Name: Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips (allergy-friendly or dairy-free, as needed); 1/3 cup coconut oil or avocado oil (can substitute butter or vegan butter); 1/2 cup coconut sugar; 2 eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or alkalized); 3 tablespoons cornstarch (can substitute arrowroot); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup softened butter or dairy-free butter; 2 tablespoons milk (unsweetened almond milk); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon mint extract; a tiny pinch salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon); 1-2 drops green food coloring (optional); 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (allergy-friendly or dairy-free, as needed); 1/4 cup milk (unsweetened almond milk)

Sometimes you just crave a brownie that feels like a cozy hug with a fresh twist—enter this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe. They’re fudgy, chocolaty, and topped with a smooth mint buttercream that’s absolutely dreamy. Plus, they’re dairy-free if you need that!

The image shows several square dessert bars arranged in rows on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each bar has three clear layers: a dark brown, moist-looking base, a middle creamy pale green layer, and a smooth, thick dark chocolate layer on top. The bars are neatly cut with clean edges, and there are small fresh green mint leaves scattered around the edges of the parchment paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I'm thrilled every time I make this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe because it nails the perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint without any gluten. They’re a nostalgic throwback with a modern, allergy-friendly twist that really impresses friends and family.

Fudgy Texture: Thanks to the coconut oil and cocoa powder, these brownies come out perfectly dense and chewy.
Mint Buttercream Magic: The mint frosting on top isn’t overpowering—it adds just enough fresh lift that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Option: This recipe adapts easily for different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples and just a couple of allergy-friendly swaps, making these brownies feels totally doable any day of the week.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe come together to create rich, chocolatey goodness with a smooth mint finish. I always suggest picking the best quality chocolate chips and pure mint extract you can find—trust me, they make a world of difference.

Flat lay of semi-sweet chocolate chips scattered beside a small pile of unsweetened dark cocoa powder, a smooth white ceramic bowl with creamy coconut oil, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granular coconut sugar, another small white bowl with fine cornstarch, a neat mound of powdered sugar on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl containing unsweetened almond milk, a small dollop of soft dairy-free butter resting on a white ceramic dish, a tiny pinch of salt displayed on a small white bowl, and a delicate white ceramic bowl holding clear vanilla extract, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Semi-sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips: The chocolate base drives the fudgy brownie experience; dairy-free chips keep it allergy-friendly.
Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil: These oils keep the brownies moist without the heaviness of butter, plus coconut oil adds a subtle, lovely flavor.
Coconut Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness while keeping things a bit healthier than white sugar.
Eggs: Essential for structure and binding the fudgy brownie together perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa gives that deep chocolate flavor and richness.
Cornstarch (or Arrowroot): Helps the gluten-free structure by providing tenderness and softness to the brownie crumb.
Salt: Never underestimate salt—it enhances all those chocolate and mint flavors.
Butter or Dairy-Free Butter: For the buttercream—using dairy-free butter keeps it friendly for those avoiding dairy.
Milk (Unsweetened Almond Milk): Used in the frosting and ganache to achieve the perfect creamy texture without dairy.
Powdered Sugar: Key to smooth, silky frosting sunshine.
Mint Extract: The star zing that turns these from ordinary brownies into something special.
Green Food Coloring (Optional): Just a few drops bring out that classic minty vibe without changing the flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love playing with the mint intensity depending on the season or occasion—you can make it mild for everyday treats or extra bold for Christmas dessert tables.

Less Mint, More Chocolate: For a subtler mint flavor, simply reduce the mint extract to a quarter teaspoon—sometimes I prefer this balance when serving kids.
Dairy-Free Swap: I always use vegan butter and almond milk to keep it dairy-free, but you can swap in regular butter or milk if you have no restrictions.
Extra Fudgy: Add an extra tablespoon of coconut oil or use all dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate punch.
Festive Twist: Try stirring in chopped peppermint candies or crushed candy canes in the buttercream during holidays to amp up the minty vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe

A close-up top view of a single square brown cake on a white marbled surface, with a thick, smooth layer of green frosting being spread evenly on top by a metal spatula held by a woman's hand. The frosting is creamy and shows soft textures and swirls as it spreads across the cake's surface. The background is clean and simple with the white marble serving as a subtle contrast to the rich colors of the cake and frosting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt and Mix the Chocolate Base

Start by gently melting your chocolate chips together with the coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in short bursts in the microwave). Stir every 20 seconds so it doesn’t burn. Once smooth and glossy, stir in the coconut sugar until well combined. This step is my favorite because the kitchen fills with the richest chocolate aroma—it always gets me excited for what’s to come!

