There’s a time for eating “healthy” foods (most of the time), and then there’s a time for enjoying holiday cookies like these Three Layer Mint Brownies. These brownies are the perfect match of chewy brownie and melt-in-your-mouth minty goodness. Of course, you could make them at any time of year. But in our house these are a time-honored Christmas and holiday treat.
They start out with a brownie layer, then have a layer of minty icing, and then a chocolate glaze. They’re easy enough for kids to help with, and they’re festive enough to serve at a party. Even better, they’ll stay fresh for several days in the refrigerator. So with this big batch of brownies, you can make it to at least two cookie exchanges.
Three-Layer Mint Brownies Recipe
Three-Layer Mint Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- Pinch salt
- 1 16- ounce can of chocolate syrup
Mint Icing Layer
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 drops green food coloring
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
Chocolate Glaze Layer
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 6 tbsp butter
Instructions
-
Make the brownie layer: In a large mixer, cream the 1/2 cup butter, then add the sugar and cream until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla and then mix in the flour. Finally, mix in the chocolate syrup. Pour the mixture into a well-greased jelly roll pan (or 18"x13" cookie sheet) that is at least 3/4" deep. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
-
Make the icing layer: Cream the 1/2 cup butter, add the sugar, food coloring, peppermint extract, and creme de menthe liqueur, and continue beating until a smooth frosting is created. Gently spread the icing evenly over the cooled brownies in the pan. Chill the entire pan for at least 30 minutes before continuing.
-
Make the chocolate glaze layer: Melt the 1 cup of chocolate chips and 6 T. of butter in a double boiler and stir until smooth. Carefully spread on top of icing layer. Refrigerate for *exactly* 20 minutes before cutting the brownies into squares. Serve immediately, or else keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
A few things to note about prep: 1) You need to wait for the brownies to cool completely before you put the mint icing layer on – otherwise the icing will melt and it will be a mess. 2) You need to chill the completed mint brownies for exactly 20 minutes before you cut them. This will give the chocolate glaze enough time to set, but you can still make a clean cut.
And last but not least, keep the mint brownies in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them. Otherwise the icing and glaze layers will start to soften and melt. (Also, you might need to hide them from hungry hands throughout the holidays, so find a good spot in the back of the fridge.)
Want other great Christmas treats? Check out these delicious ideas:
These were amazing. I couldn’ stop eating them.
You and me both! Thanks for stopping by, Cathy!
Thanks for including my cookies as well. 🙂
I’m so glad I took some of these home from the Cookie Exchange. I’ve allowed myself one a day and I have one left! I’m afraid of making them without an event to serve at immediately, as I’ll devour them all. I want to make them next year for our Holiday Cookie Baking Class. Absolutely sinful! Thanks Jeanne.
I took home 6 of these. I only shared 1 with husband and 1 with son. The rest for ME ME ME! That is my kinda math. 🙂
Thanks for including the list of other cookies at the party! Much appreciated!
LOL