Grinch Brownies

Oh my gosh, you guys! I just made the cutest Grinch Brownies ever. They are green, fluffy, and so fun to eat!

I mean, who doesn’t love brownies, right? But these are extra special. They look just like the Grinch, and it makes snack time so happy.

I couldn’t stop staring at them. And the taste? Super chocolaty and soft. I just knew I had to share this recipe with you.

So, let’s grab our baking pans and make these little green cuties together. Trust me, you’ll love them as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love Grinch Brownies

• Festive and Fun: The vibrant green frosting makes these brownies an eye-catching holiday treat. Plus, the heart-shaped sprinkles add a whimsical touch!
• Rich and Fudgy: The brownies themselves are dense and moist, with a rich chocolate flavor that’s to die for.
• Minty Freshness: The addition of peppermint extract in the frosting gives the brownies a refreshing and minty flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Easy to Make: These brownies come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.
• Perfect for Sharing: The Grinch Brownies make a fantastic gift for neighbors, friends, or coworkers. They’re perfect for cookie swaps or holiday parties!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started on these Grinch Brownies, make sure you have the following tools:

• Mixing Bowls: To combine the dry and wet ingredients for the brownie batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of your ingredients.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: To mix your batter and frosting smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: To bake the brownies.
• Cooling Rack: To let the brownies cool down completely before frosting.
• Offset Spatula: To spread the frosting evenly over the brownies.
• Electric Green Gel Food Coloring: For that signature Grinch green color.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for both the fudgy brownies and the festive mint frosting. I’ve also included helpful tips for each ingredient to ensure your brownies come out perfectly every time.

For the Brownies:

• 2 ½ cups (475g) granulated sugar: This sugar gives the brownies their sweetness and fudgy texture.
• 2/3 cup (157ml) vegetable oil: Using oil instead of butter ensures a moist and dense brownie.
• ½ cup (118ml) milk: Milk adds richness and softens the texture of the brownies.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
• 2 large eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the brownies their structure.
• 2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour: This is the base of the brownie batter and gives it a nice texture.
• 1 cup (80g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder: The cocoa powder provides a deep chocolate flavor.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the brownies rise slightly, giving them a soft, chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: These chocolate chips melt beautifully into the brownie batter, adding even more richness.

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold: Cold butter will help create a smooth and stable frosting.
• 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar: The powdered sugar is key to achieving the right consistency for the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: This gives the frosting a fresh, minty kick that complements the chocolate flavor of the brownies.
• 2–4 teaspoons milk or heavy cream: You’ll need a small amount of milk or cream to adjust the consistency of the frosting to your liking.
• Electric Green Gel Food Coloring: This vibrant green gel is what gives the frosting its Grinchy hue.
• Heart-shaped sprinkles: These adorable sprinkles are the finishing touch for your festive brownies.

Variations for Grinch Brownies

While Grinch Brownies are already perfect as-is, there are some fun variations you can try to put your own spin on this holiday treat:

• Add Crushed Candy Canes: For an extra crunch and more minty flavor, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the frosting before it sets.
• Make them Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these brownies gluten-free. Just make sure to use a high-quality blend for the best results.
• Use White Chocolate Chips: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a unique twist on the traditional Grinch Brownie.
• Add a Layer of Ganache: If you’re looking for an extra indulgent treat, top the brownies with a layer of smooth chocolate ganache before frosting them.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Grinch Brownies

1. Prepare the Brownie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brownies once they’re done baking.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will create a smooth and creamy base for the brownies.

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. These will melt beautifully during baking and create pockets of rich chocolate throughout the brownies.

2. Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The brownies should be firm but still slightly soft in the center.

Once they’re done, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting won’t melt into the brownies.

3. Make the Minty Frosting

While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. Start by beating the cold butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.

Gradually add 2-4 teaspoons of milk or heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. You want it to be thick enough to spread easily but not too stiff.

Next, add the electric green gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing until you achieve the perfect Grinchy green shade.

4. Frost the Brownies

Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the mint frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Be generous with the frosting to make these brownies look extra festive!

Sprinkle the heart-shaped sprinkles on top for a fun and festive touch. You can also add crushed candy canes or other holiday-themed decorations if you like.

5. Slice and Serve

Allow the frosting to set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing the brownies into squares. This will ensure that the frosting stays intact when you cut the brownies. Serve and enjoy the delicious minty, chocolatey goodness!

How to Serve Grinch Brownies

These Grinch Brownies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas:

• Holiday Parties: Grinch Brownies are perfect for holiday parties or cookie swaps. They’re visually striking and delicious!
• Gift Ideas: Wrap them up in festive cellophane bags or boxes for a thoughtful holiday gift.
• Dessert Tables: Add them to your dessert table for a fun and festive treat that will wow your guests.
• In Lunchboxes: Surprise your kids with these fun brownies in their lunchboxes for a holiday treat.

Storing Grinch Brownies

Grinch Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. The brownies freeze well, too! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information for Grinch Brownies

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information for one Grinch Brownie (based on 24 servings per batch):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	80mg
Total Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	21g
Protein	3g

Conclusion

Grinch Brownies are the perfect combination of festive fun and delicious flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply want to add some seasonal cheer to your day, these brownies are sure to be a hit. With their rich chocolate flavor, minty frosting, and adorable green color, they’re a treat the whole family will love.

Give this recipe a try this holiday season and enjoy the joy it brings to your home. If you do, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how they turned out! Happy baking!

Grinch Brownies FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the brownies and make the frosting ahead of time. Simply store the brownies at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting. Frost the brownies just before serving.

Can I use a different color for the frosting?

Absolutely! While green is perfect for Grinch-themed brownies, you can use any color you like. Just be sure to use gel food coloring for the best results.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these brownies.

Can I freeze Grinch Brownies?

Yes, you can freeze Grinch Brownies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.