There’s something about the holidays that brings out the child in all of us, and what better way to embrace that spirit than with these delightful Grinch Brownies? Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s beloved character, these brownies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. They are rich, fudgy, and topped with a vibrant green cream cheese frosting that’s adorned with mint Oreos and heart sprinkles. These Grinch Brownies are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with family while watching your favorite festive movies.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of these Grinch Brownies lies in their simplicity and the combination of flavors. The base is a rich chocolate brownie made with both cocoa powder and a touch of mint from the Oreos, creating a unique twist on the traditional brownie. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the brownie, while the vibrant green color and festive decorations make them visually appealing. Plus, who can resist the flavor of mint chocolate? It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
What You’ll Gather
- 2 large eggs – These will help bind your brownie mixture for that perfect chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted (1 stick) – Adds richness and helps achieve that fudgy brownie consistency.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – For moisture and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup white sugar – Sweetens the brownies perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for any brownie recipe to enhance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the brownies.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – For that rich chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 15 regular mint Oreo cookies – Crushed into the batter for a delightful minty crunch.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – The base for your fluffy green frosting.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened, salted – Ensures a creamy frosting.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For flavor in the frosting.
- Green food coloring – Gel food coloring provides a vibrant green hue.
- 5 regular mint Oreo cookies – For decoration on top of the frosting.
- 2 teaspoons red heart sprinkles – To add a festive touch.
Essential Tools for Success
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk – To mix the wet ingredients and incorporate air into the batter.
- 9×9 inch baking pan – The perfect size for your brownies to bake evenly.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal of brownies from the pan.
- Spatula – To spread your frosting evenly on top of the brownies.
Directions: Grinch Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Add the Mint Oreos
Gently fold in the crushed mint Oreo cookies into the brownie batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Prepare the Green Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add green food coloring to achieve your desired shade of green.
Step 7: Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the green frosting evenly on top.
Step 8: Decorate
Crush the remaining mint Oreo cookies and sprinkle them on top of the frosting along with the red heart sprinkles for a festive touch.
Better-for-You Options
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative.
- Replace white sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined sweetener.
- Opt for whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Make the frosting with Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.
Steer Clear of These
Avoid using overbaked brownies as they can become dry and crumbly. Additionally, steer clear of using liquid food coloring, as it won’t provide the vibrant color you desire for your frosting.
Storage & Reheat Guide
Store any leftover Grinch Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reader Questions
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day in advance and frost them just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and vibrant.
What can I use if I don’t have mint Oreos?
If mint Oreos are unavailable, you can use regular Oreos and add a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for that minty flavor.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these Grinch Brownies gluten-free.
How do I make the frosting more vibrant?
Using gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring will provide a more vibrant green color. Just a small amount will go a long way!
Before You Go
The joy of creating festive treats like Grinch Brownies is in the memories you make while baking and sharing. These brownies are not just a dessert; they are a way to gather loved ones and spread some holiday cheer. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and let’s bring a little Grinch-inspired magic to your kitchen!
Grinch Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the crushed mint Oreo cookies into the brownie batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add green food coloring to achieve your desired shade of green.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the green frosting evenly on top.
- Crush the remaining mint Oreo cookies and sprinkle them on top of the frosting along with the red heart sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze brownies tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months.
- Reheat by letting them sit at room temperature or warming in the microwave for a few seconds.
