Decadent Chocolate Mint Buttercream Brownies: Your Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Treat Recipe
While St. Patrick’s Day brings with it a blend of traditions and festivities, there’s one aspect I’m always thrilled to celebrate: incredible food, especially desserts! And when it comes to a truly show-stopping treat that perfectly captures the spirit and colors of the holiday, these Chocolate Mint Buttercream Brownies are simply unmatched. Imagine a base of incredibly light and fudgy chocolate brownie, generously topped with a vibrant layer of cool, refreshing mint buttercream, and finished with a luxurious, shiny dark chocolate ganache. Do these sound complicated? Not at all! This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
This beloved recipe has been a staple in my collection for approximately three decades. Its journey began with a dear friend who discovered it in a magazine and, thankfully, brought these delightful brownies to our office. As you can imagine, they were an instant sensation! I believe this recipe even made an appearance on Cookie Madness at some point, but the accompanying photos were long overdue for an update. I’m so glad to finally bring this timeless classic back into the spotlight, complete with fresh images that do its deliciousness justice.
The Allure of Chocolate Mint Brownies for St. Patrick’s Day
There’s something inherently festive about the combination of chocolate and mint, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. The deep, rich brown of the fudgy brownie provides a perfect contrast to the bright, cool green of the mint buttercream, making these treats visually appealing and perfectly themed for the holiday. Beyond aesthetics, the flavors are a match made in heaven. The slight bitterness and intensity of dark chocolate are beautifully balanced by the refreshing, uplifting taste of peppermint. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures too: the tender, moist brownie, the smooth, creamy buttercream, and the satisfying snap of the chocolate topping.
A Timeless Recipe: Three Decades of Deliciousness
Some recipes are more than just a list of ingredients; they’re a part of our personal history. This Chocolate Mint Buttercream Brownie recipe holds a special place in my heart, having graced countless gatherings and satisfied innumerable sweet cravings over the past 30 years. It’s a testament to its enduring appeal that a recipe found in a magazine, shared among friends, and enjoyed in an office setting could remain so cherished for so long. Its consistent popularity speaks volumes about its simple yet irresistible charm. It’s a recipe that has truly stood the test of time, proving that classic flavors and straightforward techniques often yield the most memorable results.
Versatility in Baking: Choosing Your Pan Size
The original recipe is perfectly proportioned for an 8-inch square pan, yielding a generous batch of thick, satisfying brownies. However, if you’re baking for a larger crowd, my friend wisely demonstrated that it can easily be doubled to fit a standard 9×13 inch pan. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Regardless of the pan size you choose, the ratios for each luscious layer—the fudgy brownie, the mint buttercream, and the dark chocolate topping—remain absolutely spot-on. You’ll still achieve that ideal balance of a lovely thin layer of refreshing mint, beautifully crowned with a slightly thicker, indulgent layer of dark chocolate. Just remember to adjust baking times slightly for larger pans, typically adding an extra 5-10 minutes.
Mastering the Fudgy Brownie Base
The foundation of these incredible treats is a light, yet undeniably fudgy brownie. Achieving this perfect texture starts with the right ingredients and technique. We begin by melting unsalted butter with unsweetened chocolate, creating a rich base. The key to a truly light and airy brownie lies in how you incorporate the eggs and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these two ingredients until they become noticeably light and fluffy, almost pale in color. This aeration adds structure and a delightful chewiness to the brownies. Carefully folding in the cooled chocolate mixture, followed by the flour, extracts, and a touch of salt, ensures the batter remains tender. Don’t forget the optional miniature chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness! A common pitfall is overmixing the flour, which can lead to a tough brownie, so mix just until combined.
The Refreshing Heart: Mint Buttercream Perfection
The mint buttercream layer is the vibrant soul of these brownies, providing that signature St. Patrick’s Day hue and a burst of refreshing flavor. This layer is designed to be delicate, a thin blanket of creamy, cool mint that perfectly complements the rich chocolate beneath and above. It’s incredibly simple to make: sifted powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, a splash of whole milk, and of course, peppermint extract for that invigorating kick. Beat it until it’s light and creamy, and if you’re feeling extra festive, a tiny drop of green food coloring can transform it into a vivid emerald layer. Spreading it evenly over slightly warm brownies allows for a gentle bond, but make sure to chill the brownies thoroughly before adding the final chocolate topping to ensure a clean, stable foundation.
