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
