There’s something about the fusion of rich, chocolaty decadence with a hint of refreshing mint that makes these brownies feel like a celebration in every bite. Imagine the cool breeze of a summer evening—yet in dessert form. My friend swears these are the perfect treat for any occasion, though I suspect they just love having an excuse to indulge in something simultaneously comforting and invigorating.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing or lining it with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, then incorporate the melted, cooled unsweetened chocolate. Combine the dry ingredients separately and then gradually add them to the chocolate mixture.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes, checking for a set center by gently shaking the pan. Allow the brownies to cool completely before proceeding.
- For the mint filling, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in the mint extract and green food coloring until you achieve the desired shade of green.
- Evenly spread the mint mixture over the cooled brownies. If needed, trim the brownie edges to ensure a uniform layer.
- Melt the chocolate chips and butter together, either in a microwave in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop, stirring until smooth. Pour this chocolate layer over the mint filling, spreading it with a spoon for an even top.
- Cover the brownies and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight to set. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, melted and cooled
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons mint extract (peppermint extract can be used as an alternative)
- 4-6 drops green food coloring
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ? cup butter
FAQ
- What are Grasshopper Brownies?
- Grasshopper Brownies are a delightful treat that combines a classic brownie base with a creamy mint layer, topped with a rich chocolate ganache. They’re also known as Creme de Menthe Brownies or simply mint brownies.
- Can I use a boxed brownie mix for the base?
- Yes, you can use a boxed brownie mix as a convenient option for the base of Grasshopper Brownies. Alternatively, you can make the brownie base from scratch using the provided recipe.
- How do I achieve the mint layer’s green color?
- To achieve the signature green color of the mint layer, add a few drops of green food coloring to the mixture of butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Adjust the amount of food coloring to reach your desired shade.
- How long should the brownies be refrigerated before serving?
- After assembling the layers, cover the Grasshopper Brownies and refrigerate them for 3-4 hours, or overnight if possible, to ensure the layers set properly.
- What type of chocolate is used for the topping?
- The chocolate topping is made by melting semi-sweet chocolate chips together with butter, creating a smooth and rich layer that complements the mint and brownie layers perfectly.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the mint filling, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This will help them blend together more smoothly and create a creamy texture.
- Trim Excess Brownie Edges: If the edges of your brownies rise too high during baking, consider trimming them for a more even surface. This ensures that the mint layer spreads smoothly and evenly across the top.
- Microwave Chocolate in Intervals: When melting chocolate chips for the topping, do so in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring after each interval. This prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures a silky, smooth ganache.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Allow the completed brownies to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the layers set properly and makes cutting the brownies into neat squares much easier.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish – A specific size baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
- Electric Mixer – Useful for creaming together ingredients and whipping mixtures.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – Required for melting chocolate and butter in the microwave.
- Cooling Rack – To allow the brownies to cool evenly after baking.
- Spatula or Offset Spatula – For spreading the mint filling and chocolate topping evenly over the brownies.
