BYU MINT BROWNIES

BYU Mint Brownies are made with a rich cocoa and honey brownie base, topped with a creamy mint frosting and finished with a smooth layer of chocolate icing for the perfect chocolate-mint combination.

The combination of deep chocolate and cool, creamy mint creates that classic Andes-style flavor everyone loves. These mint chocolate brownies are especially perfect for spring celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day, game days, and holiday gatherings. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they’re a family favorite that disappear quickly at parties and potlucks.

Highlights of BYU Mint Brownies

• Classic BYU Flavor at Home – This recipe recreates the famous Brigham Young University mint brownies with their signature fudgy base, vibrant mint layer, and smooth chocolate topping—no campus trip required!
• Perfect Chocolate-to-Mint Balance – Made with real mint extract (not peppermint!) and rich cocoa, the layers deliver that cool, creamy mint flavor paired with deep chocolate in every bite.
• Beautiful, Clean-Cut Layers – The freezer steps help firm up each layer, making it easy to slice neat, bakery-style squares that look just as impressive as they taste.

 

Mint Chocolate Brownie Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup margarine – Adds moisture and richness, creating a soft, fudgy texture.
• ½ cup cocoa – Provides the deep chocolate flavor that forms the brownie base.
• 2 Tbsp. honey – Adds subtle sweetness and helps keep the brownies moist.
• 4 eggs – Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the brownies.
• 2 cups sugar – Sweetens the batter and contributes to the tender crumb.
• 1 ¾ cups flour – Gives the brownies structure and stability.
• 1 ½ tsp. baking powder – Helps the brownies rise slightly for a soft texture.
• ½ tsp. salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – Add a crunchy texture contrast to the fudgy brownies.
• 12 oz. chocolate icing – Creates the rich, smooth top layer that seals in the mint filling.

For the Mint Icing:

• 5 Tbsp. margarine – Forms the creamy base of the mint frosting.
• Dash of salt – Balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
• 3 Tbsp. milk – Thins the frosting to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• 1 Tbsp. light corn syrup – Adds shine and keeps the frosting soft and smooth.
• 2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the mint layer.
• ½ tsp. mint extract (not peppermint) – Gives the frosting its signature cool mint flavor.
• 2–3 drops green food coloring – Adds the classic mint-green color for that traditional BYU look.

Tips for making Mint Brownies

Full instructions in the recipe card below, but here are a few tips & tricks for making these tasty treats!

1. Use Mint Extract — Not Peppermint – Mint extract gives you that smooth, classic BYU flavor, while peppermint extract is much stronger and will completely change the taste of the filling.
2. Let the Brownies Cool Completely Before Frosting – Even slightly warm brownies will melt the mint layer and create a messy, uneven finish, so be patient and allow a full hour of cooling time.
3. Don’t Skip the Freezer Steps – Freezing the brownies before and after adding the mint layer helps the frosting firm up, making it much easier to spread the chocolate icing smoothly and cut clean, bakery-style squares.
4. Thin the Mint Frosting Slightly More Than Cake Frosting – The filling should be just a bit softer than traditional buttercream so it spreads easily into a smooth, even layer without tearing the brownie base.

How long are these frosted brownies good for?

These BYU Mint Brownies will stay fresh for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If your kitchen runs warm, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week—just let them sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

They also freeze beautifully! Because of the firm mint and chocolate layers, they hold up very well in the freezer for up to 2–3 months. For best results, slice them first, layer with parchment paper in an airtight container, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

 

How can I simplify this brownie recipe?

You can easily simplify these BYU Mint Brownies by starting with a boxed brownie mix prepared according to the package directions instead of making the brownie base from scratch. Once baked and cooled, simply prepare the homemade mint frosting as directed and spread it over the top. Finish with a container of chocolate fudge frosting for the final layer. This shortcut keeps the signature mint layer (the most important part!) while saving time and ingredients.

Make a homemade frosting if you don’t want store-bought

For a simple homemade chocolate frosting, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup softened butter, and ¼ cup cocoa powder until well combined. Slowly add 2–4 tablespoons of milk, a little at a time, whisking until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. The result is a rich, chocolatey icing that spreads beautifully over the mint layer and sets up perfectly for clean, glossy slices.

Can I Make BYU Brownies Dairy Free?

Yes! You can make this recipe dairy free by using plant-based margarine and a dairy-free milk. If using store-bought chocolate icing, check the label—many are dairy free, but some, especially whipped varieties, may contain dairy. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious chocolate-mint flavor without compromise!

Can I Make These Mint Brownies Gluten Free?

Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free brownie recipe—boxed or homemade—in place of the regular brownies, then follow the recipe as directed. You’ll get the same rich chocolate and mint layers without gluten.

If you like mint chocolate, then you’re going to love these recipes:

• These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are packed with chocolate chips and a cool, creamy mint flavor that tastes just like your favorite ice cream! Perfect for mint lovers craving a sweet treat.
• Andes Mint Cookies are soft, chewy chocolate cookies topped with a perfectly melted Andes mint, creating a dreamy chocolate-mint treat. Easy to make and impossible to resist!
• Our Mint Oreo Chocolate Mousse Cups combine rich, creamy chocolate mousse with the refreshing crunch of mint Oreos for a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is easy.
• Green Mint Chocolate Muddy Buddies are a festive, crunchy treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! Made with Chex cereal and mint M&Ms, these sweet and minty bites are impossible to resist.
• This Mint Chocolate Poke Cake is made with cake mix, hot fudge, chocolate pudding, and mint-flavored whipped cream, then topped with chopped Andes mints. Bursting with minty goodness in every bite!

With this BYU Mint Brownies recipe, you’ll make the most irresistible homemade mint brownies ever—so good, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them at BYU sooner. Sweet, fudgy, and perfectly minty!