Mint Julep Brownies

Fudgy chocolate brownies baked with peppermint extract and bourbon, then topped with whipped cream, candied pecans, and fresh mint for a Mint Julep-inspired dessert.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword bourbon brownies, brownies with peppermint, chocolate mint dessert, Derby Day dessert, Mint Julep Brownies

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Cooling Time (for pecans and brownies) 45

Total Time 1 35

Servings brownies

Calories 320kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

measuring cups and spoons For ingredient accuracy.
mixing bowls For combining ingredients
Saucepan Used twice: first for melting the butter and chocolate, then for candying the pecans.
hand mixer Helpful for beating the eggs until airy.
baking dish 9x13 The size that gives the right thickness for chewy brownies.
parchment paper Makes it easy to lift out the brownies for cleaner slicing.

Ingredients

Brownies:

1 cup (8 oz.) butter
4 oz. dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao), broken into pieces
4 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. table salt
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
2 tbsps. bourbon

Candied Pecans:

1 tbsp. butter
2 tbsps. light brown sugar
1/3 cup pecan halves

Garnish:

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
1 cup (8 oz.) butter, 4 oz. dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao), broken into pieces
In a large bowl, beat the eggs on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture, then add the sugar, flour, salt, peppermint extract, and bourbon. Mix until fully combined.
4 large eggs, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp. table salt, 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract, 2 tbsps. bourbon
Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch pan. (I like to line mine with parchment paper for easy removal.) Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting—if you can wait.
While the brownies bake and cool, make the candied pecans. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar until combined. Add the pecan halves and cook over low heat for 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture darkens slightly. Remove from heat and let the pecans cool for about 15 minutes, until the sugar hardens. Break into pieces for garnish.
1 tbsp. butter, 2 tbsps. light brown sugar, 1/3 cup pecan
For an authentic Mint Julep presentation, splash a little bourbon onto each serving plate and place a brownie slice on top. It’s optional, but it really adds something. Garnish with freshly whipped cream, candied pecans, and a sprig of mint.
bourbon, whipped cream, fresh mint

Video

Notes

Chocolate: Use dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cacao so the brownies don’t turn out too sweet.

Bourbon: The alcohol bakes off, but the flavor sticks around. You can leave it out, but the flavor balance will shift.

Parchment paper: Totally optional, but it makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan and slice cleanly.

Pecans: Let the candied pecans cool fully before breaking them up so the sugar coating hardens properly.

Serving tip: A splash of bourbon on the plate adds flavor and plays up the Mint Julep angle.

Cutting clean edges: Use a serrated knife and wipe it between cuts for the cleanest slices.

For the best results when making these mint julep brownies, check out the full post. It includes extra notes, tips, and frequently asked questions that aren't listed in the recipe card — like how to make it dairy-free, gluten-free, or ideas for simple ingredient swaps.

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on the brands and products you use.

© noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing a link to this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other websites is strictly prohibited.

Nutrition