If you love chocolate mint as much as I do, you will love these Chocolate Mint Brownies. Gooey chocolate brownies studded with minty bits make for such a treat. I’ve been making this recipe for years, ever since I developed it in tribute to my paternal Grandmother, Mary Addis.
You cannot beat the combination of chocolate and mint, and it really shines in these brownies! Don’t worry if you can’t get mint chocolate chips – there are lots of other options for making this delicious recipe.
Press the Jump To Recipe Button at the top of the page or scroll to the bottom for the Chocolate Mint Brownies recipe, or read on if you’d like to find out a little more about the remarkable lady who was my Grandma.
My Grandma Mary
My Grandmother, Mary Addis, left her home in Belfast when she was barely 18 years of age to travel to Canada. She undertook the risky, unpleasant sea voyage with several other young women her age, under the protection of her future employer, who owned a textile mill in a town that would soon be known as Galt.
Mary left Belfast wearing this locket containing photographs of her mother and father, never expecting to see them again. I immigrated to England when I was 23, but there was almost no question that I would see my family again. I can’t imagine being as brave as Mary was.
I’m not sure what the conditions in the mills were like, but I know they would not have been acceptable today. As Mary died before I was born, I have little knowledge of her life during her first days in Canada. However Grandpa told me that not too long after she arrived, she “roller skated right into” my Grandpa, a World War One veteran recently returned from the front. According to my Grandpa, it was very much love at first sight. I always loved that story. Mary and Joe, my grandpa, were married in 1922.
Mary and Joe went on to have four children and 11 Grandchildren, although Mary only met six of her Grandchildren before her death aged just 61. I was born less than a year after she died, but sadly she never even knew I was on the way.
During World War 2, while Joe was away from home in the Canadian home guard in London, Ontario, Mary took in trainee soldiers on their way to the front, who became part of the family while they trained. This must have been a challenge in so many ways, particularly with four children of her own. My Dad and his brother were under five at the start of the war, but their sisters were older, the eldest in her teens. Despite all this, Mary did her bit for the war effort, even working in a munitions factory for a time.
My Grandpa talked about Mary (who he called ‘May’) all the time when I was little. He kept her aprons, crisply ironed and neatly folded in a kitchen drawer. Grandpa let me choose an apron to wear whenever I helped him in the kitchen. We never made Chocolate Mint Brownies, but he was a pretty good cook, and I know Mary would have been proud of how well he managed after she died.
Visiting Ireland
Mary returned to Belfast twice, once for a visit with her parents in 1925 and again for her father’s funeral in 1948. On her first visit, Mary took her first child, my Aunt Irene, with her. The ship’s rosters for both their outgoing and return journey tell me they were gone for several months.
Her last journey took considerably less time as she travelled by plane. Mary’s two journeys home make me realise how lucky I was to be able to visit with my late parents so many times, both here in the UK and back in Canada.
I haven’t been to Belfast yet, but I have visited the southern part of Ireland many times. I’ve even kissed the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle (above). I also love Dublin and Kinsale.
When my Grandpa passed away, he left me Mary’s locket. I wear it regularly, and always on St Patrick’s Day. I think of Mary often, particularly when I’m nervous about trying something new. It reminds me that if my Grandma could do what she did all those years ago, both when she left her home in Ireland and during the war, there really is very little excuse for me not to be brave in nearly any circumstances.
Back to my Chocolate Mint Brownies!
I like to use Guittard Mint Baking Chips (affiliate link) for my Chocolate Mint Brownies. Mint Baking Chips are often hard to get in the UK and always very expensive, but I love their flavour and the green colour they give to the brownies. During the pandemic it became nearly impossible to source these minty bits of goodness, so I tried dark chocolate and mint crunch bars by Chocolate and Love (affiliate link). I just cut the bars up in small squares, to create makeshift mint chocolate “chips”. They had a wonderful flavour and stood up well to the heat of the oven. So if you can’t get the mint baking chips, you can use any good chocolate mint chocolate bars provided they don’t have a creamy filling.
Tips for Making Chocolate Mint Brownies
If you cannot find Chocolate Mint Chips or a Chocolate Mint Bar to chop up – or if you like a strong mint flavour – you can always add a half a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the chocolate mint brownies instead of vanilla. My friend April Birch uses pure peppermint essential oil to make these brownies. She recommends adding about 5 drops to the batter, but you can add more or less to taste. In this case, it’s a great idea to replace the mint chips with dark or milk chocolate chips.
