Description
Grinch brownies are rich, fudgy brownies topped with vibrant green frosting and heart-shaped sprinkles, inspired by the whimsical spirit of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch. Perfect for holiday parties, themed events, or as a homemade treat. Easily made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
– 2½ cups granulated sugar
– ⅔ cup vegetable oil
– ½ cup milk (substitute plant-based milk for vegan diets)
– 1 tbsp vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs (substitute flax eggs for vegan diets)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (substitute dark chocolate or dairy-free chips for dietary needs)
For the Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold (substitute plant-based butter for vegan diets)
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ¼–½ tsp peppermint extract (substitute vanilla extract if needed)
– 2–4 tsp milk or heavy cream (as needed; substitute plant-based cream for vegan diets)
– Electric green gel food coloring
For Decoration:
– Heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out damp but not gooey. Cool completely before frosting.
- Whip cold butter using a paddle attachment for 5–7 minutes until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, extracts, and cream (if needed) and mix until smooth. Add green gel color and beat until fully incorporated.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies and top with heart-shaped sprinkles. Slice and serve.
Notes
– Use high-quality cocoa powder for maximum chocolate flavor. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.
– Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze slices for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Avoid microwaving if possible.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Festive Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg