Name: Best Grinch Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter; 1 cup sugar; ¾ cup brown sugar (packed); 3 large eggs; 3 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 2 cups (11 ounce bag) white chocolate chips (Ghirardelis recommended); 2 – 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract; Green food coloring (gel preferred); Icing sugar (quantity as needed); 20 mint Oreos (some halved, some cut into fourths); ¼ cup red M&M’s

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 47 reviews

If you’re looking to bring some holiday magic and festive cheer to your dessert table, the Best Grinch Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. These vibrant, rich brownies combine the fudgy decadence you crave with a fun and whimsical green frosting and festive toppings that will instantly remind you of the mischievous Grinch himself. The perfect balance of chocolate, peppermint, and a pop of color makes this treat a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just a fun baking adventure with loved ones. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a holiday favorite you can’t wait to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface. One bowl is filled with dark chocolate sandwich cookies with cream filling, and another has white chocolate discs. There is a bowl of light brown sugar and a bowl with smooth white cream. A small white bowl holds bright red candy, while another contains a heap of light flour. Two eggs rest on the marble surface near a white plate holding two sticks of pale yellow butter. Additional small bowls hold white granulated sugar, cocoa powder with a rich brown color, some salt, and a clear liquid. A small tube with green markings lies near the center. The setup looks neat and ready for baking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The Best Grinch Brownies Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a beautifully textured and flavorful dessert. Each one plays a crucial role, from the rich cocoa powder delivering that intense chocolate flavor, to the white chocolate and peppermint in the frosting adding a festive twist with a hint of freshness.

¾ cup butter: Provides the rich and moist base that brownies need for a perfect fudgy texture.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the brownie while helping with the tender crumb.
¾ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a subtle caramel note and moisture to the brownie.
3 large eggs: Bind everything together and give structure to the brownies.
3 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
¾ cup all-purpose flour: Gives the brownie its body without making it cakey.
¾ cup cocoa powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor, making these brownies deeply chocolatey.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just a bit, making them tender but not cakey.
2 cups white chocolate chips (11-ounce bag, Ghirardelli recommended): Creates the creamy frosting base with rich sweetness.
2 – 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Gives the frosting a smooth and spreadable consistency.
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract: Adds a refreshing, minty holiday note to the frosting.
Icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to that perfect consistency for spreading.
Green food coloring (gel preferred): Brings the signature Grinch green color to the frosting.
20 mint Oreos (some halved, some cut into fourths): Adds crunch and a festive decorative touch.
¼ cup red M&M’s: Pops of red for color contrast and an extra layer of sweetness.

How to Make Best Grinch Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, making sure the rack is placed on one of the top two levels. Line your baking pan with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your brownies bake evenly and release easily from the pan when cooled, setting you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Sugar

Combine the butter and both sugars in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring in between until the butter melts and the sugars begin to dissolve, but be careful not to overheat. This step creates a smooth, sweet base that’s crucial for the perfect brownie texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Let the butter and sugar mixture cool slightly before whisking in the eggs and vanilla extract. Adding them while the mixture is too hot could cook the eggs and result in an uneven texture, so this cooling period helps keep everything silky and smooth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Combining your dry ingredients beforehand ensures that they’re evenly distributed, avoiding any pockets of flour or cocoa in your batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Overmixing can make brownies tough, so mixing just until you see no more flour streaks will keep your brownies fudgy and tender.

Step 6: Bake the Brownie Base

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick – ideally, you want a few moist crumbs clinging to it, signaling that you have that perfect fudgy center. Once out of the oven, cool the brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack before moving on to frosting.

Step 7: Make the Peppermint Green Frosting

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with heavy whipping cream in 1-minute bursts, stirring until silky smooth. Stir in peppermint extract and green gel food coloring little by little to reach that iconic Grinch green shade. Sprinkle in icing sugar and blend well to thicken the frosting slightly so it spreads beautifully over the brownies.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Pour the green icing over the completely cooled brownies, smoothing the top as best you can. Then, decorate by placing halved and quartered mint Oreos all over the frosting “like the Grinch’s mischievous grin,” and sprinkle with bright red M&M’s for that festive pop of color that brings everything together.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut your masterpiece into squares and get ready to enjoy some of the most fun, festive brownies you’ll ever bake. The rich chocolate, creamy peppermint frosting, and delightful crunch of Oreos and M&M’s will keep everyone coming back for more.

How to Serve Best Grinch Brownies Recipe

A square piece of dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate with a ridged edge on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is thick and dark brown with a rough, crumbly texture like a dense brownie. The middle layer is bright green and smooth, resembling a creamy mint filling. The top layer is a mix of dark crumbs, whole chocolate sandwich cookie pieces placed upright, and scattered red candy-coated chocolates. A silver fork is pressed into the dessert, and a few pieces of the dessert have fallen on the plate around it. In the background, more dessert squares with the same layers and toppings are on a white platter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation, consider adding a light dusting of icing sugar to mimic “snow” on the vibrant green frosting. Fresh mint leaves or tiny edible gold stars can also be sprinkled sparingly to create an eye-catching holiday vibe without overpowering the classic flavors.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair wonderfully with a simple cup of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra special treat, try serving with peppermint bark or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness and refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box and cut the brownies into festive shapes using cookie cutters—like stars, Christmas trees, or even little Grinch faces for an unforgettable holiday party centerpiece. Wrapping individual brownies in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon also makes for perfect homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Best Grinch Brownies Recipe are fully cooled and frosted, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the fudgy texture intact while ensuring the frosting doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies for up to two months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting, or freeze after frosting and thaw carefully to preserve the decorations.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy warm brownies, gently microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out. The frosting may soften, making them even more heavenly.

FAQs

Can I substitute the white chocolate chips in the frosting?

Absolutely! While white chocolate chips give the frosting its creamy sweetness, you could experiment with cream cheese or buttercream frosting, but the peppermint and green color are key to the Grinch look and flavor.

Is gel food coloring necessary or can I use liquid?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides a more vibrant color without thinning the frosting. Liquid food coloring can work but may make the frosting runnier.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, if you substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, you can enjoy this recipe without gluten. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.

How do I ensure my brownies come out fudgy?

Don’t overbake—checking with a toothpick to see if a few moist crumbs still cling is the best test. Also, mixing just until combined prevents overworking the batter, which can make brownies cakey.

Can I use regular Oreos instead of mint Oreos?

Definitely! Mint Oreos give a festive hint of mint that pairs beautifully with the peppermint frosting, but regular Oreos will still add wonderful texture and crunch if you can’t find mint.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give the Best Grinch Brownies Recipe a try this holiday season or any time you want a fun and delicious chocolate treat with a festive twist. It’s one of those recipes that brings smiles not only from its playful colors and textures but from the incredible flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. Happy baking and may your brownies be as joyful as the holidays themselves!