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 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 unsweetened almond milk

There's something wonderfully nostalgic about biting into these rich, fudgy treats with a fresh pop of minty brightness. This Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe marries dense chocolate goodness with a cool, creamy mint frosting and silky ganache — perfect for anyone avoiding gluten yet craving a classic dessert with a twist.

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

Over the years, I’ve mastered several gluten-free brownies, but this particular Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my heart. The balance of fudgy chocolate, refreshing mint buttercream, and glossy ganache feels like a retro treat that never gets old. Plus, it’s dairy-free friendly, so you can share it with practically anyone.

Fudgy Texture: This recipe creates brownies that are moist and rich without being crumbly or dry.
Mint Buttercream Magic: The mint buttercream isn’t just a topping — it’s the flavor highlight that makes these brownies unforgettable.
Gluten & Dairy-Free Options: You get all the indulgence without common allergens, so family and friends with restrictions can indulge.
Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples or easy-to-find specialty products, making this recipe approachable yet impressive.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe come together to create texture and flavor that's anything but ordinary. Each plays a part, from the cocoa powder giving depth to the cornstarch ensuring the perfect fudgy crumb. Here are some key points about the ingredients:

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: Use allergy-friendly or dairy-free options to keep things inclusive; melting these introduces rich chocolate intensity.
Coconut or Avocado Oil: These oils add moisture and tenderness; I prefer coconut because it adds a subtle natural sweetness.
Coconut Sugar: A great lower-glycemic alternative that caramelizes nicely for deeper flavor.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness; essential for the fudgy texture here.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the chocolate and mint notes, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed is best for a smoother, less acidic taste.
Cornstarch (or Arrowroot): Helps create that chewy yet tender bite typical of perfect brownies.
Salt: A little salt in brownie recipes always amplifies sweetness and cuts through richness.
Softened Butter or Dairy-Free Butter: For the mint buttercream, it makes the texture creamy and spreadable.
Milk (Unsweetened Almond Milk): Keeps the buttercream light and dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: The key to a smooth, sweet frosting that melts on your tongue.
Mint Extract: Adds that refreshing, cool flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate — a little goes a long way!
Green Food Coloring (Optional): Just for aesthetics, but it always makes the mint frosting feel festive and fun.

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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

I love tweaking this recipe to suit different moods and occasions. You can easily dial up or down the mint intensity or swap the dairy-free options to accommodate what you have in your kitchen. Here are some ideas based on my kitchen experiments:

Variation: For a grown-up twist, I sometimes add a splash of peppermint schnapps into the buttercream — it makes these brownies feel extra festive during the holidays!
Dairy-Free Swap: Using avocado oil instead of coconut oil changes the flavor profile slightly, making it more neutral if you prefer less coconut aroma.
Less Sweet Option: Cut the powdered sugar in the buttercream by a quarter if you want a more subtle frost that lets the chocolate shine through.
Mint Chocolate Chips: Sometimes I throw in mint-flavored chocolate chips for a double-dose of minty goodness.

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 chosen chocolate chips together with the coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or carefully in 30-second bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth — no lumps here! I make sure the mixture cools a little before adding the eggs so they don't scramble, which can be a common mistake when making brownies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

While your chocolate cools, whisk together the cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in another bowl. This ensures even distribution and keeps your brownies from getting grainy in spots. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar until well combined and slightly frothy. Then fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the eggs. Finally, gently incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing here — that’s key to keeping the brownies perfectly fudgy instead of cakey.

Step 4: Bake Until Set

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined pan and pop it into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the center still slightly soft — they'll firm up as they cool. I usually start checking at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Whip Up the Mint Buttercream

Beat softened butter (or dairy-free alternative) with powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, milk, and mint extract until smooth and fluffy. Add green food coloring if you like that classic mint hue. Tasting as you go is my favorite part here — just a drop or two of the mint extract goes a long way in delivering that refreshing flavor.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

For the finishing touch, melt chocolate chips with almond milk until glossy and silky. Pour this over the frosted brownies and gently spread it out. I like to let it set at room temperature for a bit before slicing — it creates that beautiful ganache sheen everyone loves.

Top Tip

From baking in my kitchen to sharing with friends, I've learned these small adjustments can really elevate your Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe results.

Control the Mint: Start with less mint extract in the buttercream — it’s easy to add more, but too much can overpower the chocolate.
Watch Your Oven: Ovens vary, so check just before the recommended time. Underbaked brownies are okay; overbaked won’t give that fudgy texture.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: This avoids melting your mint buttercream and keeps your frosting looking neat and fluffy.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and cleaner edges — it’s a game-changer for brownies!

How to Serve Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few crushed candy canes or peppermint candies on top during the holidays for extra crunch and a festive vibe. Fresh mint leaves on the side also add a nice fresh aroma when serving at gatherings.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries to balance the sweetness. For an indulgent coffee break, a simple cup of black coffee or mint tea is my go-to.

Creative Ways to Present

I love layering these brownies in a clear glass trifle dish with whipped coconut cream and a dusting of cocoa powder for parties. It transforms them into a show-stopping dessert everyone talks about. You could also cut smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with alternating fresh mint sprigs for an elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen’s warm, refrigerate them instead to keep the frosting firm. Just bring them back to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. I wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a treat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge — the texture stays wonderfully fudgy!

Reheating

If you want to warm your brownies, I recommend a gentle 10-15 seconds in the microwave — just enough to soften the chocolate slightly without melting the frosting completely. It makes for a decadent, gooey experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different flour instead of cornstarch?

Absolutely! Arrowroot powder works in place of cornstarch and is a great option if you prefer a grain-free alternative. Just use the same amount as cornstarch in the recipe.

What if I don’t like mint extract?

If mint isn't your thing, you can substitute the mint extract with vanilla or even orange extract for a different flavor twist. The buttercream will still be silky and delicious.

Are these brownies suitable for vegans?

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free but not fully vegan because it contains eggs and butter, though you can use vegan butter. For a vegan version, you'd need to substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs, which will change the texture slightly.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for edges that are set and slightly pulling away from the pan, while the center should still look a little soft or fudgy. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures fudgy brownies, not cakey or dry ones.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe has become one of my favorite desserts to make because it strikes all the right notes — rich chocolate, fresh mint, and that perfect fudgy texture everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, I promise these brownies will steal the show. Give them a try and you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe again and again.