Grinch Brownies
It’s that magical time of year when the world feels a little brighter, the air a little crisper, and holiday treats are on everyone’s minds. If you’re looking for a festive dessert that is not only delicious but also captures the whimsy of the season, these Grinch Brownies are the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Rich, fudgy, and adorned with a vibrant green frosting, they’ll bring smiles to faces young and old. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe Works
These Grinch Brownies combine the best of both worlds: a rich brownie base and a creamy, colorful frosting that screams festive fun. The brownies are dense and chocolatey thanks to the combination of cocoa powder and sugars, while the mint-flavored frosting adds a refreshing twist that is reminiscent of the classic holiday tale. By incorporating mint Oreo cookies into the brownie batter and the frosting, we add a delightful crunch and extra flavor, making these brownies a standout treat for any holiday gathering.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and creating a fudgy texture.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture to the brownies.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and chewiness.
- 1/2 cup white sugar: Sweetens the brownies and balances the rich cocoa.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the brownies.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star ingredient that makes these brownies chocolaty.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 15 regular mint Oreo cookies: Adds a delightful crunch and minty flavor to the brownies.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Makes the frosting creamy and rich.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and flavor to the frosting.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.
- Green food coloring: Gel food coloring is preferred for a vibrant hue.
- 5 regular mint Oreo cookies: Crushed for decoration on top of the frosting.
- 2 teaspoons red heart sprinkles: A festive touch to complete your Grinchy look.
Before You Start: Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk or electric mixer: To beat the eggs and mix the frosting smoothly.
- 9×9 inch baking pan: Perfect size for baking the brownies.
- Parchment paper: For easy removal of the brownies from the pan.
- Spatula: To spread the frosting evenly on top of the brownies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Build Grinch Brownies Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Grease the parchment with a little butter to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Add Mint Oreos
Chop the 15 mint Oreo cookies into chunks and fold them into the brownie batter. This adds a delightful mint crunch that complements the chocolate.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add green food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of Grinch green.
Step 8: Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the green frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
Step 9: Decorate
Crush the remaining 5 mint Oreo cookies and sprinkle them over the frosting. Add the red heart sprinkles for that festive touch.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and slice them into squares. Serve to your friends and family, and watch their faces light up with joy!
In-Season Swaps
- Dark chocolate: Replace cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Nut butters: Add a swirl of almond or peanut butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Alternative flours: Use almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free option.
- Other extracts: Experiment with peppermint or almond extract for a unique twist.
If You’re Curious
Did you know that the Grinch was originally created by Dr. Seuss in 1957? This lovable character has since become a holiday staple, reminding us all about the true spirit of Christmas. These Grinch Brownies are not only delicious but also a fun nod to the classic tale that has enchanted generations. Plus, they are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy day!
Storage Pro Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
- Thawing: To enjoy frozen brownies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Helpful Q&A
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Grinch Brownies can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
What if I don’t have mint Oreos?
No problem! You can use regular Oreos or any chocolate cookie you prefer. Just add a bit of peppermint extract to the frosting for that minty flavor.
Can I use a different frosting recipe?
Yes! Feel free to top these brownies with your favorite frosting, such as chocolate ganache or a classic buttercream. Just keep the festive green color if you want to maintain the Grinch theme!
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to create your own batch of Grinch Brownies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! These brownies are bound to be a hit this holiday season, bringing joy and a little bit of mischief to your dessert table. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to enjoy at home, they’ll surely be a treat everyone will love. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with cheer and delicious treats!
Grinch Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
- Step 2: Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, greasing it lightly with butter.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing gently.
- Step 5: Fold in chopped mint Oreo cookies into the brownie batter.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Step 7: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add green food coloring to desired shade.
- Step 8: Once brownies are cool, spread the green frosting evenly over the top.
- Step 9: Sprinkle crushed mint Oreo cookies and red heart sprinkles on top for decoration.
- Step 10: Lift brownies out using parchment overhang, slice into squares, and serve!
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze brownies wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
