There is something utterly magical about combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with a refreshing hint of peppermint, creating a dessert that feels festive and indulgent all at once. This Grasshopper Brownies Recipe captures that perfect balance by layering deep chocolate brownies with a luscious minty cream cheese frosting, topped off with fun sprinkles or chopped chocolate. Whether you’re after a cozy treat for the holidays or a delightful surprise at your next gathering, this recipe promises a crowd-pleaser that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grasshopper Brownies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering that irresistible mint and chocolate harmony. From simple pantry staples like sugar and cocoa powder to fresh cream cheese and just the right touch of peppermint extract, these components come together to weave a decadent and textured flavor profile.
- Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a tender crumb.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture, essential for fudgy brownies and creamy frosting.
- Peppermint Extract: Provides that signature minty freshness that defines the dish.
- Flour: The structural backbone for the cake-like brownie base.
- Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough for a soft texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor and that classic dark color.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the dense yet tender texture.
- Cream Cheese: Key for the tangy, smooth frosting that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Icing Powder: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Green Food Coloring: Gives the frosting that festive, eye-catching grasshopper green.
- Heavy Cream: Lightens and smooths the frosting for easy application.
- Toppings (sprinkles, chopped chocolate, chocolate chips): Add texture and fun flair to your presentation.
How to Make Grasshopper Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, trimming the edges if they extend too far. This creates an easy way to lift the brownies out after baking. Then gather all your ingredients, so you’re ready to blend without any interruptions.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Peppermint
Using a mixer, beat softened butter with sugar and peppermint extract until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps dissolve the sugar while incorporating air, which leads to a lighter texture in your brownies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder gradually to the creamed mixture. Mixing slowly will prevent lumps and ensure an even distribution of the cocoa for that rich, chocolaty base.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Mix Thoroughly
Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the batter, blending well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to capture all the ingredients for a uniform batter. This will create the dense but tender crumb we love.
Step 5: Bake Until Done
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Minty Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring until smooth. Slowly add heavy cream a little at a time until you reach a creamy and spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Frost and Chill
Spread the frosting evenly across the cooled brownies, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the brownies for at least an hour; this helps the frosting set beautifully for clean slicing.
Step 8: Add Decorative Touches
Decorate with sprinkles, sparkles, chocolate-covered mints, chopped or shaved chocolate, or chocolate chips. This final step is where your creativity shines and the brownies become party-ready.
How to Serve Grasshopper Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes transform these brownies from simple to spectacular. Consider chocolate curls for elegance, festive sprinkles for a pop of color, or chopped peppermint patties for an extra mint burst — all of which add texture and visual interest to your dessert plate.
Side Dishes
Pairing these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the rich chocolate and refreshing mint perfectly. A cup of hot coffee or mint tea also harmonizes beautifully for a relaxing afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging brownies on a festive platter garnished with fresh mint leaves or dust lightly with cocoa powder for a rustic look. For a party, serve bite-sized squares on colorful cupcake liners to make them easy to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Grasshopper Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them cool and away from direct sunlight to preserve the frosting’s texture and the brownie’s moisture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies slightly warm, microwave a piece for 10 to 15 seconds. However, be gentle to avoid melting the frosting too much. Warm brownies offer that gooey texture that makes them so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of peppermint extract?
While vanilla will give you a nice flavor, peppermint extract is essential for the signature minty taste that defines this Grasshopper Brownies Recipe. If peppermint is unavailable, try adding a hint of mint-flavored liqueur for a similar effect.
Is it necessary to use green food coloring in the frosting?
Not at all! The green color is purely decorative and adds to the grasshopper theme. If you prefer natural colors, you can omit the food coloring or use a small amount of spirulina powder for a natural green hue.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just be sure the blend includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture of traditional flour.
What’s the best way to cut these brownies cleanly?
Chilling the brownies until the frosting is firm helps achieve clean cuts. Use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water and dried before slicing; this prevents dragging and crumbling.
How long should I chill the frosting before serving?
Refrigerate the frosted brownies for at least one hour. This not only sets the frosting but also allows the flavors to meld together, giving you that perfect Grasshopper Brownies Recipe taste with every bite.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting and delightful about making and sharing this Grasshopper Brownies Recipe with the people you love. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint frosting is a guaranteed winner, no matter the occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s a sweet way to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to join you for a bite.
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Grasshopper Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including cooling and setting time)
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in these rich and festive Grasshopper Brownies, combining a fudgy chocolate base infused with peppermint extract and topped with a creamy peppermint frosting tinted green for a refreshing twist. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a chocolaty-mint delight.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (1/2 a brick)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 3 cups icing or powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3–4 drops green food coloring
- 2 tablespoons heavy or whipping cream (add 1–2 tablespoons more if needed)
Decoration (Optional)
- Sprinkles
- Sparkles
- Chocolate-covered mints, chopped
- Shaved chocolate
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, trimming the edges as needed to fit snugly.
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients to have them ready for easy and efficient mixing.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a medium-large mixing bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer to beat softened butter, sugar, and peppermint extract together until creamy and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder into the wet mixture, blending thoroughly to create a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, blending completely after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure uniform mixing.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and green food coloring until smooth and creamy. Beat in heavy cream gradually until desired frosting consistency is achieved.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies in a smooth layer. Refrigerate for at least one hour to set the frosting properly.
- Decorate and Serve: Optionally, decorate the frosted brownies with sprinkles, sparkles, chopped chocolate-covered mints, shaved chocolate, or chocolate chips. Cut into 12 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to cool the brownies completely before frosting to prevent melting or a runny frosting layer.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream in the frosting to achieve your preferred consistency—add more for a thinner spread or less for a thicker frosting.
- Use good quality cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor.
- For extra minty flavor, increase peppermint extract slightly but avoid overpowering the chocolate.
- Decorations are optional but add a festive and appealing touch perfect for holidays.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
