Mint Brownies
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy.
These mint brownies start with a boxed fudge brownie mix and are topped with a smooth mint frosting and a layer of melted chocolate. The combination of rich chocolate and cool mint makes these mint chocolate brownies a reliable choice for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want brownies with a twist.
Easy Mint Chocolate Brownies
One of my favorite shortcuts in the kitchen is taking a simple box mix and turning it into something that feels completely homemade. Adding a thick layer of frosting and finishing it with chocolate on top is a method I use all the time, just like I do with my Buckeye Brownies and Baileys Brownies. It’s such an easy way to turn a basic brownie mix into something decadent.
Chocolate and mint has always been one of my favorite flavor combinations (I even recently shared my Mint Oreo Truffles) for anyone who loves it as much as I do. These mint brownies are similar to my Grasshopper Cookies, but with a rich, fudgy brownie base instead of a cookie.
Ingredients
- Fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box) – Creates the rich, chocolate brownie base.
- Unsalted butter – Forms the smooth base of the mint frosting.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Peppermint extract – Adds the cool mint flavor to the frosting layer.
- Salt – Balances the frosting’s sweetness.
- Green food coloring – Gives the frosting its classic mint color.
- Heavy cream – Adjusts the frosting to a smooth, spreadable consistency and smooths the ganache.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melted to form the chocolate ganache layer.
How to Make Brownies with Mint Frosting
- Prep – Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix directions. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- Bake the brownies – Prepare the fudge brownie mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared 9×9-inch pan and bake as directed. Cool completely in the pan.
- Make the mint frosting – Beat the butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, mint extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Mix until smooth, adding more cream a little at a time as needed to reach a spreadable consistency. Tint with green food coloring.
- Frost the brownies – Spread the mint frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up the frosting layer.
- Make the ganache – Add the chocolate chips to a small microwave-safe bowl. Pour 1/3 cup of heavy cream over the chocolate chips and microwave for 45 seconds. Let the bowl rest for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth to form the ganache.
- Add the ganache and slice – Spread the ganache evenly over the chilled mint layer. Refrigerate until set, then slice into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use a homemade brownie base – Swap the boxed mix for your favorite from-scratch brownie recipe if preferred.
- Change the chocolate – Use dark chocolate chips for a richer ganache or milk chocolate for a sweeter topping.
- Adjust the mint flavor – Substitute peppermint extract for mint extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Skip the food coloring – Leave out the green coloring for a more natural look.
- Add mix-ins – Stir mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints into the brownie batter for extra mint flavor.
- Make them thinner – Bake in a 9×13-inch pan for thinner brownies and adjust baking time as needed.
Tips for Success
- Cool completely before frosting – Even slightly warm brownies can melt the mint frosting and cause it to slide.
- Start with less mint extract if sensitive – Mint extract can be strong, so you can slightly reduce it and adjust to taste if needed.
- Chill between layers – Refrigerating after adding the mint frosting helps create clean, defined layers when you add the ganache.
- Whisk ganache until fully smooth – Let the cream and chocolate sit before whisking to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
- Use a warm knife for clean slices – Run a knife under hot water, dry it, and wipe between cuts for neat layers.
Want to be the first to know when the next easy brownie recipe is published? Sign up for our newsletter updates below.
More Creative Boxed Brownie Upgrades
Check out these great recipes
Did you love these brownies with mint frosting? Please leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Mint Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 (18-ounce) box fudge brownie mix (I used Duncan Hines)
- ingredients listed on brownie mix box (typically eggs, oil, water)
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- green food coloring
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to brownie mix directions. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions. Pour into the prepared pan and bake as directed. Cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, mint extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Mix until smooth, adding more cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency. Tint with green food coloring.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Pour 1/3 cup heavy cream over the chips. Microwave for 45 seconds. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth to form ganache.
- Spread ganache evenly over the chilled mint layer. Refrigerate until set, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Be sure the brownies are completely cool before adding the mint frosting to prevent melting.
- Store the brownies in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- The brownies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.