Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these incredible Grinch Brownies! This festive treat combines rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a vibrant green mint ganache, topped with crunchy Mint Oreos and cheerful red hots.
They are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and promise to be a showstopper at any holiday gathering. Embrace the joy of homemade baking this season with these delightful Grinch brownies.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Brownies
You’ll fall in love with these festive Grinch Brownies for so many reasons!
- They are the ultimate holiday dessert, bringing a smile to every face.
- The irresistible mint chocolate flavor combination is simply divine.
- Making them is incredibly simple, thanks to a convenient box brownie mix.
- Their fun, whimsical appearance is perfect for kids and adults alike.
- These eye-catching treats are wonderful for holiday parties or thoughtful gifts.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive Grinch brownies:
- 1 9×13 box of brownie mix (and any ingredients called for on the box, like eggs, oil, water)
- 26 Mint Oreo cookies, divided
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 drops of leaf green food coloring (or more for desired shade)
- Red hots candies, for decoration
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to use your absolute favorite brownie mix; any brand works wonderfully here. If Mint Oreos are hard to find, swap them for regular Oreos and add an extra 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the ganache.
For the most vibrant green color, consider using gel food coloring instead of liquid drops. You can easily substitute the red hots with festive red and green M&M’s or sprinkles if you prefer.
Equipment
You will need just a few basic kitchen tools to make these delightful Grinch Brownies.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan (for double boiler setup)
- Heat-safe bowl (for double boiler)
- Wire cooling rack
- Sharp knife
Instructions For The Best Grinch Brownies
For the Brownies
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions on its package.
- Take 16 Mint Oreo cookies and chop them into quarters. Carefully fold these chopped Oreos into your prepared brownie batter. Spread the batter evenly into your lined 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the brownies to cool completely.
For the Mint Ganache
- While your brownies cool, prepare the vibrant mint ganache. Bring a saucepan filled with about an inch of water to a gentle simmer.
- Place a heat-safe bowl over the simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Add the white chocolate chips and heavy cream to the bowl.
- Stir constantly until the white chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Now, add the green food coloring, a few drops at a time, until you achieve your desired Grinchy shade of green. You can optionally add a bit more mint extract to taste, up to 1/2 teaspoon total.
Assembling & Chilling
- Once your delicious brownies are completely cool, pour the warm mint ganache evenly over the top.
- Spread it gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Chop the remaining 10 Mint Oreo cookies into quarters. Sprinkle these chopped Oreos evenly over the green ganache.
- Finally, scatter the cheerful red hots candies on top to complete the Grinch’s look. Chill the assembled Grinch brownies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the ganache is fully set.
- Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Cut them into bars and serve.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Cool Brownies Completely: Always ensure your brownies are stone-cold before adding the ganache. This prevents the warm ganache from melting into the brownies.
- Parchment Paper is Key: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes removing the brownies super easy and helps you achieve clean, neat cuts.
- Chop vs. Crush Oreos: Chopping the Oreos into quarters, rather than crushing them, adds a delightful textural contrast to your brownies.
- Freeze Oreos before chopping: Pop the Oreos in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before chopping them. They will be less sticky and easier to cut cleanly.
- Ganache too thin?: Let it cool for 5-10 minutes and whisk it gently. It will thicken as it cools.
- Ganache too thick?: If your ganache becomes too firm, return the bowl to the double boiler for a moment and add a tiny splash of warm heavy cream, whisking until smooth again.
- Vibrant Green Color: Gel food coloring provides a much more intense and consistent green hue for your Grinch Brownies compared to liquid drops. According to baking experts, gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, allowing for more vibrant colors without altering the consistency of your batter or ganache.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
Serving: Serve your chilled Grinch Brownies cut into neat squares. They are perfect on their own or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their freshness and keeps the ganache firm.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations:
- Different Oreo flavors: Experiment with Golden Oreos or other seasonal Oreo flavors for unique twists.
- Extracts: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla, almond, or even orange extract for a different flavor profile.
- Decorations: Add other festive sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or edible glitter for extra sparkle on your Grinch-themed treats.
Nutrition Information
These rich and festive Grinch Brownies make a wonderful holiday treat. Please note that the nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used. Enjoy these delightful brownies in moderation!
| Nutrient | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 322 | kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 37 | g |
| Protein | 3 | g |
| Fat | 19 | g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 | g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 | g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6 | g |
| Trans Fat | 1 | g |
| Cholesterol | 20 | mg |
| Sodium | 153 | mg |
| Potassium | 149 | mg |
| Fiber | 1 | g |
| Sugar | 29 | g |
| Vitamin A | 155 | IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 | mg |
| Calcium | 72 | mg |
| Iron | 2 | mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates per serving (based on 12 servings).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these fun Grinch Brownies up to 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How do I prevent the ganache from becoming too runny?
Ensure your brownies are completely cool before adding the ganache. Also, allow the ganache to cool slightly after mixing before pouring, it will thicken as it cools.
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Yes, you certainly can! Simply prepare your favorite 9×13 inch pan of homemade fudgy brownies, then follow the instructions for the mint ganache and assembly.
What if I don’t have Mint Oreos?
No problem! Use regular Oreos and increase the peppermint extract in the ganache by an extra 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon for that lovely minty flavor.
Conclusion
These incredible Grinch Brownies are the perfect treat to bring cheer and a touch of mischief to your holiday celebrations. Combining rich chocolate, cool mint, and festive decorations, they are sure to delight everyone.
This recipe is simple, fun, and creates a truly memorable dessert, making it ideal for busy parents and beginner bakers. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and share your Grinchy creations with loved ones this festive season!
Grinch Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare brownie mix per package instructions. Chop 16 Mint Oreos and fold into the batter. Spread in prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Heat water in saucepan for double boiler. Melt white chocolate chips with heavy cream in heat-safe bowl over simmering water, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat. Stir in peppermint extract and green food coloring to desired shade.
- Pour ganache over cooled brownies. Spread evenly. Top with chopped remaining Oreos and red hots.
- Chill brownies in refrigerator for at least 1 hour until ganache is set. Lift from pan and cut into squares to serve.
