Recette Chocolate Mint Brownies - David Lebovitz

07/06/2019 Chocolate Mint Brownies - David Lebovitz
Chocolate Mint Brownies

126 comments - 03.08.2011
I know I’m just starting here, but before you and I go any further, I just have to say one thing
about these brownies: They’re pretty insane. I made these brownies about fifteen years ago and
found it patiently waiting in the back of my recipe files. And giving it a read-through, it all came
flooding back to me and I was struck with the urge to make them again.
One of the things I remember most about these brownies is how massive they were and how
heavy the pan was. The pan is so heavy that I can’t imagine most people would be able to heft it
with one hand. In fact, I was going to weight the pan just to prove it to you but my baking scale
didn’t go that high. Yowza.
I’ve come to the conclusion that chocolate brownies almost always taste better after they’ve been
frozen. I’ve known this for a while now, but am finally admitting it after pulling a few of these
Maida Heatter’s Barrons Brownies out of my freezer.
https://www.davidlebovitz.com/chocolate-mint-brownies/ 1/21
It doesn’t matter if you eat them nearly ice-cold, or let them come to room temperature; there’s
something about freezing brownies that makes them fudgier, denser, and just seems to take them
to another level. Most brownies you can bite into right from the icebox, but these are so dense,
and so rich, you’ll probably need to let them sit out just a bit if they’re frozen. Although most
brownies I have no trouble sinking my teeth into right from the ice box.
(In fact, I learned this by having too many brownies on hand after doing some recipe testing and
decided to freeze them individually. Which actually became counterproductive because they were
really easy to grab one-by-one, and I discovered they were even better frozen. Well, so much for
that bright idea, David.)
Since it’s hard to find thin mints in Europe (you can use After Eights), I made my own, using the
recipe in The Perfect Scoop, which I tripled. Making them myself meant that I could make them
in a big slab and break them apart to fit into the pan. (It also meant I could coat them with a
thicker layer of chocolate than the ones you buy.) But if you use the round ones, fit them into the
pan, then break a few apart to fill in the blanks.
Maida Heatter was famous for carrying precisely-wrapped brownies in her purse and handing
them out. In fact, Alec Lobrano who worked as an editorial assistant at the publishing house in
New York that produced her books, said she always came into the office, telling them, “It’s a
disgrace how little they pay you kids when you’re living in such a big expensive city.” Then she
proceeded to reach into her handbag and dole out individually wrapped chocolate brownies to the
young staff members.
I can’t really do anything about the pay or the housing prices in Paris, but I could probably carry
brownies around with me. Except I’m not sure I want to lug a freezer around town. So I’ll keep
them here, in my home freezer instead.
Chocolate Mint Brownies
Adapted from Maida Heatter’s Brand-New Book of Great Cookies by Maida HeatterDo be careful
not to overbake these brownies. It’s normal for the edges to get quite dark, nearly burnt but
the inside should be very moist in the middle and if you insert a toothpick into the center, it
should come out with soft, almost-liquid batter still attached. (It should not come out clean.) If
it’s getting too dark on top, you can drape a sheet of foil over the top to finish baking.The best
way to cut these brownies into neat rectangles is to use a long sharp bread knife or a chef’s
knife. Maida says some people consider the burnt edges the best parts. Nevertheless, you are
welcome to trim those off and do what you wish with them.
8 ounces (225g) unsweetened chocolate (see Note)

8 ounces (225g) unsalted butter
5 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso
3 1/2 cups (700g) sugar
1 2/3 cup (170g) sifted flour
2 pounds (900g) chocolate-covered thin mints(peppermint patties)
Optional: 1 1/2 cups (150g) walnuts, pecans, or almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
1. Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
2. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with foil, shiny side down. Smooth the foil then butter it lightly
or coat it with nonstick spray.
3. Chop the chocolate and cut the butter into cubes, then warm them together in a medium
bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat as soon
as both are melted and smooth.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or by hand, whip the eggs,
vanilla, salt, instant coffee, and sugar on high speed for about ten minutes until foamy and stiff.
5. By hand, stir in the chocolate mixture, then the flour followed by the nuts, if using.
6. Smooth half of the batter into the pan. Place a layer of thin mints over the chocolate,
breaking the mints into pieces to fill in any large gaps.
7. Pour the rest of the batter over the mints and smooth the top.
8. Bake the brownies for 35 minutes, rotating the brownies midway during baking.
When the brownies are done, they will have a firm crust on top but a toothpick inserted into the
center should come out wet. Do not overbake the brownies.
9. Let the brownies cool completely, then lift them out of the pan and slice into rectangles.
Storage: The brownies will keep at room temperature for up to three days. They can be frozen,
well-wrapped, for up to two months.
Notes: Unsweetened chocolate is readily available in the United States but not so common
elsewhere. It’s sometimes called “baking chocolate.” If unsure, check the ingredient list: it should
list no sugar and be 100% cocoa solids or chocolate liquor.
In France, it’s called 100% cacao and I buy it at G. Detou. Some chocolate shops sell smaller
tablets, too. I haven’t tried these using all bittersweet or semisweet chocolate so can’t advise if
they will work with those, but you’ll likely need to make adjustments with the butter and sugar.
A few commenters inquired as to what are chocolate-covered thin mints. You can see what they
look like at CandyBlog.
To locate unsweetened chocolate in your area: How to Find Ingredients Mentioned on the
Site.
For information about substituting ingredients: Baking Ingredients and Substitutions.
Related Posts and Recipes
Baked Brownies
Chocolate-Dulce de Leche Brownies
Triple Chocolate Scotcheroos
Sugar-Crusted Popovers
American Baking Ingredients in Paris
Chocolate FAQs
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categories: Chocolate Cookies, Bars & Brownies Recipes

tags: Alec Lobrano almonds Barron's Brownies brownies chocolate Maida Heatter mint
The Perfect Scoop Thin mints unsweetened chocolate
126 comments
Inézplease please tell us about making the thin mints at home!! they’re March 8, 2011 12:20pm
not common here in barcelona either…
and yes, frozen brownies are the best and take the dessert to a whole new level, especially if
they’re minty i bet! can’t wait to try these!
MagdaOh yes! Please share the home made mints recipe :) ‘After Eight’ is March 8, 2011 12:33pm
easily haunted in Poland, but still, would love to make my own :) many thanks!
Magda March 8, 2011 12:35pm

