Mint Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, you’re in for a real treat with this Mint Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Recipe. These cookies are a perfect marriage of fudgy brownie texture and cool mint frosting, all topped with a silky layer of chocolate ganache. I absolutely love how these turn out — they’re soft, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet and minty. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a delicious treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Mint Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Recipe, each ingredient plays a key role in creating those rich layers of flavor and texture. From the cocoa powder that gives a deep chocolate base to the mint extract that wakes up your taste buds, the combination is truly magical. Let me share a bit about why I like these particular ingredients and some tips when shopping.

• Butter: Using softened unsalted butter ensures a creamy dough base and lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
• Brown Sugar: Gives a slight molasses flavor and moisture that helps keep the cookies chewy and rich.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and adds a subtle crispness to the edges.
• Egg: At room temperature, the egg binds the ingredients and adds richness for the brownie-like texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Simple but essential—it enhances all the other flavors without stealing the show.
• Flour: I use all-purpose flour, which gives these cookies their sturdy but soft structure.
• Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: This gives a smooth, less acidic chocolate flavor–it’s what makes the brownie base sing.
• Baking Soda: Just a touch to give the cookies lift without turning them cakey.
• Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate inside every bite, I always sneak a few more in!
• Unsalted Butter (for frosting): Softened to blend smoothly with cream cheese for that luscious mint frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the frosting, making it more decadent than a plain buttercream.
• Mint Extract: I prefer fresh mint extract for a natural flavor, but peppermint extract works well too—just adjust to your taste.
• Powdered Sugar: For a smooth, fluffy frosting texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips & Heavy Cream (for ganache): Combined to make a silky, shiny chocolate topping that sets perfectly on the frosting.

Variations

I love that this Mint Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Recipe welcomes your personal touch. Over time I’ve mixed things up depending on what I have at home or the season, and each version feels like a new twist on a classic favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

• Mint Flavor Swap: I once tried peppermint instead of fresh mint extract and loved the sharper, more invigorating taste—great if you want a stronger mint punch.
• White Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips in the dough for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier contrast that’s heavenly with the mint.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese alternatives, and coconut cream for the ganache—this worked well for my friend who’s lactose intolerant!
• Extra Crunch: Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough adds a great textural contrast and depth.

How to Make Mint Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper; it’s a small step that saves cleanup and helps your cookies bake evenly. Then, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. When I first tried this, I was surprised how much creaming impacts the texture—it makes all the difference between crumbly and chewy cookies.

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined and smooth. Then sift in your dry ingredients: flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix these in until you no longer see the flour but be careful not to overmix or your cookies might turn out tough. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop (about 1/4 cup), scoop out 9 equally sized balls and carefully place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. You’ll want to gently press down each ball to about 1 inch thick—this helps them bake into that perfect brownie-cookie hybrid texture. I’ve found this pressing step crucial; if you skip it, your cookies might stay too puffy and not bake through evenly.

Bake your cookies for 10 minutes at 350°F. When they come out, don’t be tempted to move them right away; let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to finish setting up. Transferring too soon can cause them to break.

Step 3: Making the Chocolate Ganache

While the cookies cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each until smooth and glossy. This simple ganache is silky and perfectly pourable. If you’re melting over the stove, use a double boiler and stir continuously for best results.

Step 4: Whipping the Mint Frosting

Cream the softened butter and cream cheese together until soft and fluffy. This combo gives the frosting a rich tang that balances the sweetness. Mix in the mint extract and powdered sugar, whipping until light and airy. I always taste test here—sometimes I add a few more drops of mint extract if I want a stronger mint flavor. Adding a bit of green food coloring is optional but gives it that classic mint look that feels extra festive.

Step 5: Assembling the Cookies

Spread or pipe the mint frosting generously over the cooled cookies, then drizzle or spoon the chocolate ganache on top. Let the ganache set at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving. This layering is what makes this Mint Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Recipe so unforgettable—each bite delivers a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

How to Serve Mint Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple so the cookies shine, but a few crushed peppermint candies or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top add a festive touch. Sometimes I add a tiny fresh mint leaf when serving for an elegant look that hints at the refreshing mint inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies are incredible on their own, but I love pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also go surprisingly well with a cup of hot coffee or mint tea to complement the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies on a pretty platter layered with parchment paper and sprinkle edible glitter for a little sparkle. Stacking them in small towers tied with ribbon also makes a wonderful gift idea. You could even serve these as mini individual desserts by placing each on a small plate with a drizzle of extra ganache around the edges.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Mint Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and moist, but you might want to put them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm to keep the frosting firm.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works surprisingly well! I freeze the cookies before frosting them on a baking sheet, then once firm, I wrap each individually and store in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw completely and frost fresh for the best texture. If you want to freeze fully assembled cookies, keep them in a single layer wrapped tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

I like to gently warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that gooey brownie feel, especially if refrigerated. Just be careful not to overheat or the frosting and ganache can melt – a short burst is all you need.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Mint Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen and among my friends. There’s something so comforting and yet exciting about a cookie that feels like dessert perfection in every bite. If you’re looking for a treat that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress, give these a try—I promise your taste buds will thank you. Baking these feels like a cozy little celebration every time I whip them up, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy that same joy in your own kitchen.

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