Description
These Best Grinch Brownies are a festive and delicious treat featuring rich chocolate brownies topped with a vibrant green peppermint white chocolate frosting. Decorated with mint Oreos and red M&Ms, they make a perfect dessert for holiday celebrations or themed parties.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 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
Frosting
- 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)
Decoration
- 20 mint Oreos (some halved, some cut into fourths)
- ¼ cup red M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the oven rack on one of the top two rungs. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugars: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat heating for another 30 seconds and stir again until the mixture is well combined and butter is melted.
- Cool and Add Wet Ingredients: Allow the butter and sugar mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until blended evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar batter, stirring until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream by microwaving for 1 minute. Stir until smooth, adding more cream if necessary. Mix in the peppermint extract and green gel food coloring. Add more green coloring if a deeper shade is desired.
- Sweeten and Apply Frosting: Add icing sugar a little at a time and stir until the frosting reaches the desired thickness and sweetness. Pour the green peppermint frosting over the cooled brownies and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Decorate with Oreos and M&Ms: Using a sharp knife and cutting board, cut the mint Oreos in halves and quarters. Arrange these pieces evenly on top of the frosting until the entire surface is covered. Sprinkle the red M&Ms over the top for a festive look.
- Serve: Once decorated, slice the brownies into squares and serve to enjoy this festive, rich treat.
Notes
- Be careful when melting butter and chocolates to prevent burning; stirring frequently helps ensure even melting.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant green color without affecting frosting consistency.
- Check the brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking which can dry them out.
- Let brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of icing.
- The peppermint extract adds a festive mint flavor but can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
