Irish Mint Brownies Recipe
Irish Mint Brownies are a delightful chocolate treat featuring a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a creamy, peppermint-flavored frosting. Finished with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate and a hint of mint green coloring, these brownies are perfect for festive occasions or satisfying a sweet tooth with a refreshing twist.
- Author: Ria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 6 ounces baking dark chocolate
- 1 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
Topping Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (or more)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Gel mint green food coloring (a few drops)
- 2 ounces dark baking chocolate (melted)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the brownies.
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, extending over two opposite edges to create handles. Lightly grease the foil with batter or baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 6 ounces baking dark chocolate together, stirring constantly until smooth and combined.
- Mix brownie batter: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add white granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and 2 large eggs to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a smooth batter.
- Transfer batter: Pour and spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan lined with foil.
- Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges begin to pull away from the pan. Allow to cool completely before adding the topping.
- Prepare the topping: In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, peppermint extract, and a few drops of gel mint green food coloring. Beat at medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Spread the topping: Evenly spread the creamy mint topping over the cooled brownies.
- Drizzle chocolate: Melt 2 ounces of dark baking chocolate and drizzle it over the mint topping for an elegant finish.
- Chill and serve: Place the brownies in the refrigerator for a few hours until the topping sets. Then, lift the brownies out using the foil handles, cut into bars, and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter for the topping are softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste; start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if a stronger mint flavor is desired.
- Use gel food coloring sparingly to get a vibrant mint green without adding extra liquid to the topping.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the topping firm and fresh.
- These brownies pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Keywords: Irish Mint Brownies, Mint Brownies, Chocolate Brownies, Mint Chocolate Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting, Holiday Brownies