Mint Chip Brookies
Mint Chip Brookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: brownies and cookies. With their chewy brownie base and soft, minty cookie top, these brookies are a dream come true for dessert lovers. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie layered with a refreshing mint chocolate chip cookie—it’s a match made in dessert heaven! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, Mint Chip Brookies will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of fudgy brownies and minty cookies. The texture contrast provides a delightful mouthfeel, while the flavors complement each other beautifully. I love how versatile Mint Chip Brookies can be; they’re perfect for any season or occasion. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up some leftover chocolate chips or mint extract. Every bite is a perfect blend of chocolate and mint, making them an instant favorite at any gathering.
Ingredient Notes
- 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened baking chocolate: This is the star of the brownie layer, providing a rich chocolate flavor. Make sure to chop it coarsely for easy melting.
- 1 cup (170g) unsalted butter: Softened butter is essential for the right texture in both layers of the brookies.
- 1 ½ cups (350g) granulated sugar: This sweetener helps create that perfect chewy texture in the brownies and cookies.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the brownie layer.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for both layers to enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deeper chocolate flavor to the brownie base.
- 1 cup (124g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownie layer.
- 1 large egg for cookie layer: Helps bind the cookie dough together.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses the cookie layer with a refreshing minty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie layer rise for a soft texture.
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour: The base for the cookie layer, ensuring it holds its shape.
- 8-10 drops green food coloring (optional): For a festive touch, making the cookies look as minty as they taste.
- 1 ½ cups (255g) chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey experience.
Cook’s Kit
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for the brownie batter and another for the cookie dough.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in the chocolate chips and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for layering your brookies.
- Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal of the brookies from the pan.
- Oven mitts: Safety first—always protect your hands when handling hot pans!
Cooking Mint Chip Brookies: The Process
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step is crucial for perfect brookie extraction!
Step 3: Make the Brownie Layer
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the coarsely chopped unsweetened baking chocolate and 1 cup of unsalted butter together, stirring until smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix in Sugar and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until combined. Then, add in 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and the remaining salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 6: Spread the Brownie Batter
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Make the Cookie Layer
In another mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
Step 8: Add Dry Ingredients to Cookie Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until combined. If desired, add 8-10 drops of green food coloring for a festive touch. Finally, fold in 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips.
Step 9: Layer the Cookie Dough
Scoop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the brownie layer in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it gently, but don’t worry about covering it completely.
Step 10: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; you want the brookies to remain soft and chewy.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the brookies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy your Mint Chip Brookies!
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Egg-Free: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
- Nut-Free: Ensure that the chocolate chips are made in a nut-free facility if allergies are a concern.
Little Things that Matter
When making Mint Chip Brookies, pay attention to the quality of your chocolate. The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor of your brookies. Also, don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies and brownies. Finally, allow your brookies to cool completely before cutting for clean edges and a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
If you want to prepare Mint Chip Brookies in advance, you can make the brownie layer and cookie dough separately. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before layering and baking. Alternatively, you can bake the brookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the brookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying!
Your Top Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute the unsweetened baking chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter brownie base. Just be mindful that this will alter the sweetness of your brookies slightly.
How do I know when the brookies are done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Keep in mind that they may continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Can I add nuts to the brookies?
Yes, if you love a little crunch, feel free to fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the brownie layer or the cookie layer!
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use vanilla extract instead. While it won’t give you that minty flavor, the brookies will still be delicious!
Final Bite
Mint Chip Brookies are a delightful treat that brings together two of the most loved desserts in a harmonious way. The fudgy brownie base paired with a minty chocolate chip cookie top creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these brookies are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the ultimate chocolate and mint experience that is Mint Chip Brookies!
Mint Chip Brookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brookies bake evenly.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan - Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Step 3: Make the Brownie Layer - In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the coarsely chopped unsweetened baking chocolate and 1 cup of unsalted butter together, stirring until smooth.
- Step 4: Mix in Sugar and Eggs - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until combined. Then, add in 3 large eggs, one at a time.
- Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients - In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and the remaining salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Step 6: Spread the Brownie Batter - Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Step 7: Make the Cookie Layer - In another mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Step 8: Add Dry Ingredients to Cookie Dough - In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Step 9: Layer the Cookie Dough - Scoop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the brownie layer in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it gently.
- Step 10: Bake - Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 11: Cool and Serve - Once baked, remove the brookies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Pay attention to the quality of your chocolate for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour to keep it tender.
- Allow brookies to cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
