Shamrock Mint Brownies (Printable)

Rich fudgy brownies layered with creamy mint and topped with glossy chocolate ganache for a decadent treat.

# What's Needed:

→ Brownie Base

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 - 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
08 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Mint Cream Layer

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

→ Chocolate Ganache

14 - 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
15 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
16 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate for the brownie base, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
03 - Whisk in sugar until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
04 - Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined—do not overmix.
05 - Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan.
06 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring until smooth and spreadable.
07 - Spread mint cream evenly over the cooled brownie base. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
08 - Place chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let stand 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
09 - Pour ganache over mint layer, spreading evenly. Chill brownies for at least 1 hour, or until set.
10 - Lift brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • The cool mint cuts through rich chocolate like a refreshing breeze
  • That glossy ganache topping makes these look professionally fancy
  • They actually taste better after chilling, so you can make them ahead
02 -
  • Warm brownies will melt the mint cream into a weird swirly mess, so please wait until they're completely cool before frosting
  • Overbaking by even 3 minutes transforms these from fudgy to cakey, so set your timer and trust it
  • The ganache needs to cool slightly before pouring but still be warm enough to spread evenly
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for the cleanest slices
  • Use an offset spatula to spread the layers—it gives you more control than a regular butter knife