cravings — they fit any occasion!
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make these dairy-friendly or gluten-free with a few simple substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup unsalted butter: This is the base that adds richness. Make sure it’s unsalted to control the overall saltiness of the brownies.
- ¼ cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder: For that deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa can also be swapped if you prefer a mellower taste.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: This keeps the brownies moist and fudgy. You can substitute it with melted coconut oil for a bit of tropical flair.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and moisture; don’t skip it!
- 2 large eggs: They help bind the ingredients and add to the texture. Room temperature eggs work best!
- ¼ cup buttermilk: It adds a subtle tang and moisture; if you don’t have it on hand, regular milk or yogurt is a fine replacement.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This gives structure; you can try gluten-free flour blends if needed.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the brownies rise a bit and makes them fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup Andes creme de menthe baking chips: The star of the show! Feel free to use regular mint chips if you can’t find these.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): For the frosting; make sure it’s soft to mix easily.
- ½ cup milk: This helps create that luscious frosting consistency.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Essential for sweetness and structure of the frosting.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: This boosts the mint flavor; choose a pure extract for the best taste.
- 1 drop green food coloring: Just a hint adds visual appeal; you can omit it if you prefer a natural look.
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Optional for extra chocolatey goodness sprinkled in the frosting.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting
Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper. This not only helps prevent sticking but also makes clean-up a breeze!
Melt 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 often until the mixture comes to a boil, then immediately remove it from the heat. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup buttermilk. Slowly pour in the warm butter mixture, stirring just until combined — be careful not to overmix here.
Combine dry ingredients: Gently add in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt, stirring until the dry ingredients are mixed in. Finally, fold in 1 cup of Andes creme de menthe baking chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake brownies: Pour this decadent brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You want them to be fudgy, so don’t overbake!
Cool down: After baking, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the dish set aside. This cooling time is crucial for better frosting adhesion.
Make frosting: While your brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting! In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. You should see a pale color and a fluffy texture.
Blend in milk and sugar: Add ½ cup milk, 4 cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, and 1 drop of green food coloring into the mixing bowl. Beat for another 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a touch more milk until you reach the perfect consistency.
Fold in chocolate chips: Once combined, gently fold in ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of chocolate.
Frost brownies: Spread the delightful green swirl frosting over the cooled brownies with a spatula. Ensure even coverage for a beautiful finish.
Chill & cut: For the frosting to set perfectly, refrigerate your brownies for at least 2 hours. Once firm, cut into square pieces and enjoy!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’d prefer to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week in a sealed container. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, but keep in mind that the frosting may change texture slightly.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to let your butter come to room temperature for the frosting; this ensures it’s easy to whip up into that fluffy delight.
- Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients; just mix until no flour streaks remain to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the mint extract and baking chips.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top after frosting for a perfect sweet-and-salty contrast.
- These brownies can be a fun make-ahead treat! Just frost them the day before your event for easy serving.
Now that you have this indulgent recipe at your fingertips, don’t hesitate to get creative! You might even consider swapping in other flavors or toppings. Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting are perfect for any occasion and just might steal the show at your next gathering or family dinner. Enjoy every chewy, minty bite — your new favorite treat is just a bake away!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to choose one that measures the same as regular flour, and you should be set to enjoy these brownies without any gluten worries!
How should I store leftover brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
What can I substitute for the peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, you can use a bit more of the Andes creme de menthe baking chips to enhance the minty flavor. Alternatively, a few drops of pure vanilla extract will work, but the mint essence will be less pronounced.
Can I add nuts to these brownies?
Of course! If you’d like to add a bit of crunch, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans alongside the mint chips. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the fudgy base.
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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 & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the delightful taste of Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting. These brownies offer a perfect mix of chocolate and mint flavors, made easy with simple ingredients. Ideal for any gathering or just a sweet treat at home.
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 the oven to 400°F and line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
- For the brownies, combine butter, cocoa powder, and oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil while whisking, then remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. Slowly add the butter mixture, avoiding over-mixing. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined, then fold in Andes mints.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool once done.
- For the frosting, use an electric mixer to beat butter until pale, about 3-4 minutes. Add milk, sugar, peppermint extract, and food coloring, mixing for another 3-5 minutes until fluffy. Add more milk if needed and fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread frosting over the cooled brownies and refrigerate for 2 hours until set. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the frosting for the best texture.
Use an electric mixer for the frosting for a light and fluffy result.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