I meant ‘After Eight’ are easily hunted down ;)
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) March 8, 2011 12:42pm

A pan full of brownies that’s too heavy to lift
with one hand?
Now THAT’S a pan I’d like to get more acquainted with :)
Kate March 8, 2011 1:04pm

Please post the recipe for the mints – I’d love to make them. I’ve got
the cookbook but never made these brownies before but now I’m inspired.
Three-CookiesYou found an ingenius solution to the brownie pans being too March 8, 2011 1:07pm
heavy. Eat the brownies until the pans lighten:)
David Am glad you are enjoying the brownies. As for the request to
March 8, 2011 1:10pm
post the recipe for the mints, I don’t post recipes from my books on the site for a variety
of reasons but I appreciate people being interested in the mints – although the brownies
are the star.
:)
herkkusuuthey sound absolutely fab, your choc-mint-brownies. smell is a March 8, 2011 1:45pm
curious sense, it can transfer us from present day in split of a second to our long gone
grandmother’s kitchen, or great uncle’s potato-cellar…sometimes i wonder if all my memories are
of food…at least the good ones
Evitaa March 8, 2011 1:55pm

Adorable :) i love chocolate and mint, I baked chocolate-mint cookies
lately. Brownies are the best :))
JaneThese brownies look divine! I just started reading your blog- quite late March 8, 2011 2:11pm
to the game, but I’m already addicted.
How amazing it must be to live in a place with butter fit to eat alone and enough chocolate shops
to frequent a different one every day! I’m currently living in Kenya, and it isn’t known for either of
those staples. Kenyan butter (the good quality) makes my baked goods taste vaguely of cheese…
but all of these recipes are going in the “when I’m back in America” file!
parisbreakfast March 8, 2011 2:37pm

Nostalgia…
Other people go through old photographs or pressed flowers.
David, you go through old recipes and relive the past…
I can see you with a cold cart at the marche Richard Lenoir on a Sunday cleaning up, especially in
the summer.
Would ice cream cones be a possiblity too?
With a US-sized scoop please…
miam-miam
MaryJust had my coffee – on my way to work and would die for one of March 8, 2011 2:39pm
those!!! Chocolate and mint; does not get any better in my world. Thank you David once again.
GrapefruitGood grief. I can almost smell these. March 8, 2011 2:49pm

I have to make them soon or I’ll implode.
HeatherOne, I love that this calls for 2 lbs of thin mints. That’s just about March 8, 2011 2:52pm
every girl’s dream right there. But sandwiched inside of a brownie? I think you just won my foodie
heart!
The Food HoundI assume you could use Peppermint Patties? They’re thicker March 8, 2011 3:01pm
than After Eights, but when is more mint and chocolate ever a bad thing? I wish I knew someone
who carried brownies in her purse. I unfortunately have friends who dislike baking. *sigh*
NancyMaida Heatter is such a wonderful source for baking and living. She March 8, 2011 3:08pm
once wrote how, as a little girl, her mother never sent them out of the house without a bran muffin
or two in their pockets. People should look for her books and just start baking. This week I will be
making her hamentaschen. Yum!
SiniHow interesting that brownies get even better when frozen first. Home- March 8, 2011 3:15pm
made After Eights? A brownie pan too heavy to lift? Sounds almost too perfect to be true.
Kristin March 8, 2011 3:18pm

I am so excited to try these, chocolate and mint are probably my all
time favourite combo (although chocolate and caramel and chocolate and peanut butter are up
there too) But these look incredible! I think I’m going to start carrying brownies around for people,
can you imagine what you could get accomplished in life if you handed out delicious brownies all
the time?
alex March 8, 2011 3:31pm

2 pounds of thin mints! I can’t wait to try these if only for the
experience of unwrapping all of those. Looks delicious!
La RêveuseWhen do you add the flour? It’s only listed in the ingredients. I March 8, 2011 3:53pm
assume there is flour in the recipe, too. :)
Nuts about food March 8, 2011 4:00pm

As a true brownie lover I now feel compelled to leave the
office, run home, bake a tray of brownies and freeze them immediately.
Susan March 8, 2011 4:07pm

I recognize Maida Heatter’s Palm Beach brownie recipe which I have
made so many times. The best brownie recipe I’ve ever found and even without the mint middles
getting the pan out of the oven is a 2-handed job unless you’ve been working out like a maniac
recently. Don’t fret if you can’t lay your hands on David’s book for the mint filling; the brownie
part alone will put a big smile on your face.
sandraDavid, March 8, 2011 4:18pm

