Shamrock Mint Brownies (Print Version)

Fudgy chocolate squares with mint cream layers and smooth chocolate ganache topping.

# What You Need:

→ Brownie Base

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp baking powder

→ Mint Cream Layer

09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tbsp milk
12 - 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
13 - Green food coloring as desired

→ Chocolate Ganache

14 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
15 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
16 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan or microwave. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
03 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
04 - Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in green food coloring until desired shade is reached.
05 - Spread the mint cream evenly over the cooled brownie base. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
06 - Place chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream until just simmering and pour over the chocolate; let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
07 - Pour ganache over the mint layer and spread evenly. Chill brownies at least 30 minutes before slicing.
08 - Lift brownies from pan using parchment, cut into squares, and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm fudgy brownie and cool mint cream hits every single comfort button
  • That glossy ganache topping makes these look like they came from an upscale bakery
02 -
  • Letting the brownie base cool completely before adding the mint layer is non negotiable or the cream will melt
  • Adding food coloring drop by drop gives you control over the shade because you can always add more but you can't take it back
03 -
  • Adding a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter intensifies the chocolate flavor without making them taste like coffee
  • White chocolate shavings on top make these extra fancy for St Patricks Day celebrations