Irish Mint Brownies with Chocolate

These decadent Irish mint brownies are a rich, fudgy dessert layered with a smooth, creamy peppermint filling and finished with a luscious dark chocolate drizzle. The combination of deep cocoa flavor and refreshing mint makes these brownies a perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a luxurious chocolate indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and fudgy texture – The perfect balance between chewy and moist.
• Refreshing mint flavor – A creamy mint layer adds a cool contrast to the chocolate base.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for celebrations – Great for St. Patrick’s Day, holiday parties, or special occasions.
• Customizable – Adjust the mint intensity or try different toppings for variety.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Base:

• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

For the Mint Layer:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Peppermint extract
• Green food coloring (optional)

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• Dark chocolate, melted

Directions

Prepare the Brownie Base:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold gently until just incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely.

Prepare the Mint Layer:

7. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
8. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract until smooth and fluffy.
9. Add green food coloring if desired and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
10. Spread the mint layer evenly over the cooled brownie base. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up.

Add the Chocolate Drizzle:

11. Melt the dark chocolate using a microwave or double boiler.
12. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the mint layer, creating a decorative pattern.
13. Allow the drizzle to set before slicing into squares and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 brownies
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 20-25 minutes
• Cooling & setting time: 30 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Extra chocolatey: Stir in chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an even richer texture.
• Nutty crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
• Stronger mint flavor: Increase the peppermint extract in the frosting for a bolder taste.
• Alternative drizzle: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate or caramel drizzle.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: These brownies are best served chilled or at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead of making them from scratch?

Yes, you can use a store-bought brownie mix and follow the package instructions, then add the mint layer and chocolate drizzle as directed.

How do I get clean slices when cutting the brownies?

Chill the brownies before slicing and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for the best results.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the drizzle?

Yes, milk chocolate works well if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

How do I make the mint layer thicker?

Increase the amount of powdered sugar and adjust the heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make these brownies without the mint layer?

Yes, they will still be delicious! You can replace the mint layer with a chocolate ganache or caramel topping.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

Yes, due to the creamy mint layer, refrigeration is recommended for the best texture and freshness.

Can I use mint chocolate chips instead of peppermint extract?

Yes! Melted mint chocolate chips can be mixed into the frosting for extra mint flavor.

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

Yes, but peppermint oil is much stronger than extract. Use only a few drops to avoid overpowering the flavor.

How do I make these brownies dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free chocolate for the drizzle.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Decadent Irish mint brownies with chocolate drizzle are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, making them a perfect dessert for special occasions. With their fudgy brownie base, creamy mint layer, and elegant chocolate drizzle, these brownies are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Whether for St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday dessert table, or an indulgent treat, these brownies are sure to impress