Classic Mint Chocolate Brownies 🍫🍃

Classic Mint Chocolate Brownies 🍫🍃

These Classic Mint Chocolate Brownies are a perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownies with a refreshing mint filling and a smooth layer of chocolate ganache. The mint layer adds a cool, minty contrast to the dense, chocolatey base, creating the ultimate dessert for mint-chocolate lovers!

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Ingredients (Makes about 12-16 brownies)

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Mint Filling:

• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon mint extract (or peppermint extract)
• Green food coloring (optional)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Brownie Base:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
5. Optionally, fold in the chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

2️⃣ Make the Mint Filling:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, butter, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in the mint extract and add green food coloring if you want a pop of minty color. Mix until well combined.
3. Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the mint filling evenly over the top of the brownies.
4. Refrigerate the brownies for about 30 minutes to firm up the mint layer.

3️⃣ Make the Chocolate Ganache:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for about 1-2 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the ganache over the chilled mint layer on the brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4️⃣ Let it Set:

1. Place the brownies back into the fridge and let the ganache set for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the ganache is firm and glossy.
2. Once set, cut the brownies into squares or rectangles.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:

• Serve the brownies chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the delicious combination of fudgy brownie, refreshing mint, and smooth chocolate!

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Tips for Success:

🍃 Mint Extract: You can adjust the amount of mint extract to your taste. If you love a stronger mint flavor, feel free to add a bit more.
🍫 Chocolate Layer: For extra richness, you can use dark chocolate chips for the ganache instead of semi-sweet.
🎨 Coloring: The green food coloring is optional, but it adds a fun, festive look to the brownies, especially for holidays!

These Classic Mint Chocolate Brownies are perfect for mint and chocolate lovers, offering a perfect balance of rich, indulgent chocolate and cool, refreshing mint. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy treat at home! 🍫🍃😋