I like to use Green and Black’s cocoa powder (affiliate link) because of its rich dark chocolate flavour and I like that it is a fairtrade product. You can, of course, use any cocoa powder that you like. However, please don’t use anything labelled ‘drinking chocolate’. Drinking chocolate has milk powder added and does not work in these Chocolate Mint Brownies – or in baking in general.
I recommend using this 13 x 9 inch pan (affiliate link) for baking these Chocolate Mint Brownies. While you still need to grease a non-stick pan, it releases the brownies easily and cleans up effortlessly. The lid is perfect for storing the brownies at room temperature—my last batch stayed fresh for over a week, though that was mostly because there were only two of us eating them!
The covered pan is also great for taking brownies on the go or gifting them. I simply bake a batch, then give the pan as part of the gift, explaining I don’t need it back. It’s a thoughtful present for any baker!
Be sure not to overcook the brownies as it’s their moist texture that helps make them so irresistible. I always check them after about 20 minutes and keep an eye on them from there so they do not overcook.
The glaze on these Chocolate Mint Brownies is purely optional but it really does make them extra special – especially if you are serving them for St Patrick’s Day.
Chocolate Mint Brownies – Printable Recipe
Chocolate Mint Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon butter for greasing the pan (You may need slightly more or less.)
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅔ cup melted unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2 cups caster or granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1⅓ cups all purpose flour all purpose flour is also known as plain flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or peppermint extract
- 1 cup mint baking chips or chopped up chocolate mint chocolate bars
- Glaze –
- ⅔ cup icing sugar icing sugar is also known as confectioners sugar
- 1 to 3 teaspoons water
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- a drop of green food colouring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C or 165°C for a fan oven).
- Grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch (33 x 22 x 5 cm) pan.
- Sift the cocoa and baking soda into a large bowl.
- Stir in ⅓ cup of the butter. (That's 75 grams or half of the butter)
- Add the boiling water and stir until the mixture thickens up.
- Stir in the sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla and the remaining ⅓ cup butter.
- Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
- Sift in the flour and salt.
- Stir until well blended.
- Stir in the mint chips.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
- Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until the brownies just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. (I always check the brownies after 20 minutes and watch them from there.)
- Place the pan on a wire rack to cool.
- Meanwhile, put the icing sugar in a bowl and gradually add the water until you have a smooth, drizzle-able glaze.
- Stir in the mint flavouring and a drop of green food colouring.
- Mix well.
- When the brownies are completely cool, drizzle with the glaze.
- Let the glaze set for at least a half hour before cutting the brownies into squares.
did you make this recipe?
Make sure to tag #apriljharris on Instagram and follow @apriljharris for more.
More Delicious Treat Recipes
Raspberry Bakewell Tart Squares
Chocolate and Blueberry Pudding Cake
Old Fashioned Applesauce Pecan Brownies
Comments & Reviews
I am such a fan of mint and chocolate. Your brownies caught my attention right away! What a nice way to remember your grandmother, a recipe made in her honor. Saying hello from Foodie FriDIY 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Hi Christy! Thank you, I’m so glad you like them. I hope you have a lovely weekend too!
This sound so decadent – love them! I absolutely love the story of your grandmother (and grandfather), and what an inspiration!
Thank you so much, Patricia!
What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. I agree that chocolate and mint are a perfect pairing. These brownies are just stunning!
Thank you, Nicole 🙂 I have to say chocolate and mint is one of my favourite flavour combos!
Dear April, I often think of my mom and grandmother when I need strength too. These brownies sound wonderful…and have a beautiful story behind them. Wishing you a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day. xo dear, Catherine
Thank you so much, Catherine. Wishing you a wonderful St Patrick’s Day too 🙂 xo
What a wonderful story April! <3
Thank you, Kecia 🙂
G’day Gorgeous April! Love the recipe and presentation and thx for sharing at the Say Gday Party pinned Can link up to 3
Thank you so much, Joanne! Will try to link up more next week 🙂
Believe or not but like you, I’ve been wanting to make such brownies for a looooooooooong time. and just like you – I find it difficult to get the right products here.
