Pillow Mint Brownies

When I used to work at the Bed and Breakfast during college, one of the things we would make each week were our version of “pillow mints” (mints you’d leave by the bedside table for guests to enjoy before bed). Our version, instead of leaving store-bought mints, were these triple-layer mint fudge brownies.

These “pillow mint brownies” (my name for them) are super decadent, so fudgy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Because they’re so rich, we’d cut them into smaller squares than what you would consider a traditional brownie size. I’d say it’s probably a quarter of a traditional brownie in terms of size – perfect for popping into your mouth as a bite-sized morsel, and perfect for after dinner / before bed.

Not only are these pillow mint brownies delicious, the size really makes you want more – they can get pretty addictive! Guests would ask us all the time for the recipe, and we were always happy to provide it to them. After all, the brownie layer is “the least expensive fudge brownie mix you can find at the store”! This is a recipe that doesn’t pride itself on expensive ingredients, but rather the time and care taken in making each layer, since each one needs to chill for at least an hour before the next one is added. That sort of patience is probably what makes these so great.

We left these pillow mint brownies in our guests’ rooms, but they’re also fantastic as impressive homemade gifts for Valentine’s Day, bake sales, holiday desserts, and any other time you think a friend would like a chocolatey minty treat. You can use food coloring to make the mint layer green, like an Andes after-dinner mint, or leave it white, like we used to do. 

Your friends will think it’s homemade, which it is…but only partly! Regardless, I know you and your friends will love these – every time I make them, my own friends rave and ask for more! If they’re not a fan of mint chocolate (they exist!), just omit the mint extract or substitute a different flavoring, such as orange, hazelnut, or almond.

For other easy yet decadent desserts, try my Hawaiian Butter Mochi, Matcha Nama Chocolate, and Sweet Palmiers.

Ingredients

• Dark chocolate fudge brownie mix
• 1-1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp softened unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 3 tsp mint extract
• 2 oz dark / bittersweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp vanilla

Directions

Bake fudge brownies according to box instructions. Allow to chill completely in fridge.

In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, whipping cream, and mint extract. Mix carefully until consistency of buttercream frosting.

Carefully spread mint buttercream with spatula over brownies, trying not to mix brownie and buttercream. Place back in fridge to set completely.

In a small bowl, combine dark / bittersweet chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla. Melt in microwave in 10-second increments until melted. Mix with spatula until smooth.

Pour over buttercream and spread carefully so you don’t mix the buttercream and chocolate. Place back in fridge to set completely.

Carefully remove from baking pan onto a cutting board. Cut off edges. Cut into small bite-size / morsel-sized squares. 

Serve as after-dinner mints alone, or with some tea or coffee.