Achieving the Perfect Shiny Chocolate Topping
One of the most satisfying aspects of this batch was the gorgeously smooth and shiny chocolate topping. It elevates these brownies from delicious to truly irresistible, giving them a professional, polished finish. The secret to this glossy sheen lies in a simple yet effective melting technique. Start by melting the butter first. Once hot, remove it from the heat and add your finely chopped dark chocolate. Let the residual heat of the butter work its magic, stirring gently until most of the chocolate has melted. If a few stubborn pieces remain, return the mixture to very low heat briefly, just until everything is smooth and uniform. This low-and-slow approach prevents the chocolate from seizing or becoming dull. I mention this because, despite my love for baking, I’ve had my share of mishaps mixing chocolate and butter over too high heat, resulting in a less-than-ideal outcome! Once melted and smooth, pour this luxurious topping over the cold mint buttercream layer and allow it to set at room temperature. The contrast in temperature helps create that beautiful, unblemished surface.
Tips for Brownie Baking Success
To ensure your Chocolate Mint Buttercream Brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:
- **Don’t Overbake:** Brownies are best when they’re slightly underbaked in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. Overbaking leads to dry, cakey brownies.
- **Cool Completely:** Patience is key! Allow the brownies to cool almost completely before adding the mint buttercream. This prevents the buttercream from melting and ensures distinct layers.
- **Chill for Best Results:** After adding the mint buttercream, chill the brownies until the layer is firm. This is crucial for a clean, stable base for your chocolate topping and makes cutting much easier.
- **Quality Ingredients:** Use good quality butter and chocolate. The flavor of these key ingredients truly shines through in the final product.
- **Storage:** Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
These simple steps will help you achieve brownie perfection.
So, here’s the detailed recipe, just in time for your big St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Or perhaps, just for a delightful everyday dessert. No matter the occasion, these Chocolate Mint Buttercream Brownies are sure to bring joy to every bite.
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Recipe
Mint Cream Brownies
Pin Recipe
15 minutes
25 minutes
1 hour
1 hour
40 minutes
Dessert
American
16
brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
-
1
stick
unsalted butter
(114 grams) -
2
ounces
unsweetened chocolate, chopped
(56 grams) -
2
large
eggs
(100 grams) -
1
cup
sugar
(200 grams) -
½
cup
all purpose flour
(65 grams) -
½
teaspoon
peppermint extract -
½
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
⅛
teaspoon
salt -
⅓
cup
miniature chocolate chips, optional
Mint Buttercream
-
1
cup
sifted powdered sugar
(110 grams) -
2
tablespoons
unsalted butter, softened
(28 grams) -
1
tablespoon
whole milk
(14 grams) -
¼
teaspoon
peppermint extract
Chocolate Topping
-
2
tablespoons
unsalted butter -
4
ounces
dark chocolate, chopped (I used Hershey’s Dark)
chopped
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350F.
-
Line inside of an 8-inch square metal pan with foil and grease the bottom only.
-
Melt butter and unsweetened chocolate together in microwave or over the stove. Set aside to cool slightly.
-
Using electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl until very light and fluffy. I use the whisk attachment on my stand mixer and just let it go for about 3 minutes.
-
Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, then stir in the flour, extracts and salt. Let the mixture cool down if it is still at all warm, then stir in the mini chocolate chips.
-
Spread batter in the pan and bake for about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly while you make the mint buttercream topping
Mint Buttercream
-
Beat powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until it sticks together, then add the milk and beat until light and creamy. Beat in the flavorings and add food coloring if desired. Spread over the brownies while they are still slightly warm, then chill until firm before adding the chocolate toppings.
Chocolate Topping
-
Melt the 2 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan or the top of a double boiler. Remove from heat and add chopped dark chocolate. Stir until chocolate is as melted as possible, then return to the lowest heat possible to finish melting as needed. Pour over cold mint buttercream. Let set at room temperature.
-
Lift from pan. Peel away foil and cut into small squares.
brownies, Chocolate Mint
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We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Chocolate Mint Buttercream Brownies as much as we do. They are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the joy of homemade treats. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any moment you crave a touch of minty, chocolatey magic!