I’m jealous now – as you finally made it and they look DELICIOUS !!
Thank you, Winnie 🙂 Some of the products seem to be becoming more easily available over the years – I’m hoping it will continue – and that they will come down in price!
What a great tribute to your grandma!! Yummy brownies!
Thank you, Diana 🙂
What a combo, April, chocolate brownies and mint! This looks divine!! And your granny was such a strong lady, her bravery is inspirational!
Thank you, Hadia 🙂
Delicious chocolate mint brownies April, I wish I could at least taste one.
Thank you, Swathi! I wish I could send you some 🙂
Oh my gosh, April. I loved reading this story. It is so wonderful that your family has passed on Mary’s story, her locket, the photos…everything. It is also touching that you look to your grandmother (who you never met) as a source of inspiration and courage.
Now about these brownies…brownies are my favorite treat! I’ve never made them with mint but now I know I have to. Lucky for me, mint chips will not be $9 a package. Wow!
Thank you so much, Michelle 🙂
Such a great family story to go with our brownies April! I’m ready to sit down with a batch right now! Thanks for the link up at #PureBlogLove Link Party! It’s so fun to read your posts!
Thank you, Diane 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoy them!
What a beautiful, tasty tribute to your grandmother. I am quite sure that these brownies are worth every bit that you spent on the mint-chocolate chips!
Thank you, Michelle! They really were 🙂
Yummy! I too love chocolate and mint together! I loved reading the story about your grandmother! These brownies look delish! I’ll have to try them soon!
Thank you so much, Elaine. I’m really glad you enjoyed the post and I hope you love the brownies as much as we do!
These would make the perfect dessert for St. Patrick’s Day!
Thank you, Mary Ellen!
Those brownies look amazing, April! And what a wonderful heritage to have. 🙂
Thank you, Raia. I really am very proud of my Grandmother 🙂
Nice story. People were very brave back then. I can’t imagine leaving my family at 18, knowing that I’d probably see them again. Fate is fickle. We never know.
I do know that these brownies look delicious. Love the mint topping.
Happy St. Pat’s!
Thank you, Dan. It really was brave. She only went back once too – and that was for her Dad’s funeral. Thank you so much for the compliment about the brownies. Happy St Patrick’s Day to you and yours!
Hi April ,
These look really yummy ! I’ll have to make some to take to my co-workers ( to ensure I don’t eat them all 😉 ) . It looks like you have the locket that your grandma had , what a lovely thing to have . She was very brave to leave her home and come to a strange country ! But don’t forget you did the same thing which took a lot of courage ! Even if times are different and families can travel to see each other much easier now it still takes a lot of gumption ( one of my favorite words ) to do what you did .
Love Ruby .
Thank you so much, Ruby 🙂 Your compliment made my day – and I love that word, ‘gumption’ too. It’s especially nice when someone uses it in reference to me 🙂 x
What a lovely way to remember your grandmother. The brownies look delicious!
Thank you so much, Cristina!
Your grandmother truly was brave! And what an inspiration, indeed. Love the meeting with your grandpa…Love your mint brownies, too. I’m green with envy that Cadbury cocoa powder is so readily available to you ; ) P.s. Pinning!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Kim, and thank you so much!
My favorite combination: mint and chocolate! I’ll definitely be making these. Now I’m going to go check out your orange and chocolate brownies, because you know, orange and chocolate…
Thank you, Kathi – and yes, I know what you mean about orange and chocolate 😉 It’s a favourite combination of mine as well!
What a lovely story! So brave to leave her family and travel to a new country!
The brownies look delicious. I am pinning to try in the very near future.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Kileen. She really was brave. And thank you for pinning – I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do!
I tend to go for mint choc anything too! Maybe you could bring some Guittard chocolate chips back in your suitcase! ?
Sounds like a plan, Hilary 🙂
What a wonderful recipe – and story! That locket is a real treasure.
Thank you so much, Lorinda! It really is. Thank you so much for sharing on Facebook too 🙂
These sound amazing!
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Thank you, Jess! I’m travelling at the moment but will do as soon as I can 🙂
Chocolate and mint are of course a heavenly combination but I don’t think I’ve ever actually had a chocolate mint brownie.
