Fudgy Mint Brownies

I love a good reason to have a celebration! St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching and one of my favorite things about this festive day is eating all the green things! Green veggies, green beer, eating brisket (that should NOT be green, by the way!), and green desserts! I’d like to introduce you to my favorite minty-brownies of all time—>Irish Mint Brownies.

Irish Mint Brownie Background ~ How It Came To Be…

Years ago, when I was dating my husband, I visited my soon-to-be in-laws and my mother in law served this super yummy dessert with our coffee. She had borrowed the recipe from her friend who had found it on the landolakes.com website…this was a REALLY long time ago, but it’s a classic and it still sticks to this day! Some good things should never be messed with.

The Brownie

This brownie is very dense and all things super chocolately. I mean, think fudge-y brownie here. My mouth is already watering just thinking about them.

Quality Is Important!

Since this recipe for Irish Mint Brownies has such few ingredients, the quality of your ingredients are key. Buy the very best unsweetened chocolate bar you can find and afford. Remember: cost doesn’t always indicate quality. My preference for chocolate always leans toward Ghirardelli Premium Baking Bars and Scharffen Berger Chocolate. I tend to buy them in bulk so I always have a bar on hand for last-minute baking and if stored properly, they last a really long time. The only unsweetened chocolate baking bar I can usually find locally is Baker’s and that will also work fine if you’re in need.

These brownies come together in a hot minute since most of your work is done in a saucepan! I just love quick desserts like this! Melt the ingredients together, stir in the dry ingredients until smooth and spread it out into your 8 inch baking dish.

I should mention that I’m fairly picky when it comes to my baking dishes, too. I desire uniform heat distribution, a little crust on the edges and something that washes up super easy. My absolute favorite pans are the USA Pans. Their 8 x 8 inch baking pan is superb. If glass is your fancy, OXO – a brand that I’ve come to trust continuously in my kitchen – comes in a close second.

The Frosting

Now, the frosting.

Ohmyheavenlystars. This frosting is just all the goodness.

And…it’s super simple. Take a little cream cheese and a little butter and cream them together with powdered sugar with whatever mixing option you have (or want to upgrade to!). I recently upgraded my stand mixer at Christmas time to the Kitchenaid Professional Series! I try to find all sorts of reasons to use it – and this model makes a frosting dream for these brownies! If a hand mixer is more your style, the Cuisinart brand makes an excellent model.

Next, add some PURE peppermint extract and a little food coloring to make it…GREEN! And voila! You have a beautiful little dessert just begging to be at your St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

I’m pretty particular about my extracts and food colorings as well…nothing imitation allowed in here. My favorites come from the LorAnn Oils line and the McCormick’s Culinary Line. These products are so high-potency that a little goes a long way AND they provide a very true flavor.

I sure hope this yummy recipe inspires you to get into your kitchen and whip up some decadent brownies for your St. Patrick’s Day! Even if you’re not officially celebrating the day with friends, there is always a reason to make these Irish Mint Brownies!

After you’ve created these delicious little lovies, head back over to the blog and check out my other Sweet Treat recipes – you’re sure to find something that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

Until next time…Eat Well. Travel Often. Love Much.

xoxo