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 cocoa); 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 recommended); 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 recommended)

Nothing says cozy indulgence quite like a rich, fudgy treat with a refreshing twist. This Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe brings together that perfect balance of deep chocolate and cool mint, all without gluten or dairy worries. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make!

The image shows a row of square dessert bars with three clear layers. The bottom layer is dark brown with a moist, crumbly texture, the middle layer is a light mint green and smooth, and the top layer is a thick, glossy dark chocolate sheet. The bars are neatly cut and placed on white parchment paper with a white marbled surface underneath. There are a few fresh green mint leaves scattered beside the bars. 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’ve been on the hunt for a dessert that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free but doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture — and this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe totally nailed it. The fudgy texture and minty frosting are just dreamy, and the best part? You don’t need a dozen fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

Rich and Fudgy Texture: The brownies stay perfectly moist without any gluten, thanks to cocoa powder and cornstarch.
Minty Buttercream Topping: A refreshing, creamy mint frosting that’s dairy-free but still decadent.
Quick and Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already—no need for special gluten-free blends.
Perfect for Almost Any Diet: Paleo, dairy-free, allergy-friendly options make this a versatile favorite for everyone.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe is purposeful to create that fudgy richness and creamy mint flavor. I always recommend using good-quality chocolate and organic cocoa powder if you can—it really makes a difference. Here’s why the key players shine:

Flat lay of a small pile of glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a few whole coconut sugar crystals loosely scattered, two brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth dark cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing creamy dairy-free butter, a small white ceramic bowl with coconut oil showing its transparent golden texture, a small white ceramic bowl with fine powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl holding almond milk with a slight milky opacity, and a tiny pinch of salt grains arranged neatly, 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: These melt into a lusciously rich brownie base; dairy-free varieties keep the recipe allergy-friendly.
Coconut oil or avocado oil: These healthy fats add moisture and a tender crumb; I love coconut oil’s subtle flavor.
Coconut sugar: An unrefined sweetener that adds depth with its slight caramel notes.
Eggs: They bind everything together, giving the brownies structure without gluten.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the chocolate and mint flavors beautifully.
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder: The secret to that intense chocolate punch and fudgy texture.
Cornstarch (or arrowroot): Helps make the brownies tender and prevents them from being crumbly.
Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
Softened butter or dairy-free butter: Crucial for a creamy mint buttercream without dairy.
Milk (unsweetened almond milk): Adds creaminess to the frosting without overpowering mint or chocolate.
Powdered sugar: For that smooth, sweet frosting texture.
Mint extract: Your secret weapon for that cool, refreshing finish—use sparingly, it’s potent!
Green food coloring (optional): To pretty up the frosting, but it’s totally optional and doesn’t affect taste.

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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 the things I love about this Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often swap out ingredients or adjust the mint intensity based on who I’m baking for—and honestly, it’s fun to tweak! You should feel free to make it your own.

Variation: I once tried a peppermint oil sub instead of extract for a stronger mint punch—just a drop goes a long way!
Dairy-Free Swap: Using vegan butter and almond milk keeps it allergen-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.
Mint-Free Option: If mint isn’t your thing, swap the frosting for a simple chocolate ganache topping for pure chocolate bliss.
Seasonal Twist: Add crushed candy canes on top during the holidays for festive crunch and extra mint flavor.

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

A close-up view of a square chocolate cake on a white marbled surface, being spread with a thick, light green frosting that has a smooth but slightly textured appearance. The cake forms the dark brown base layer, while the green frosting is the top layer, covering the entire surface evenly. A metal spatula held by a woman's hand is smoothing the frosting in a swirling motion on the top right side of the cake. The overall look is fresh and appetizing, with a clear contrast between the dark cake and the pastel green frosting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt and Mix Your Chocolate Base

Start by gently melting your chocolate chips and coconut oil together—either in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or carefully in the microwave in short bursts. Stir until silky smooth. This step sets the tone for that decadent fudgy texture, so take your time and don’t rush it. When combined, whisk in coconut sugar, eggs, and vanilla until glossy and well blended.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Bake

Sift together your cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt before folding them into the wet mixture. This prevents lumps and produces a smooth batter. Pour everything into a prepared 8x8-inch pan lined with parchment paper—that way, your brownies come out effortlessly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. No overbaking here—you want fudgy, not dry.