For anyone who can’t be bothered with too much effort-
Bake a tray of brownies as usual but while still hot, cover with a layer of After Eight mints. Allow
them to melt. Leave to cool to room temperature. Absolutely yummy! Has the benefit of being so
easy, even kids can do it for special parent treats.
LaurieI love this brownie recipe and the Slim Fast ad in the right side bar. March 8, 2011 4:28pm
;-)
jdI’m a long-time fan of freezing/eating frozen brownies. In my baking March 8, 2011 4:30pm
days, when I had a large freezer, there were always brownies in it. Or they were supposed to be
there. Children found them, rather like mini metal detectors finding coins, and somehow brownies
always disappeared. I resorted to sealing frozen brownies in empty frozen vegetable bags.
wellfedfred March 8, 2011 4:35pm

yes, the magic freezer! I had to (ahem) buy a carton of Girl
Scout chocolate mint cookies from my secretary’s daughter, who delivered to the office. By day’s
end, sad to say, I’d gobbled 2 boxes all by myself.(blush) Brought the rest home and put them in
the freezer, thinking this would be a deterrent.They’re even better frozen.
Jen @ the baked lifeThese look amazing. I am a huge fan of eating frozen March 8, 2011 4:39pm
baked goods, especially brownies and shortbread cookies.
StephanieWow, these look amazing! They kind of remind me of the March 8, 2011 5:15pm
cupcakes my co-worker made for Christmas – which was basically a molten chocolate cake with a
Girl Scout thin mint cookie on the bottom. Reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds and dig in!
pickyin @ LifeIsGreatAm going to get your books but meanwhile, thank God March 8, 2011 5:17pm
I’m a lover of Andes. Oh and on the hair bleaching bit, I say go for it David. Am sure by now you
would’ve figured out that word in French.
SusanMy favorite part of the brownie is the edge. I love the slighty firm, March 8, 2011 5:19pm
chewy/crisp mix where the chocolate takes on a deeper, almost bitter, note. I always pose a self
sacrificing face and offer to save my family from my poor attemp at baking brownies (wink, wink)
by eating all the edges. Ah, the things we do for friends and family!
.
There was a mint brownie recipe that made it’s way into all the little church cookbooks years ago.
It had a top layer of green mint filling flavored by creme de menthe. I never made them because
the base of the filling in most recipes was cream cheese. That tangy cheese mint combo is loved
by many but just didn’t appeal to me. Still doesn’t. So, I keep Mint Oreos in the freezer. They are
wonderful frozen.
Chihiro March 8, 2011 5:26pm

Are they like 5 kg? I think I could lift them and show off my gym
progress! But I would much rather make the thin mints and eat them frozen. Sigh.
ClaudiaAm now on a mission to discover more about Maida Heatter – March 8, 2011 5:33pm
especially since she has such a civilized take on the use of baked goods. I’m glad you didn’t give
the weight – sometimes ignorance is blissful. As are the brownies. I’ll eat all the slightly burned
edges and give away the center. Maybe. We’ll see.
My Kitchen in the RockiesWell, am I lucky, since I own your book to bake March 8, 2011 5:42pm
the thin mints. My daughter has been watching over her Girl Scout thin mints with eagle eyes. No
way, she would be sharing.
Thanks for the tip to freeze the brownies. I just don’t know if we ever had any leftovers to freeze?
Usually they just disappear magically.
MariaI am now wondering how much a kilo of After Eights would cost…The March 8, 2011 5:46pm
Palm Beach brownie recipe is one of my favorites, though I have yet to make a Maida Heatter
brownie recipe I didn’t like!
I’m sure that people would forgive you for the lack of chill on your brownies. And if you cart them
around in January, there would be no difference from your freezer (speaking of which, how on
earth can you fit a whole pan of brownies in your French-sized freezer??)
Becky LandWhich Thin Mints do you mean that are available in the US? Are March 8, 2011 5:48pm
these the once a year thin mints or the candies covered in green foil?
Trevor Sis BoomOh… we have to stop meeting like this. Wow. My blog is March 8, 2011 5:54pm
now officially fat with my weekly attempts at your recipes. Last week Lemon Bars, now these? My
8×8 is getting no rest!
DaniI’ve got two bags of Andes creme de menthe baking chips that have March 8, 2011 5:59pm
been calling out to me to make brownies with. I think this is a sign that I must do it now! I will
have to halve the recipe though…Thanks David for another “timely” post.
wellfedfredGirl Scout Thin Mints are better frozen also (sigh) March 8, 2011 6:05pm
Nicole March 8, 2011 6:05pm

Wow! That’s one hefty batch of brownies!! I’ve been so disappointed
in the quality (lack of) that I can find as far as chocolate in Italy that I’ve just been baking other
things… sort of sad.
Linda1) What kind of flour do you use? 1-2/3 cups = 170 g, that would March 8, 2011 6:25pm
make 102 g/cup, I hope my math is good. Cookbooks tell us 1 cup flour = anywhere between 120
and 140 grams. Is it a matter of “scoop and level’ vs. ‘spoon and level’? Naturally, if it’s 102 g,
then it’s carved in stone for me.
2) Is flour added during step 5?
Jessica PollakWhen do you add in the flour? I’d like to make these as they March 8, 2011 6:28pm
are different from our usual mint brownies, which have a layer of mint frosting covered with a dark
chocolate layers. The freezer trick is dangerous!!
Jessica PollakOh, read it over again more closely. Was distracted by the March 8, 2011 6:29pm
nuts. Nevermind!
David Becky Land: Usually they just go by the name chocolate-covered

