Chocolate and mint is a classic flavor combination and these brownies take those flavors to another level by using the herb chocolate mint.
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These are not your typical chocolate mint brownies that are made with mint extract. These brownies are made with the fresh herb chocolate mint.
If you are a gardener and you grow mint, then you likely know it tends to be very prolific and it spreads a lot if you plant it into the ground. I keep my mint in pots!
This year I grew four kinds of mint - spearmint, apple mint, pineapple mint, and chocolate mint. Mint varieties tend to be similar in flavor, but with slight differences. Some are more pungent and strong, some are more mild and subtle, and some have slightly different hints of flavors.
I find that mint leaf shapes and sizes are different as well. Some are large, some are soft, and some are smaller and smooth. However, mints can have different aromas and these are the most noticeable difference to me.
The photo above shows chocolate mint on the left and pineapple mint on the right. The chocolate mint has smaller, smooth leaves that are a bit shiny whereas the pineapple mint leaves are larger, softer, and have a almost soft fuzz on them.
With all the mint I had growing in the garden this year, I've been trying to come up with a lot of ways to use it. I've dried a lot for tea, I've used it in sauces, and made simple syrups for iced teas and coffees this summer.
I've always loved chocolate and mint together, so I wanted to use some in a baked good with chocolate. Brownies are always a hit and I knew they'd be perfect for this.
Chocolate mint has a strong mint flavor with a bit of a chocolate aroma and hint of a taste. I blended the chocolate mint with sugar to make a mint sugar for baking these brownies. This made the mint smooth and combined without any chunks of leaves.
These fresh chocolate mint herb brownies are a delicious way to enjoy fresh mint. The mint flavor really shines through and the smell of it is lovely. These are perfect to bring to a party or another gathering as the recipes makes a good sized dish. We shared this batch with our neighbors.
You don't have to use chocolate mint in these brownies. Chocolate mint is on the stronger side flavor-wise, so if you are using a different mint that isn't very strong in flavor, you may want to use more leaves. I use a lightly packed half cup of chocolate mint leaves.
When you make your mint sugar, make sure the mint leaves are completely dry so you don't get sugar clumps. Also, you can make and use this mint sugar in other baking recipes where you want a mint flavor such as in chocolate chip cookies.
If you are a chocolate and mint fan, these brownies are a must-try! They are perfect for herb gardeners who grow mint, whether that is chocolate mint or another mint.
These brownies are always a hit and adding a burst of fresh herb flavor makes them even more delicious. I use this brownie recipe all the time, but adding the mint sugar is a new twist!
Fresh Chocolate Mint Herb Brownies
Chocolate and mint is a classic flavor combination and these brownies take those flavors to another level by using the herb chocolate mint.
Ingredients
- 1-3/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh chocolate mint leaves
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, such as King Arthur
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- icing sugar, for dusting, optional
Instructions
- Add the chocolate mint and the sugar into a food processor. Pulse until the mint is completely blended and there are no chunks left.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper so it overhangs on two sides. Fold/tuck it down into the corners. Lightly grease the paper and other sides of the dish with butter.
- Add the mint sugar, eggs, and vanilla into the saucepan with the butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
- Add the cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Pour into the baking pan and spread the batter evenly.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean, about 30-35 minutes. Cool in the pan on a rack for about 10 minutes.
- Use the parchment paper to remove them from the pan and continue to cool. Slice to serve. Store in an airtight container.
I hope you give these fresh chocolate mint herb brownies a try! Let me know in the comments below.
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Check out these other baking recipes featuring fresh herbs:
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