Chef John's Chocolate Mint Brownies

This stripped-down recipe for brownies requires almost zero technique, and uses only cocoa powder to achieve a dense, chewy, very chocolaty treat. Top with mint icing for a unique spin on an old favorite.

Original recipe makes 16 brownies

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/8 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon mint extract, or to taste

PREP

10 mins
COOK

35 mins
READY IN

1 hr 15 mins

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Combine sugar and cocoa powder in a large bowl; stir in melted butter until mixture is smooth.
Stir in 1 egg, vanilla, and salt. Mix in second egg.
Fold in flour and transfer to ungreased 8×8-inch square baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes.
Remove from oven and cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and mint extract in a bowl until smooth.
Pour icing over cooled brownies. Spread evenly and allow to set, about 30 minutes.
Slice into 16 brownies.