Step 3: Whip Up the Mint Buttercream

While the brownies cool, beat your softened butter with powdered sugar, milk, mint extract, and salt. I like to add just a tiny drop of green food coloring for that classic minty look—totally optional though! The frosting should be creamy and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; too thin, a little more powdered sugar.

Step 4: Spread and Garnish

Once the brownies have completely cooled, spread your mint buttercream evenly on top. Then melt the remaining chocolate chips with almond milk to make a smooth ganache. Pour this over the frosting and spread it gently. Refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing into squares. The ganache sets beautifully, giving a glossy finish and an extra chocolate kick.

Top Tip

Making gluten-free brownies can sometimes be tricky with texture and moisture, but this recipe has been a game-changer for me. Here are a few tried-and-true insights that help these mint brownies come out perfectly every time:

Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temp blends the batter better and helps prevent overmixed, tough brownies.
Don’t Skip Sifting: Especially for cocoa and cornstarch—this avoids clumps and gives a silky batter that bakes evenly.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience here ensures your buttercream stays fluffy and doesn’t melt into the brownies.
Sharp Knife for Cutting: Warm your knife under hot water and dry it before slicing for neat edges without cracking your ganache.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe

Gluten-Free Mint Brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with these brownies—sometimes just a little dusting of powdered sugar or a few crushed mint candies on top adds a nice festive touch. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten up the plate if you’re serving to guests. For holiday gatherings, sprinkling chopped dark chocolate or a handful of mini chocolate chips on the ganache adds extra texture and flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these mint brownies with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a simple fruit salad for a lighter finish. A hot cup of mint tea or a bold coffee balances the sweetness perfectly too. I once brought these along with roasted nuts and fresh berries for a dessert platter that was a total hit at a potluck.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or special occasions, try cutting the brownies into mini bite-sized squares and serving them on decorative trays with toothpicks. You could also layer brownie chunks and mint buttercream into small parfait glasses for a fun twist. I’ve even used cookie cutters to make brownie hearts for Valentine’s Day—super cute and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover gluten-free mint brownies in an airtight container in the fridge because of the buttercream and ganache. They stay moist and fresh for up to 4 days this way. Just bring to room temperature before eating so the frosting softens slightly for the best flavor.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! I wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. When it’s time for a treat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bring them to room temperature for a few hours. They taste just as good as fresh—plus, it's handy to have some stash ready for unexpected guests.

Reheating

To refresh the brownies, I set them out at room temp for about 30 minutes. If you want a warm, gooey experience, zap a single piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—but be careful not to melt the frosting completely. Reheating like this keeps everything enjoyable, especially if your fridge keeps them a little too firm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different flour instead of cornstarch?

Yes! Arrowroot powder is a great 1:1 substitute if you want a grain-free option or don’t have cornstarch on hand. Just make sure to sift it with your cocoa powder to avoid clumps.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe uses eggs and butter, but you can experiment with flax eggs and vegan butter for a dairy-free and egg-free adaptation. I haven't tested vegan eggs yet, so results may vary and could affect texture.

How strong is the mint flavor?

The mint extract is quite concentrated, so start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste. You want it noticeable but not overpowering. Adding crushed peppermint candies on top also adds fresh minty bursts without overwhelming.

Can I make these brownies nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply use allergy-friendly dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute almond milk with soy or oat milk. Just double-check all ingredient labels to avoid any nut traces.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Mint Brownies Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts because it’s approachable, delicious, and friendly to so many diets. It’s the kind of treat you feel good about sharing with friends and family, whether they’re gluten-intolerant or not. Give it a try—you’ll find that the minty freshness combined with that rich chocolate fudginess is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!