March 8, 2011 6:30pm
thin mints, and they’re sold in supermarkets and stores like Walgreen’s. They’re similar
to York Peppermint patties.
Linda: I use 1 cup=140 grams of flour but since the flour gets sifted for this recipe, it’s
aerated and quite a bit lighter. I sifted right into the measuring cup the swept the excess
away with a knife. And yes, it’s added in step #5, after the chocolate.
sandra: …it’s fun to put those mints on a warm cake then frost it with them, too!
Sam at Broke and ChicI know that “wow” isn’t a particularly inspired March 8, 2011 6:31pm
comment but the brownies look almost beyond words. They would be a superb dessert for a dinner
party, it seems to me…
naomiI had to buy her book after reading about her flinging brownies to the March 8, 2011 6:32pm
crowd when she was presented a James Beard award. The book is as entertaining as your writing.
She’s still around, right? I hope so, because once I found out about her, I felt like she’d flung me a
brownie. (She uses York Peppermint patties.)
David March 8, 2011 6:35pm

Naomi: She is still around although is not longer writing
cookbooks, I believe. She really is fantastic and her books are all classics. I can’t say
enough good things about here.
But interesting she uses York peppermint patties. They’re fine but when I go to the US, I
see long packages of peppermint patties in stores for 99 cents, so I would recommend
those personally.
AnnaHow ironic that I jumped over to this post with a diet product ad on March 8, 2011 6:35pm
the right gutter. Waiter, one frozen brownie with a Slim Fast chaser, please!
Asia JanczakYour brownies look amazingly scrumptious. March 8, 2011 6:44pm
Lauren at Keep It Sweet March 8, 2011 6:46pm

I also LOVE brownies out of the freezer! It is kind of
dangerous since sometimes I put them there to stop myself from eating them. These look really
delicious.
StephanieI made your lemon bars a few weeks ago and stashed them, March 8, 2011 7:03pm
individually-wrapped, in the freezer in hopes of keeping them around a bit longer. No such luck
(surprise, surprise)! And they were fantastic frozen too!
Frances Mercer March 8, 2011 7:05pm

YUM, YUM, and YUM….cannot wait to try this recipe. I made
your mint chocolate chip ice cream last year, and it was delicious!!! Thank you !!!!
Nancy Baggett March 8, 2011 7:05pm

Definitely agree that freezing does something wonderful to
the texture of brownies. Good grief–I haven’t eat yet today, so this recipe is killing me!
Stephanie - Chocolate and ToastWell, there go my plans for being productive March 8, 2011 7:20pm
today. Trouble. Serious trouble.
David, if you get a chance please point us toward which of your books has the thin mints recipe. I
don’t think I have it in my collection, and now it feels absolutely essential!
jadekaz March 8, 2011 7:27pm

The photos look more like “York Peppermint Patties” than like Thin
Mints (ala the Girl Scouts). Is the texture of the thin mint like a crispy cookie or a gooey
peppermint candy?
Catherineap March 8, 2011 7:39pm

Those look insane. I’ve found that freezing anything with
chocolate and mint is the way to go. Girl Scout thin mints, anyone? And I too have fallen prey to
the “if it’s in the freezer I won’t eat so many” fallacy. HAH!!
hagI love chocolate and mint! These will have to be a must try! I really like March 8, 2011 7:54pm
the idea of baking things in the middle of the brownie mix. I wonder if peanut butter cups would
work as a centre layer in this recipe?
Jean Marie March 8, 2011 7:59pm

Oh, crap. I just went to the store this morning and did not buy
any mints. Guess I’ll have to get out The Perfect Scoop and make my own – which will probably be
better anyway. These look incredible.
Sherry ThrasherSeriously, if these brownies are anywhere nearly as good as March 8, 2011 8:56pm
your dulce de leche brownies then I’ll probably will just die and go right on to heaven.
Love receiving these e-mails. If I ever make it to Paris, I’ll treat you to coffee.
Many thanks!
Sherry
Alejandra March 8, 2011 8:56pm

These look seriously amazing. And I’m particularly excited about
that homemade thin mint recipe because as a peppermint patty/junior mint/thin mint devotee…a
sheet tray of them sounds AMAZING.
Linda H March 8, 2011 10:08pm

What a beautiful brownie, David!
The Girl Scout thin mints that some posters have mentioned are cookies, though, not a chocolate
coated mint candy. The candy is what is needed for your brownie recipe.
Another use for those theoretically “leftover” brownies, of any kind, is to chop them into small
cubes and fold into a traditional cheesecake recipe. The cheesecake is beautiful when sliced and
freezes perfectly, and provides two sins-cheesecake and brownies-at once.
Jeannine Welfelt March 8, 2011 10:09pm

A touch of green food coloring and we’re set for St Pat’s
day, I use my open sided cheese knife for cutting anything sticky -cakes, brownies, bar cookies.
Georgette G March 8, 2011 10:19pm

Hi David,
First, please take a look at the links in the post. Both links at the end of the article direct you to
the same site: Baking Ingredients and Substitutions.
I do not know if anyone commented on resources, but Callebaut makes great unsweetened
chocolate, but only in the large block format (5kg), which is way too much for home baking use.
However, there are stores that cutting them into manageable pieces for home bakers; in my area
that would be Wholefood Stores. Please do not buy Bakers’ unsweetened chocolate; it does not
even tastes as chocolate.
Lastly, interestingly enough, we are starting a new blog site where the aim is to correct mishaps
and errors in baking, or improving a recipe that may not work for everyone. So happen, that our
first reader baked a brownie, where she changed the original recipe by trying to add marshmallow
to it. Anyway, to make the long story shorter, a cakey brownie does not taste better frozen, or
cold (that is what the baker baked). So, while the brownie cake appeared to be quite unappealing,
to say the least, it tasted best the day it was baked. Once I put it in the refrigerator, it not only
changed the taste, but the texture, as well and not for the better.
In conclusion, the fudgy brownies are too heavy, at times it feels like mud smeared all over in your
mouth, if you eat it immediately, but it taste great cold, or at least after it was refrigerated
overnight.
Sorry about length
Beccy HSecret to cutting brownies . . . . . use a plastic knife. I don’t know March 8, 2011 10:25pm
why this works but it does!
Maia Brindley Nilsson March 8, 2011 10:43pm