It always gives me pause when I hear of people like your grandmother embarking on voyages and never expecting to see home or family again. I simply can’t imagine what that felt like. If you’re looking for an enticing read, I really enjoyed The Ship of Brides by JoJo Moyes, which was inspired by Australian women sailing for England after WW2.
Me too, Pauline, I just can’t imagine it. When I left Canada at 23 it was daunting, but at least I knew that it was possible to fly back and forth fairly easily. I’m definitely adding The Ship of Brides to my reading list. It sounds wonderful!
Hi April, your Grandma May was a very brave lady, I can’t imagine undertaking such a perilous journey at just 19, knowing I may see my family again. Just the thought makes me shudder… I love anything chocolate and mint too, how I overcame the lack of chocolate/mint chips is by chopping up mint Matchmakers or something similar, it does the trick. Pinning this recipe it sounds perfect for Christmas.
#weekendbloghop
Hi Debbie, I know what you mean! It must have been so daunting! What a great idea about the Matchmakers 🙂 I’ll have to give that a try!
I love mint chocolate but have never tried mint choc brownies, yummy. What a great combination 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Welcome To The Weekend Blog Hop April. Have a great week and we hope to see you soon.
Thank you so much, Claire! I hope you are having a great weekend too 🙂
Hi April,
I loved reading about and looking at the amazing photo’s of your family that make this recipe so special. This is a very special tribute to family and tradition. Have a great first week of spring and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with FULL PLATE THURSDAY!
Miz Helen
Thank you so much, Miz Helen! I hope you have a lovely week too 🙂
Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
Thank you for pinning and sharing, Marilyn!
Oh my. Yet 1 more dessert I must eat the entire dish. I am the only one in my home that adores mint. WelI guess I will take one for the team! LOL. Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #OverTheMoon this week. Each Hostess displays their own features so be sure to visit me on Sunday evening and to see your feature! I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please don’t forget to add your link numbers or post title so we can be sure to visit!
It’s a hard job, Marilyn, but someone has to do it 😉 LOL. Thank you so much for the feature, my friend. I appreciate it!
I enjoyed the story of Mary and I think it’s so special that you have her locket. I’m pinning the yummy brownies.
Thank you so much, Allyson. I really do treasure it! Thank you for pinning my brownies 🙂
Wow, these look delicious and I even love the plate! I wonder how well the brownies would convert to gluten free?
Thank you, Leslie. The plate is Irish Belleek. It’s actually a saucer from one of my late Mom’s cup and saucer sets. I really treasure it. I have not made gluten free brownies, although I’m pretty sure you could just substitute a gluten free flour blend to make the recipe gluten free. Perhaps I will give that a try sometime soon! If you do it first, please let me know what you think 🙂
What an amazing tribute to your grandmother, April. You are so wise to take inspiration from her. And these brownies look simply amazing! I bet they could easily be made gluten free by subbing in GF flour mix.
Thanks for sharing both!
Shirley
Thank you so much, Shirley! I have yet to try using GF flour, but I too am sure it would work beautifully 🙂 Have a lovely week!
Thanks for sharing that wonderful family story. It’s amazing how many people braved their way to a new country at a very young age. My grandmother came to Ellis Island alone at age 16 with a piece of paper with the name of a relative on it. Your recipe looks amazing.
Thank you so much, Judee. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. Wow, your Grandmother was incredibly brave as well – we do come from some strong, amazing women! And thank you so much.
So fun and such a great flavor combination!
Thank you, Michele. They really are delicious. I love chocolate and mint together.
Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday, 578. Hope you have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
April, your grandmother sounds like an amazing woman. How wonderful to be able to know of her and her history not only with the documentation but also the loving stories from your grandfather. Happy St.Patricks day!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I hope you had a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day too!
I love brownies and I love all things mint, so I think that these would go down a treat!
I hope you enjoy them, Natasha. They really are a favourite of mine. It has become quite difficult to get the mint chips over here, so whenever I see them, I buy them!
These brownies sound incredible! Such a sweet story to go along with them too.
Thank you so much, Joanne!
Those look so very yummy
Thank you, Patrick!
Hi April, Thank you for sharing this touching story about your grandmother. And those brownies, I’m not much of a chocolate person, but your brownies sound fantastic!
Thank you bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends March Link-Up.
Thank you so much, Paula! I’m so pleased you enjoyed my post. Thank you for hosting the link up!