Mint Brownie Bites Ganache

The winter air was crisp that Sunday afternoon when my daughter announced she'd volunteered to bring treats for her class holiday party. We needed something impressive but portable, and these mint brownie bites saved the day. The way the cool mint hits first, followed by that deep chocolate richness, still reminds me of her proud smile when she came home with an empty container.

Last Christmas Eve, my sister-in-law hovered over the cooling rack, sneaking bite after bite and insisting she was just quality control. The combination of mint and chocolate has this magical way of making people pause whatever they're doing. Now every holiday gathering includes at least two batches because one mysteriously disappears.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Let it come to room temperature for easier melting, though melting it directly in the saucepan works perfectly fine too
• Granulated and light brown sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that keeps the brownies fudgy instead of cakey
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter for that smooth, crackly top
• Pure vanilla and mint extract: Use pure extracts rather than imitation for a cleaner, more pronounced flavor
• All-purpose flour: Measure by spooning into the cup and leveling off, avoid scooping directly which packs it down
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor than natural cocoa
• Salt: Even a small amount balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These provide the perfect sweetness level without overwhelming the mint
• Heavy cream: The higher fat content creates that luxurious, silky ganache texture

Instructions

Prepare your baking station:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease every cup of a 24-cup mini muffin tin thoroughly, getting into all the corners and edges.

Melt and whisk the base:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then whisk in both sugars until completely smooth and glossy.

Add the wet ingredients:

Whisk in eggs, vanilla, and mint extract until fully incorporated, working quickly so the eggs dont scramble from the warm butter.

Incorporate the dry ingredients:

Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly into the saucepan, then gently stir until just combined.

Fill and bake:

Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups about 3/4 full and bake for 16 to 18 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Cool completely:

Let the brownie bites cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, cooling completely before adding ganache.

Make the ganache:

Heat heavy cream until just simmering, pour over chocolate chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir in mint extract until silky smooth.

Top and finish:

Spoon or pipe ganache onto each cooled brownie bite, adding crushed peppermint or chocolate shavings if desired.

Pin It

After years of making these, I've realized that the best moment is that first bite when the chocolate and mint hit together. My niece once asked if I could make them for every single celebration, and honestly, I wasnt opposed to the idea.

Getting The Texture Just Right

The trick to that restaurant-quality fudgy texture is pulling them from the oven at exactly the right moment. I learned this through dozens of batches that came out slightly too cakey. Now I set my timer for 16 minutes and check every minute after that.

Ganache Success Secrets

Temperature control makes or breaks your ganache. If the cream's too hot, the chocolate can seize and turn grainy. If it's not hot enough, it wont melt properly. That sweet spot is just when tiny bubbles form around the edges of the pan.

Make Ahead And Storage

These brownie bites are actually a fantastic make-ahead dessert since they hold up so well. The flavors deepen overnight, making them even more perfect for planning ahead.

• Freeze unfrosted brownies for up to a month, thaw overnight and top with freshly made ganache
• Once topped, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• For gifting, place each bite in a mini paper cup and arrange in a decorative box

Pin It

There's something so satisfying about popping one of these into your mouth and getting that perfect balance of cool mint and rich chocolate. They might be small, but they deliver big on flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve a fudgy texture in these bites?

To maintain a fudgy texture, avoid overbaking and use a combination of butter, sugars, and cocoa powder as directed. Slightly underbaking enhances the moistness.

→ Can I substitute the mint extract?

Yes, peppermint extract can be used for a stronger mint flavor, or omit it for a classic chocolate brownie taste.

→ What is the best way to melt chocolate for the ganache?

Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy.

→ How should I store these brownie bites?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and texture.

→ Can I add toppings to these bites?

Yes, crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings make excellent garnishes and add texture.