I am probably the ‘odd man out’ here since I’m not a
huge fan of chocolate, brownies, or mint and I’m kind of a hopeless baker. But all that aside, I
REALLY want to make these AND the dulche de leche brownies that were mentioned in the
comments. If I’m able to pull these off my husband will be in heaven. Thanks for posting.
RSA Online March 8, 2011 10:45pm

Mint brownies! Delicious! I’m going to go whip up a huge batch
of brownies right now :)
Laura Kumin @MotherWouldKnowI’ve had mint brownies that seem as March 8, 2011 11:33pm
though they were made from your recipe. They were absolutely the best brownies I have ever
eaten – and believe me, that’s high praise. I agree on the freezer trick – I discovered it by
accident after a party when brownies were left over. We put a bag in the freezer and though
typically baked goods don’t taste after being frozen, those brownies did improve. I’ve tried to
repeat the frozen brownie trick, but someone in my house keeps eating the brownies as soon as
they hit the freezer. I’m thinking of making these brownies and freezing them in wrapping labelled
as chopped meat.
Maureen March 9, 2011 12:09am

We discovered the advantage of freezing brownies when making a
wonderful Belgian Brownie recipe from the LA Times. We made too many and wanted to preserve
the brownies for another occasion. You are right – freezing only improves brownies.
Felicia March 9, 2011 12:17am

I absolutely love brownies, well anything chocolate really, but I
don’t know about the instant coffee in the recipe. I don’t drink coffee, and frankly, I don’t like it. Is
there any way I can not add it? Will it mess us the recipe? I don’t really want to have to buy a
whole bunch of coffee when I only need one tablespoon.
David March 9, 2011 9:51am

You can leave it out if you wish. It’s just for flavor.
Stefan Winter March 9, 2011 12:56am
Read this post first thing this morning, and since I had the day off, just had to try it. I too used
York Peppermint patties (two 12 oz. bags with two patties to spare.)
I agree, awesome brownies!
Janet NZ March 9, 2011 1:22am

The very best thing about freezing anything with chocolate in??? –
the freezing process cuts the calorie content in half ! And if you believe that, you’ll believe
anything :-) – the brownies sound luscious!
David I haven’t heard that, but if that was true, I think there might
March 9, 2011 9:53am
be a lot more freezers sold! I would certainly consider getting a bigger one…
naomi March 9, 2011 2:05am

Thanks for the update. You know, there are some people I hear
about, even though I probably will never meet, add to my life, whether just a bit more joy, or
actually affecting my behavior. Maida Heatter and you have each contributed to mine, both ways.
Happy Mardi Gras!
JimmyJay March 9, 2011 2:58am

Haha. Thin mints in heavy chocolate brownies. Both not good for
waistline.
wellfedfredyes, Girl Scout Thin Mints are cookies, and are just one example March 9, 2011 3:39am
of how life is better with chocolate, chocolate is better with mint (more often than not), and
chocolate+mint = better frozen. Enjoy.
nilda March 9, 2011 4:05am

This is for Inez from Barcelona: My grandparents were Catalans and I
visit often. Love your city.
DAVID
Ooooh! brownies. One of my favorite desserts. Thank you for such a fabulous web. My time to
bake is now very limited, but I close my eyes and pretend that I’m eating what you cook. I have a
fantastic imagination.
Thank you for making me sooo happy!
Madeleines and Marathons March 9, 2011 4:40am

Which do you recommend….these brownies, or
your altoid brownies? I can’t decide which to bake this weekend.
Tom LIna Garten recommends one chill her brownie recipe overnight in its March 9, 2011 5:12am
tray and I’ve always done that and found it makes cutting them up much easier, plus I do agree
that it makes the taste POP. So you are on to something, David. As usual. Big hugs for this recipe
too…
Skip March 9, 2011 5:30am

David,
I made these tonight with 2 lbs of small York peppermint patties. They came out great! The house
smells so minty. Waiting for them to cool to try them was agony! And you MUST wait for them to
cool or the peppermint patties will ooze out. I will freeze some later.
Thanks for adjusting the recipe to tell us what to do with the sugar and flour. The earlier posted
version was confusing.
Hannah March 9, 2011 5:43am

Oh my gosh, I have never frozen brownies in my life, and I’m now
devastated at the thought that I’ve been cheating myself out of deliciousness for 23 years! I must
to the kitchen! (Although I’ll have to eat my way through what’s already in the freezer first…)

Okay, there should have been a disclaimer that these are
seriously addictive! I can’t imagine what would happen if I froze some… but no worries, there
won’t be any left to freeze. Thank you, David, for a new staple in my repertoire.
DessertForTwo March 9, 2011 7:39am

These look divine. I’m totally intrigued by how heavy they
are. Now I have to make them to see for myself!
Have you come across Audrey Hepburn’s brownie recipe? It’s plain & simple but hard to beat.
Joanne March 9, 2011 8:59am

When I was growing up, my mom would keep a tupperware
container full of cookies in the freezer for unexpected company – an hour or so on the counter
(time for a good visit) and they would be ready for serving with coffee. My favorite after-school
treat was sneaking 2-3 of those cookies. Of course, when company came, she would open the box
to find most of the cookies gone.
After all those years of crunching rock-hard cookies, now I won’t even eat a cookie that isn’t frozen
– unless it’s less than about 30 minutes from the oven.
Looks like I’ll be making brownies this weekend. If they’re 1/2 as good as the Baked Altoid
brownies, it’ll be a success.
Chew the fat March 9, 2011 2:33pm

