Mint Brownies, often affectionately known as Grasshopper Brownies or Creme de Menthe Brownies, are a delightful dessert combining the richness of chocolate with a refreshing mint flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are sure to impress your family and friends. The balance of fudgy brownie layers topped with a smooth mint cream and finished with a glossy chocolate glaze makes these treats simply irresistible. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday gathering, or just a sweet indulgence, Mint Brownies are a classic that never goes out of style.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What truly sets this Mint Brownies (aka Grasshopper Brownies or Creme de Menthe Brownies) recipe apart is the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The deep, rich chocolate comes from high-quality bittersweet chocolate, which gives the brownies their decadent base. The mint layer is light yet creamy, providing a refreshing contrast to the dense brownie. Topped with a glossy chocolate ganache, these brownies are not only delicious but also visually stunning. They are perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!
What You’ll Need
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate chips (60% cocoa or chopped bittersweet chocolate, recommended: Ghirardelli)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced into tablespoons, plus more for greasing the baking dish
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened slightly
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 tsp mint extract
- 5 drops green food coloring (optional, adjust as desired)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 pinches salt (to taste)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, diced into tablespoons
Equipment & Tools
- 8×8 inch baking dish – for perfect brownie squares.
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- Whisk and spatula – for mixing and spreading the layers.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – to melt chocolate.
- Cooling rack – to let brownies cool properly.
Mint Brownies (aka Grasshopper Brownies or Creme de Menthe Brownies): How It’s Done
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 6 oz of bittersweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of diced butter together until smooth. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Brownie Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate mixture with 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp of salt. Whisk until well combined. Add in the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in 2 tbsp of cocoa powder and 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the dish on a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Mint Layer
In another mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of softened butter, 3 oz of softened cream cheese, and 1 1/2 tsp of mint extract. Mix until creamy and well blended. Gradually add in 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. If desired, add 5 drops of green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of mint green.
Step 7: Assemble the Brownies
Once the brownie base has cooled completely, spread the mint layer evenly over the brownies. Use a spatula to create a smooth top.
Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
In a double boiler, melt the 8 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 5 tbsp of diced butter until smooth. Stir until fully combined. Allow to cool slightly.
Step 9: Finish the Brownies
Pour the chocolate ganache over the mint layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set properly.
Step 10: Cut and Serve
Once set, remove the brownies from the baking dish and cut them into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!
Variations by Season
- Spring: Add crushed fresh mint leaves for a burst of flavor and garnish with edible flowers.
- Summer: Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a refreshing dessert.
- Fall: Incorporate a hint of pumpkin spice in the mint layer for a seasonal twist.
- Winter: Drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
- Not letting the brownies cool before adding the mint layer can lead to a messy application.
- Overmixing the brownie batter can result in a cakey texture instead of fudgy brownies.
- Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to a soft mint layer that doesn’t hold its shape.
- Using subpar chocolate can compromise the overall flavor of the brownies.
Best Ways to Store
- Store leftover Mint Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To freeze, wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reader Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate for the brownie base?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour to achieve a similar texture.
Can I make these brownies without cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with additional softened butter or use a vegan cream cheese alternative if desired.
What if I don’t have mint extract?
You can use peppermint extract as a substitute, but be cautious as it is more potent. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
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Bring It to the Table
These Mint Brownies (aka Grasshopper Brownies or Creme de Menthe Brownies) are not just a dessert; they are an experience. With their rich chocolate base, creamy mint layer, and glossy ganache, each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that will leave your guests wanting more. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as a personal treat, they are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and get ready to indulge in a batch of these scrumptious brownies that are bound to become a family favorite!
Mint Brownies (aka Grasshopper Brownies or Creme de Menthe Brownies)
Ingredients
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate chips (60% cocoa or chopped, recommended: Ghirardelli)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (diced into tablespoons, plus more for greasing)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened slightly)
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 tsp mint extract
- 5 drops green food coloring (optional, adjust as desired)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 pinches salt (to taste)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (diced into tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 6 oz of bittersweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of diced butter together until smooth. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate mixture with 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp of salt. Whisk until well combined. Add in the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Sift in 2 tbsp of cocoa powder and 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the dish on a wire rack.
- In another mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of softened butter, 3 oz of softened cream cheese, and 1 1/2 tsp of mint extract. Mix until creamy and well blended. Gradually add in 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. If desired, add 5 drops of green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of mint green.
- Once the brownie base has cooled completely, spread the mint layer evenly over the brownies. Use a spatula to create a smooth top.
- In a double boiler, melt the 8 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 5 tbsp of diced butter until smooth. Stir until fully combined. Allow to cool slightly.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the mint layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set properly.
- Once set, remove the brownies from the baking dish and cut them into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Cooling rack
Notes
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the mint layer for best results.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
- Drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant touch.
