Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic brownie that captures the perfect harmony of mint and chocolate. Imagine sinking your teeth into fudgy brownies studded with creamy Andes mint chips, all topped off with a luscious green frosting that swirls beautifully on top. These treats are not just visually stunning; they deliver a refreshing burst of flavor that makes them simply irresistible. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply to satisfy that sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try for any chocolate or mint lover.
Table of Contents
The first time I made these brownies was for a family gathering, and I was blown away by how quickly they vanished! Everyone loved the combination of rich chocolate flavor and a cool minty vibe. It’s hard not to feel a sense of joy when you pull these brownies out of the oven, filling the kitchen with that savory, sweet aroma. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s create some Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting that everyone will rave about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking time, you can have these brownies whipped up in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint creates a delightful flavor experience that will keep you coming back for more.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green frosting swirling atop these brownies makes them visually stunning and perfect for any occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s for a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are a crowd-pleaser.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap ingredients for gluten-free or nut-free alternatives depending on your needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup unsalted butter: This adds richness and moisture. If preferred, you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- ¼ cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder: Choose a high-quality cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can also work nicely.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: This keeps the brownies moist. Can be replaced with melted coconut oil if desired.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies wonderfully. Use brown sugar for a chewier texture.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind everything together. For a vegan option, try flax eggs as a substitute.
- ¼ cup buttermilk: Contributes to a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a quick substitute by adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure. You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent. Baking powder could be used in a pinch but the texture may slightly differ.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness. Sea salt can also be a great alternative.
- 1 cup Andes creme de menthe baking chips: The star of the brownies! If unavailable, you can substitute with mint chocolate chips.
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened: Essential for a fluffy frosting. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the frosting smooth. Dairy-free milk works as a substitute.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting. For less sweetness, adjust the sugar amount.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: Boosts the mint flavor. Avoid using mint oil, as it is much more potent.
- 1 drop green food coloring: Optional for that festive touch. You can also use natural food coloring if preferred.
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the frosting, these add texture and a pop of extra chocolate. Feel free to use dark or milk chocolate as an alternative.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting
Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. As you prepare your baking dish, line a 13×9 inch dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the ½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ cup vegetable oil. Stir continuously until it reaches a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat. The rich aroma will be a lovely teaser for what’s to come!
Mix Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, mix together 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup buttermilk until well combined. Carefully add in the warm butter-chocolate mixture—be sure not to overmix! Next, add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Fold until just combined, then gently fold in the 1 cup Andes creme de menthe baking chips for that minty kick.
Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges appear firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies cool, whip up 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 pale and fluffy. Then add in ½ cup milk, 4 cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, and a drop of green food coloring. Continue mixing for an additional 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and airy. If it feels too thick, drizzle in a bit more milk for the desired consistency.
Frost Brownies: Once the brownies are cooled, spread the fluffy green frosting evenly over the top. Pop them in the fridge for about two hours to allow the frosting to set. When they’re ready, cut into squares and enjoy the delightful layers of minty bliss!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—this will soften the texture and invigorate the minty flavor, making them feel fresh again!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix more smoothly, yielding a better texture.
- Make sure to allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting into the brownies.
- Experiment with flavoring by adding a hint of vanilla extract or even a splash of coffee in the brownie mix to amplify the chocolate flavor.
- If you want an extra treat, sprinkle crushed mint candies on top of the frosting for added crunch and flair.
- For a richer, fudgier brownie, you can reduce the baking time by a minute or two—keep an eye on them to achieve your preferred consistency.
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting are a delightful treat that bring together a rich chocolate base with a refreshing mint twist. This is the ultimate combination to satisfy any sweet craving! Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients and even the decorations for the frosting; after all, baking is all about fun! So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful recipe, and enjoy every mouthful alongside a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day in advance. If you frost them the day before, simply keep them covered in the fridge, which will enhance the flavors. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I use a different type of chocolate in this recipe?
Definitely! While this recipe calls for Andes creme de menthe baking chips, you can substitute them with any type of mint chocolate chips or your favorite chocolate chunks. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can work beautifully with the minty flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the brownies?
To achieve neat squares, use a sharp knife but make sure it’s clean. For best results, warm the knife slightly under hot water, then wipe it clean before each cut. This prevents the frosting from smearing and gives you beautiful, crisp edges on all your brownie pieces.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual brownie pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container to keep them fresh. They’ll stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat!
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Mississippi Mud Pie
- Mint Chocolate Brownies | Easy St Patrick’s Day Fudgy Brownies
- Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Cottage Cheese Brownies
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 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: 105 | Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies with Green Swirl Frosting offer an irresistible combination of flavors, featuring Andes creme de menthe chips and a light, fluffy frosting—perfect for any occasion!
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.
- In a small saucepan, combine unsalted butter, cocoa powder, and vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil while whisking continuously, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. Slowly add the butter mixture without overmixing.
- Incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the Andes creme de menthe baking chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- To prepare the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until pale in color.
- Add milk, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and green food coloring, then beat for an additional 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust with more milk if necessary and fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Once the brownies are cool, spread the frosting on top. Refrigerate for two hours until set, then cut and serve.
Notes
Ensure your butter is softened before making the frosting for easy mixing.
Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste.
If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