I saw this post early in the morning yesterday, and I’m still
thinking about them!
In the US, btw, I think the most common unsweetened chocolate brand is Baker’s unsweetened.
Regarding Girl Scout cookies, the peanut butter flavors were always my favorites–I believe they
are called Do-si-does and Tagalongs. I wonder what these brownies would taste like with other
types of cookies crushed within…hmmnnn…shortbread cookies like Trefoils might also be nice…
And thank you for your expose of the most bogus diet tip of all time–freeze the chocolate to
prevent yourself from eating it, indeed! Hmph! Freeze the chocolate into a new form of
deliciousness, they should say!
LeslieAh David, you are the master – you take an ordinary thing and work March 9, 2011 3:03pm
your magic and look what happens! Now for my trick, paring this
down for two people. Many thanks – again. I love ready all the comments, you do get us all going.
Betty March 9, 2011 4:34pm

I’ve seen advertised these special brownie pans that are specifically
made so that every brownie is an “outside” piece with a crust on it (I’ve seen similar pans made
for lasagna as well). I’m wondering if anyone has ever tried one and if they’re any good? I’m not
particularly partial to inside or outside myself…never met a brownie I didn’t like…but I know people
who are and I’m just wondering if these pans are worth the investment? Thank you in advance.
Kelly March 9, 2011 5:16pm

WOW! These look really amazing, I must make these TODAY! I like
brownies, but layering in the thin mints (one of my fav. packaged candy) would cut the chocolate
perfectly. I’ve not made thin mints so I’m looking forward to doing so. I’m so glad you dusted off
this recipe and shared it with us.
Kiran March 9, 2011 6:00pm

Who doesn’t like the brownie edges? They even have all edge brownie
pans.
Can’t wait to make this. Plus the frozen brownie idea makes so much sense when you think about
it.
(Read this while eating Chocolate Sorbet from The Perfect Scoop!)
Lydia March 9, 2011 6:31pm

Well, these are just plain bad news. What are you trying to do to me
and my waistline? They do look delicious! This is one recipe I will not make because I just don’t
want start a really bad but delicious habit.
KatherineGood grief, David. Usually I’m not a fan of brownies (I know, I March 9, 2011 7:09pm
know), but these. . . these look spectacular. I have to bake them. Now. Yesterday. Thanks!
Jessica March 9, 2011 7:25pm

Hey David – these look amazing. The question I have is if you could
just make the mints right on top of the brownie mixture, or if you have to complete the mint
recipe – wait for it to set up and them make the brownie recipe.
dina March 9, 2011 7:27pm

These sound absolutely delicious, I have a soft spot for mint and
chocolate. I think i will make some of these and share them with my friends at work… yum!
Carolyn ZAt our local farmers’ market, one of the sellers puts aside the March 9, 2011 7:39pm
brownie edges. He sells them for $1 a small bag. These then go into the freezer to be eaten when
I need a brownie fix. I’m out now, but I did find a bag of Girl Scouts thin mints yesterday. Yum! I
wish we had a bigger freezer.
Carolyn Z
SarahI made these for Christmas this year – saw a similar brownie recipe in March 9, 2011 7:40pm
the Cook’s Illustrated cookie issue. But instead of using the store-
bought mints, I made a batch from your book. They turned out great! I did one set of dark-
chocolate mints, and a batch of white-chocolate mints, so the brownies had some variety. So
tasty… And so easy!
DavidBetty: I have one of those pans (they’re called Baker’s Edge pans) March 9, 2011 11:41pm
and while I do like it, one does need to reconfigure recipes to fit into it as it’s not a standard 8×8
size pan. However according to their website, a 9 x 13-inch pan is a similar equivalent. One just
needs to be sure to follow their guidelines for baking times. I do like mine although I don’t use it
for recipes here because the cooking times vary.
You can see I used it for Fruitcake bars.
Sarah: The problem with making them yourself, is that it’s very very hard not to eat them all. I
had to really keep my hands off them until after I was sure I had enough for the brownies. I love
peppermint patties!
Kiran: I made that chocolate sorbet for a dinner party last week and forgot how good – and how
rich – it was. Everyone scraped their bowls clean, though..
StuartThis is right up my alley! March 10, 2011 2:23am

A (hopefully simple) question :
It’s hard for me to find 100% chocolate, but good quality 70% chocolate is accessible – Since it’s
all being melted and mixed together, is it possible to use 70% chocolate and increase the
chocolate and reduce the sugar (thus ending up with the correct ratios of sugar to cocoa
mass/butter) or does that still mess up the overall effect? Seems like it should work in my head…
but chocolate never seems to be that simple when you get into it :P
Joy March 10, 2011 7:11am

I love Maida Heatter! She has the best stories, I love the one with the
cookies and her trainer at the gym. Have you tried her Santa Fe brownies? They’re nice and tall,
too, (and heavy – that’s a great picture of the slab of brownie :) ) but with cream cheese instead
of mint.
Kieran March 10, 2011 9:32am

I just made a batch and they are decadent! A warning, however,
the patties tend to bubble and in my case fall on the oven floor and ignite.
Can’t imagine how the mints can out from being sandwiched between the layers. -dl
ChristineOMG! These look delicious. March 10, 2011 11:16pm
Lindsey March 11, 2011 2:29am

How nice to hear Maida H. I never hear anything about her
anymore, so I am glad to see you mention her. A great baker!
Lynanne March 11, 2011 12:51pm

