#Holiday Mint Chocolate Brownies: A Delightful Treat to Sweeten Your Holiday Season
Looking for the perfect dessert to lighten up your holiday season? We’ve got you covered with our scrumptious Holiday Mint Chocolate Brownies.
This scrumptious dessert is exactly what you need to spread the holiday cheer. With its rich chocolaty base, creamy mint frosting, and a decadent layer of chocolate ganache, who wouldn’t love these brownies?
##Why Make Holiday Mint Chocolate Brownies?
These delicious brownies are the perfect solution for satiating your sweet tooth cravings during the holiday season. Not only are these easy to bake, but they are also packed with a burst of mint chocolate that will leave you and your guests craving for more.
The chocolate ganache and mint frosting layered over the brownies make this recipe a show-stopper dessert.
##How to Make Holiday Mint Chocolate Brownies:
###Ingredients:
####Brownies:
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup mint chocolate chips
####Mint Frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1-2 tbsp milk
– 1/2 tsp mint extract
– A few drops of green food coloring (optional)
####Chocolate Ganache:
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
###Directions:
#####Preheat Your Oven:
Prep your oven by preheating it to 350°F (175°C) and prepping an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
#####Prepare the Brownie Mix:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat before adding sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and then add in your flour, cocoa, and salt. Mix until smooth and well-combined. Fold in the mint chocolate chips and then pour this batter into your prepped pan.
#####Bake the Brownies:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Now, you must let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
#####Prepare the Mint Frosting:
Beat your softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, milk, mint extract, and the optional food coloring. Beat until smooth, and then spread this frosting over your cooled brownies.
#####Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
Combine your chocolate chips with the heavy cream in a microwave-friendly bowl. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour this ganache over your mint frosting layer.
#####Chill and Serve:
Let the brownies chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes before cutting them into squares and serving.
##How to Serve Holiday Mint Chocolate Brownies:
These holiday mint chocolate brownies are perfect served chill. Garnish them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some fresh mint leaves on top for a festive touch. In addition to being served as a dessert, they can also make an excellent snack or even a spoonable treat.
##How to Store Holiday Mint Chocolate Brownies:
Wrap the brownies you wish to store tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.
##Tips to Make Holiday Mint Chocolate Brownies:
For the best results:
– Let the brownies cool completely before frosting to avoid a melting mess.
– The ganache should only be poured over the frosting when it’s cool to avoid melting the frosting.
– If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, you can add some peppermint candies on top or mix them into the batter.
##Variations:
If you wish to try different flavors, feel free to replace the mint extract with other extracts such as orange or almond. Have some fun and try adding marshmallows or crushed candy cane on top for an extra festive treat.
##Frequently Asked Questions:
####Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
– Yes, you can! Ensure that the chocolate you use is of good quality to get the best flavor.
####Q2: Can I use a different extract instead of mint for the frosting?
– Yes, you can try using vanilla or almond extract if you wish.
####Q3: Are these brownies freezer-friendly?
– Yes, you can freeze these brownies for up to three months. Just ensure that it is well-wrapped to prevent any freezer burn.
So go ahead and make your holiday season special with these Holiday Mint Chocolate Brownies. Enjoy baking!