Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces (for base)
- 4 oz (115 g) Dark Chocolate (60-70%), finely chopped (for base)
- 1 ¼ cups (250 g) Granulated Sugar
- 3 large Eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (for base)
- ¾ cup (90 g) All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt
- ½ cup (113 g) Unsalted Butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups (240 g) Powdered Sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Whole Milk
- 1 tsp Pure Peppermint Extract
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
- 1-3 drops Green Food Colouring (Optional)
- 4 oz (115 g) Dark Chocolate (70-75%), finely chopped (for glaze)
- 3 tbsp (45 g) Unsalted Butter (for glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving generous overhang 'slings'.
- Combine the 1 cup butter and 4 oz dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt gently over a double boiler or in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat.
- Whisk the granulated sugar into the warm chocolate mixture. Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is thick and glossy (about 60 seconds). Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined; do not overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out slightly sticky.
- Transfer the brownies in the pan to a wire rack. Cool completely to room temperature (about 1 hour).
- Using a mixer, beat the softened ½ cup butter until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and thick. Beat in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food colouring (if using).
- Once the brownie base is fully cool, spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the top. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to firm up completely.
- Combine the 4 oz dark chocolate (70-75%) and 3 tbsp butter in a bowl. Melt gently using the double boiler method or microwave, stirring until perfectly smooth and glossy.
- Let the glaze cool for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is just warm but still pourable. This prevents it from melting the mint frosting underneath.
- Pour the glaze over the chilled mint layer. Quickly tilt the pan to ensure the glaze coats the entire surface evenly.
- Return the brownies to the refrigerator for a final 30 minutes to allow the glaze to set firmly before slicing. Use the hot knife technique for clean cuts.