David,
Perhaps you should form a relationship with G. Detou and have your own Lebovitz shop on the
side. I showed up G.Detou the other day after obsessing about this perfect St. Patrick’s Day
recipe, and they are sold out of 100% cacao chips and all they had was a 3kg block! I certainly do
not have use for that much chocolate. Any other alternatives to G.Detou for the chocolate? I’ve
tried a few supermarches and the most % cacao they carry is 85%.
HELP!!
Addicted Baker March 11, 2011 6:09pm

Talk about delicious!
Addicted Baker March 11, 2011 6:15pm

Looks delicious. Where do you find so many great recipes?
Stephanie BrooksMy layer of small York Peppermint patties started sinking. March 11, 2011 6:17pm
I beat everything for 10 minutes with my Kitchen Aid Mixer, but did not add nuts. Hopefully all will
look nice when cooled!
Kim Wiley March 11, 2011 11:34pm

Hi David,
I have a question about the baking time for the Dulce de Leche brownies (in your book “The Sweet
Life in Paris”), and wasn’t sure where to post it, but thought another brownie entry would be as
good as I could find…. At any rate, the baking time listed in the recipe in the book is 45 minutes.
That’s longer than any brownies I’ve ever baked before, but I thought perhaps the caramel
required the longer baking. At any rate, I took them out at 39 minutes. The edges were quite dry,
but I cut them off, before serving them. My husband said that they were the best brownies he ever
ate, and I, personally, tend to like more cakey than fudgey brownies, so was happy with them. But
I’d like to try them as you intended, so would appreciate if you could confirm the baking time.
Also, noticed there is no salt added to the recipe (although you mention one can use salted
butter). Can you confirm that “No salt” is also correct?
Thank you so much! I enjoyed your book (and blog) immensely, and plan to visit some of the
places mentioned on my next trip to Paris in May.
Baking times on anything may vary depending on the material of the baking pan or dish (glass
versus metal) and ovens have hot (and cold) spots, so bakers generally should keep a
thermometer in their oven, as I do, but also be aware that ovens are very different. There is no
salt in that batter because I put it in my dulce de leche when I make it, but you are welcome to
add some the next time if you’d like. -dl
Chew the fat March 12, 2011 4:08am

I just made them! I admit I wimped out and used only 1
pound of York Peppermint Patties. I think the ‘patties jumping out’ problem that some other
posters referred to is the fact that the York patties tend to ‘spew’ some interesting white ‘spritz’ at
the edges of the pan. When they cool, they form a sort of glassy, hard sugary crust. I laid the pan
on top of a baking sheet, so no problems with leakage in the oven.
I have to say that the inside brownies are much prettier than the outside ‘crust’ edges, but the
ugly edges are delicious!
I’m going to post the pictures on my blog later on with a link back to your website–the only thing I
would really add is that for me, making this recipe was very messy. With all of the chocolate I
used, I had chocolate on my clothes, face, and hair. A change of clothes before going out is very
much advised, but they’re certainly worth it–going to bring them to my yoga class tomorrow as a
present to enlighten someone’s birthday :)
Shari March 13, 2011 9:25pm

Yum. Chocolate and mint go together like chocolate and cherries. I
must admit that I cringed when you mentioned cold brownies. I love them warm and the edges
are my favorite part. : )
Kitchen Butterfly March 13, 2011 11:49pm

Oh great minds…………I’ve been hoarding thin mints from
my Girl’s Scouts cookie sales with the idea of freezing them and crumbling chunks in my
brownies….. Yummy, yum yum!
Kitchen Butterfly March 13, 2011 11:52pm

And David, I would honestly love to send you some thin
mints (I live in the Hague, Netherlands) and would be honoured to send you a box or three.
Alternatively, I’ll be in Paris for a long weekend in mid April. Let me know if you’d like some!
BrianJust made these with your thin mints from The Perfect Scoop. They March 15, 2011 7:01am
are spectacular with a scoop of your anise ice cream on top. Just so you don’t have to wonder
anymore, they weigh about 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg).
BC March 15, 2011 10:18pm

These are wonderful. Made 1/2 the recipe (using 3 eggs) and 8”
square pan, cooked for 27 minutes and it worked perfectly. Maida Heatter has always been my
baking idol-
the best source for great desserts. Thank you for the mint addition.
Sophie Aloe Vera March 16, 2011 1:11pm

I tried this recipe and I burnt it totally. :-( I could still
taste the mint through the burn though. You really do need to watch them carefully if you don’t
want to end up like me
nilda March 16, 2011 10:51pm

O.K. I finally made some brownies and my daughter helped. Instead
of chocolate-covered thin mints, I used unsweetened shredded coconut. A Caribbean delight!
I served it with real mint tea and white wine poured over ice.
No crumbs left. My family loved it.
Ed March 17, 2011 12:58pm

I made these last night to take to work for our St. Pat’s day party. I
left out the nuts, but added green food coloring to the “peppermint” in honor of St. Pat’s. I’ll say
one thing, you only need a small square to achieve sugar high! WOW, maybe because I’m working
to cut the added sugar from my diet, but these hit me like sugar rocket, but sooooo good! Thanks,
David!
BarbaraAre you sure the brownies are to be baked at 425 F/218C for 35 March 17, 2011 4:30pm
minutes? I took them out at 30 minutes and good thing. I tasted them before I put them out for
my office – they were like sawdaust. I wasted a lot of chocolate and mints not to mention my time
on this recipe. It went into the garbage can. I was really disappointed…

Hi Barbara: Yes, I absolutely have baked these at this
temperature. Saveur magazine also printed the recipe with the same baking time and
temperature.
Stefan Winter March 19, 2011 6:06pm

I have made these three times now since you have posted
this and even mixed things up and tried different variations. I love Almond Joys, so I actually
made a homemade version for the center. They came out fabulous!
Most importantly, I have to say I appreciate the fact that you always give weight measurements.
My first pan of brownies were great, but the subsequent two pans were better because I weighed
the ingredients.
Jo March 20, 2011 5:48am

Hi David,
Can you please include the recipe for your version of Thin Mints? I unfortunately don’t have The
Perfect Scoop ….perhaps you have included a link somewhere that I can’t see…Thank you very
much
dominique March 21, 2011 2:17am

I also had a hard time with the oven timing and temperature. I
should have taken
them out 5 minutes earlier or dropped the temperature of the oven. I ended up
with very burnt edges and bottom–such a shame since the batter was delish. Un-
fortunately the burnt taste shines through now.

