These rich and fudgy mini brownie bites are infused with refreshing peppermint extract and topped with a silky semisweet chocolate ganache. Using simple ingredients like butter, eggs, cocoa, and chocolate, the bites deliver a moist, chocolaty center with a hint of mint. Preparation involves melting chocolate with butter, combining with sugar and eggs, then baking in mini muffin cups for a quick and easy finish. The ganache adds a glossy, creamy layer enhanced with peppermint, perfectly complementing the dessert’s flavor. Garnish with fresh mint or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
The first time I made these mint brownie bites, my kitchen smelled like a chocolate factory mixed with a candy cane shop. My roommate wandered in, following that incredible scent, and hovered around the oven until they were done. Now they are the most requested treat at every gathering I host. Something about that cool mint cutting through rich fudgy chocolate just makes peoples eyes light up.
Last Christmas I brought a platter of these to my office cookie exchange, and honestly I was a little nervous. Within five minutes they were gone and people were actually asking for the recipe instead of just being polite. My coworker confessed she ate three before anyone else even arrived. Now I make double batches whenever I need something that guarantees smiles.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter helps it melt smoothly with the chocolate for that glossy fudgy texture we want
- Semisweet chocolate: I have learned that chopping a good quality baking bar melts more evenly than chocolate chips
- Granulated sugar: This creates that crackly top on brownies while keeping the inside soft and fudgy
- Large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the warm chocolate mixture without scrambling
- Vanilla and peppermint extract: The vanilla adds depth while the mint is the star that makes these special
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to hold everything together without making them cakey
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness
- Salt: A little salt balances all the sugar and makes the chocolate flavor sing
- Heavy cream for ganache: Room temperature cream pours better and creates that silky smooth texture
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate base:
- Set up a double boiler with simmering water underneath and melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring until it is glossy and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool for about five minutes so it does not cook the eggs when we add them.
- Build the batter:
- Whisk in the sugar first, then add the eggs one at a time, followed by both extracts. The mixture should look thick and glossy before you add the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the dry ingredients:
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly into the bowl, then fold everything together with a spatula just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing here makes tough brownies, and nobody wants that.
- Fill your muffin tin:
- Scoop the batter into your prepared mini muffin cups, filling each one about three quarters full. An ice cream scoop with a trigger works perfectly for getting consistent sizes.
- Bake until just set:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops look matte and set, and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so do not overbake.
- Make the ganache topping:
- Heat your cream until it is steaming hot, pour it over the chopped chocolate, and let it sit for a full minute before stirring. Add that peppermint extract and stir until it becomes silky and glossy.
- Finish and garnish:
- Spoon or pipe the ganache over each cooled brownie bite, then add whatever garnish makes you happy. Let them set for about 20 minutes before serving, or just start eating them immediately.
My niece helped me make these last weekend and she was so proud when they came out of the oven. She kept saying we made the fancy kind like in the bakery windows. Watching her carefully pipe the ganache on top was the sweetest thing. Sometimes the best part of baking is who you share it with.
Making These Ahead
I have learned through many last-minute party panics that these freeze beautifully before the ganache goes on. Bake them a week ahead, let them cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw overnight and add fresh ganache the day you need them. They taste just as good as fresh baked.
Getting The Texture Right
The difference between a fudgy brownie bite and a dry one comes down to that baking time. I set a timer for 12 minutes and check them even though I want to leave them in longer. The edges should look set but the center should still feel slightly soft. Trust me, they firm up perfectly as they cool.
Serving Ideas For Gatherings
These disappear fastest when I arrange them on a pretty platter with some fresh mint leaves scattered around. The contrast between the dark brownie and bright green mint looks so elegant.
- Serve with coffee or espresso for an adult dessert that feels sophisticated
- Stack them in mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing at parties
- Pair with vanilla ice cream if you want to go full indulgence mode
These mint brownie bites have become my go-to when I want to make something special but do not have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of fudgy chocolate and cool mint just works every single time. I hope they become a favorite in your house too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the brownie bites from drying out?
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Be careful not to overbake; remove from the oven once a toothpick shows moist crumbs. Cooling in the pan briefly retains moisture.
- → Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
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Yes, dark chocolate adds a richer and slightly more intense flavor to the bites.
- → What is the best way to melt chocolate and butter together?
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Use a double boiler method to melt slowly and evenly, preventing burning.
- → How do I add more mint flavor without overpowering?
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Add peppermint extract gradually, especially to the ganache, to ensure a balanced minty taste.
- → What are ideal garnishes to enhance presentation?
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Fresh mint leaves or chocolate shavings make elegant, flavorful garnishes that complement the bites.