Description
These Grinch brownies offer a festive and delicious Christmas dessert featuring fudgy chocolate brownies topped with vibrant minty green frosting and red heart sprinkles, creating a delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 2 ½ cups (475g) granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup (157ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (118ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (80g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Frosting
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold
- 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2-4 teaspoons milk or heavy cream, as needed
- Electric Green gel color
- Heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat together until well combined. Next, add the two large eggs and beat just until combined, about 30 seconds, to avoid overmixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Batter: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula for bursts of melty chocolate throughout.
- Bake Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 28 to 32 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: Cut the cold unsalted butter into pieces. Using a mixer with a paddle attachment, whip the butter on medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients: Gradually add powdered sugar and mix on low to incorporate fully. Add vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and 2 to 4 teaspoons of milk or heavy cream, depending on the desired frosting consistency. Beat to combine, then add electric green gel color and continue beating for 1 to 2 minutes until the color is evenly mixed. Reduce speed to low for another minute or two to minimize air bubbles for a smooth finish.
- Assemble: Spread the green peppermint frosting evenly over the fully cooled brownies. Decorate the top with red heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive Grinch-inspired look.
Notes
- Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the brownies (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Adjust Peppermint Flavor: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste for a milder or stronger mint flavor.
- Frosting Consistency: Add more milk or heavy cream a teaspoon at a time if frosting is too stiff; add powdered sugar if too thin.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