I have made these three times, always at 425 degrees,
always for exactly 35 minutes. I can only guess that folks need to recalibrate their ovens or use an
oven thermometer and adjust your heat accordingly. David can correct me, but I do not believe
this would be a time to use convection either.
Once you get the kinks worked out you will LOVE LOVE LOVE these!
TARA March 22, 2011 1:02am

Oh Yum! Admittedly I found this recipe in Saveur and make them
every so often. Fun to see you highlight them on your blog. They’re distinctive enough that I knew
at first glance of the picture that this was Maida’s recipe.
jenniferci made these last weekend and they were waaay too sweet & March 24, 2011 10:10pm
sugary for me…i’m going to stick with my ina garten outrageous brownie recipe, it’s tough to beat
:)
EileenO March 25, 2011 9:28am

Well, I made the peppermints from Perfect Scoop (triple recipe) and found that it was very hard to
dip. I had enough to make 2 batches of brownies. The peppermint was hard to dip in large pieces,
so I’m not sure what went wrong. I did chill the insides overnight before dipping.
2nd question. I do check my oven temp with a laser thermometer, but the top of the brownies
were burning after 17 minutes. I don’t have a clue what was wrong….. At least there’s enough
peppermint for another batch of brownies, but I’ll wait until someone can help. Help!!

eilleen: Because all ovens are different, if things cook too hot on
top, you can drape a piece of foil over the top.
I did not dip the pieces in chocolate, due to their size, but instead spread chocolate over
the top as shown in the post.
janniferc: Make sure to use 100% cocoa or unsweetened chocolate (not bittersweet
chocolate) in the recipe.
AnnieI was just looking over the recipe with the idea of making the March 27, 2011 12:58am
brownies tomorrow as I made the peppermint today. However, the sugar weight for the brownies
seems to be out. The recipe asks for 3.25 cups/350 grams. Should this be 700grams? I believe the
expected weight of a cup of sugar is 200 grams.
Thanks.
The conversion’s been corrected..thanks! -dl

Recette Chocolate Mint Brownies - David Lebovitz

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Recette Chocolate Mint Brownies - David Lebovitz

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07/06/2019 Chocolate Mint Brownies - David Lebovitz

Chocolate Mint Brownies

Chocolate Mint Brownies

8 ounces (225g) unsweetened chocolate (see Note)

1. Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC).

For information about substituting ingredients: Baking Ingredients and Substitutions.

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categories: Chocolate Cookies, Bars & Brownies Recipes

Magda March 8, 2011 12:35pm

Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) March 8, 2011 12:42pm

Now THAT’S a pan I’d like to get more acquainted with :)

Kate March 8, 2011 1:04pm

Evitaa March 8, 2011 1:55pm

parisbreakfast March 8, 2011 2:37pm

GrapefruitGood grief. I can almost smell these. March 8, 2011 2:49pm

Kristin March 8, 2011 3:18pm

alex March 8, 2011 3:31pm

Nuts about food March 8, 2011 4:00pm

Susan March 8, 2011 4:07pm

sandraDavid, March 8, 2011 4:18pm

wellfedfred March 8, 2011 4:35pm

Chihiro March 8, 2011 5:26pm

Nicole March 8, 2011 6:05pm

David Becky Land: Usually they just go by the name chocolate-covered

David March 8, 2011 6:35pm

Asia JanczakYour brownies look amazingly scrumptious. March 8, 2011 6:44pm

Lauren at Keep It Sweet March 8, 2011 6:46pm

Frances Mercer March 8, 2011 7:05pm

Nancy Baggett March 8, 2011 7:05pm

jadekaz March 8, 2011 7:27pm

Catherineap March 8, 2011 7:39pm

work as a centre layer in this recipe?

Jean Marie March 8, 2011 7:59pm

Alejandra March 8, 2011 8:56pm

Linda H March 8, 2011 10:08pm

Jeannine Welfelt March 8, 2011 10:09pm

Georgette G March 8, 2011 10:19pm

Sorry about length

Maia Brindley Nilsson March 8, 2011 10:43pm

RSA Online March 8, 2011 10:45pm

Maureen March 9, 2011 12:09am

Felicia March 9, 2011 12:17am

David March 9, 2011 9:51am

Stefan Winter March 9, 2011 12:56am

Janet NZ March 9, 2011 1:22am

naomi March 9, 2011 2:05am

JimmyJay March 9, 2011 2:58am

nilda March 9, 2011 4:05am

Thank you for making me sooo happy!

Madeleines and Marathons March 9, 2011 4:40am

Skip March 9, 2011 5:30am

Hannah March 9, 2011 5:43am

Stefan Winter March 9, 2011 6:19am

DessertForTwo March 9, 2011 7:39am

Joanne March 9, 2011 8:59am

Chew the fat March 9, 2011 2:33pm

Betty March 9, 2011 4:34pm