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat the eggs lightly and whisk them into the chocolate mixture along with the vanilla extract. Make sure the chocolate isn’t too hot here to avoid cooking the eggs. This creates that silky, fudgy consistency that’s the hallmark of these brownies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually fold them into your wet chocolate mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make your brownies tough, so I always go slow and stop as soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into a greased 8x8-inch pan and spread evenly. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. I like to start checking at 25 minutes with a toothpick—when it comes out with just a few fudgy crumbs, that’s perfect. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting; warm brownies make the buttercream slide right off.

Step 5: Whip up the Mint Buttercream

Using softened butter or dairy-free butter, beat it until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, milk, mint extract, and a pinch of salt. If you want that classic mint color, just add a drop or two of green food coloring. Beat until fluffy, and spread it over your cooled brownies with a spatula.

Step 6: Finish with Chocolate Ganache

Lastly, melt the remaining chocolate chips with the milk over low heat and drizzle or spread this glossy ganache over the mint layer. Pop your brownies in the fridge for a bit to let everything set. Trust me, this final touch makes all the difference in delivering that luxurious finish.

Top Tip

From my experience, nailing the texture and flavor harmony in this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe takes a mix of patience and attention to detail. These tips saved me from a few kitchen misadventures!

Don’t Overbake: Brownies continue cooking as they cool, so pull them out when the toothpick still has a moist crumb to avoid dry edges.
Temper Your Eggs: Make sure your melted chocolate mixture isn’t too hot before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
Softened Butter Is Key: For the buttercream, softened (not melted) butter whips up light and airy, giving the frosting that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Mint Extract in Moderation: Mint can be strong—start small, taste, and add more gradually to suit your preference.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or a few mini chocolate chips on top for that little extra wow factor and a bit of crunch. Fresh mint leaves also make a pretty, fragrant garnish, especially when the brownies are served at holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. For a drink, I love serving them alongside a hot cup of peppermint tea or rich espresso to complement the mint-chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like cutting them into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a tiered dessert stand with fresh berries around. Another fun idea is layering them in a mason jar with dollops of whipped cream for a portable, party-ready treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge—the mint buttercream stays deliciously fresh, and they keep for up to 5 days. Just bring to room temperature a bit before serving to let the ganache soften slightly.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. I slice them first, place parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Reheating

If you want a warm brownie moment, pop a piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The frosting softens and tastes just like fresh, though I wouldn’t recommend warming the entire tray to preserve the buttercream texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these brownies nut-free?

Absolutely! This Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe is naturally nut-free as long as you choose chocolate chips and milk substitutes without any nut ingredients. Using allergy-friendly or certified nut-free products helps keep them safe for sensitive eaters.

What’s the best way to get that bright mint flavor without it tasting artificial?

Using high-quality pure mint extract in moderation is key. Start with a small amount and taste the frosting as you go. Sometimes, you can enhance the freshness by adding a bit of finely chopped fresh mint leaves, but be careful not to change the texture too much. Avoid mint flavorings labeled as ‘imitation’ for the best results.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version of this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe, swap the eggs for flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground seeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use dairy-free chocolate chips, and stick with coconut oil and dairy-free butter. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious and fudgy!

Why is cornstarch used instead of flour?

Since this recipe is gluten-free, cornstarch or arrowroot powder replaces the structure that flour provides. It helps stabilize the brownies and gives them a soft, tender crumb without making them cakey. It’s a small but vital ingredient for that fudgy texture you want.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe has become one of those comfort treats I turn to again and again. With its fudgy texture, bright minty frosting, and that glossy ganache finish, it’s such a satisfying dessert for any occasion—plus, you can feel good serving it thanks to the allergy-conscious tweaks. I hope you try it soon and find yourself loving it as much as I do—it’s like a classic made completely new and kinder to all kinds of eaters.