If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines rich chocolate, refreshing mint, and a bit of crunchy fun, then you’ve got to try my Mint Oreo Brownie Bars Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars turn out with that perfect fudgy texture and that surprise layer of minty Oreos right in the middle. Plus, the crushed Oreo topping adds a delightful crunch that makes every bite feel extra special. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fudgy and Moist: The blend of butter and oil keeps these bars deliciously soft and chewy every single time.
- Minty Oreo Surprise: Placing Oreos in the middle gives you a flavorful twist that surprises your taste buds.
- Easy and Quick: From start to finish, it takes under an hour—even if you’re not a baker.
- Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these bars at parties or just as a weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All your usual brownie essentials come together perfectly here, and the mint Oreos are the star ingredient that makes the whole dessert sing. Pro tip: Using fresh Oreos is crucial—they add the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness in the recipe.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps keep these bars fudgy and moist—don’t skip it.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds crispness and sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a subtle caramel flavor and chewiness.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened for that rich chocolate taste.
- Eggs: Cold eggs work best to help set the batter nicely.
- Vanilla Extract: Amplifies every flavor in the brownie.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
- All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the bars tender without being cakey.
- Mint Oreos: The star ingredient—use 15 in the middle and 5 crushed on top.
Variations
I love making this Mint Oreo Brownie Bars Recipe my own by switching up flavors or adding extras from time to time—feel free to get creative and make it yours.
- Double Mint: Once, I layered crushed mint Oreos both in the middle and sprinkled generously on top for an extra mint punch. My guests couldn’t get enough!
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini white or dark chocolate chips for a gooey surprise throughout.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free mix for friends or family with dietary needs.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle peanut butter on top before baking for a luscious twist.
How to Make Mint Oreo Brownie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I always line my 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper because it makes lifting the bars out so easy when they’re ready. Plus, cleanup becomes a breeze. Set that aside while you get your ingredients ready—you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 2: Melt and Mix the Sugars and Fats
Pop the butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time until everything is melted together. I discovered this trick of heating it twice—the first melts everything gently, and the second minute break helps the sugars fully dissolve, giving your brownies a smooth, shiny top. Then, mix it all vigorously with a hand mixer or stand mixer for that perfect creamy base.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps your batter pull away from the bowl just a little bit—a sign you’re on track. Once the eggs are in, pour in the vanilla extract and mix nicely. This step adds aroma and helps round out the flavors.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Now, sift together your cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then fold these into the wet mix gently but thoroughly. Don’t over-mix here—you want the batter just combined to keep the brownies tender and fudgy. A few streaks of flour are fine as you want to avoid making the texture tough.
Step 5: Layer and Add the Oreos
Pour half the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then, arrange the 15 mint Oreos right in the center of the batter—this is the part I love because it creates a hidden mint center surprise when you bite in! Carefully spread the remaining batter over the Oreos to cover completely. Finally, sprinkle the last 5 crushed Oreos on top for a crunchy, inviting finish.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Keep an eye toward the end—when the edges start pulling away slightly and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, they’re perfectly done. What I learned the hard way is that underbaking leads to gooey mess, and overbaking dries them out, so timing is key. Once out, cool them COMPLETELY on a wire rack before slicing—this gives those crinkle-topped squares their perfect shape.
Pro Tips for Making Mint Oreo Brownie Bars Recipe
- Use Cold Eggs: I found that using cold eggs helps the batter set better during baking, resulting in a fudgier texture.
- Mix Sugar and Fats Well: Melting the sugars properly avoids graininess and gives a glossy finish on the brownies’ surface.
- Don’t Rush Cooling: Let your bars cool fully before slicing to prevent them from crumbling apart.
- Layer Those Oreos Carefully: Place Oreos in the batter gently to keep them intact without disrupting the flow of batter too much.
How to Serve Mint Oreo Brownie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra crushed Oreos just before serving—adds that pretty finishing touch. Sometimes, I add a few fresh mint leaves to bring out the minty vibe visually and aromatically.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these Mint Oreo Brownie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A hot cup of coffee or peppermint tea alongside really rounds out the dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these bars on a tiered dessert stand garnished with fresh mint sprigs and edible flowers. It makes a simple bar feel elegant and party-ready. You could also cut them into mini squares and add a dollop of whipped cream on top for bite-sized delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, I store leftover Mint Oreo Brownie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and fudgy for up to 3 days, and the flavors continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, defrost them overnight in the fridge, or for a quick fix, leave them at room temperature for an hour.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, pop a brownie bar in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This revives that soft, gooey center without drying them out. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too hot and tough.
FAQs
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Can I use regular Oreos instead of mint Oreos in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mint Oreos add a refreshing twist, regular Oreos will still give you that crunchy, chocolatey middle layer that works well with the fudgy brownies. You’ll just miss the mint flavor, but it’s still delicious.
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Why do I need both butter and vegetable oil?
Great question! Butter adds rich flavor and a silky texture, while vegetable oil helps keep the bars extra moist and fudgy. Using both gives you the best of both worlds—texture and taste in perfect harmony.
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Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that’s meant for baking. Make sure the rest of your ingredients, especially Oreos, are gluten-free or safe for your dietary needs.
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How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for edges pulling away from the pan and a toothpick inserted near the center coming out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures they’re cooked through but still fudgy and not dry.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Sure thing! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it might need a few extra minutes, so start checking at around 35 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been making this Mint Oreo Brownie Bars Recipe for years now, and it never fails to wow at family gatherings or when I need a comforting pick-me-up. What makes it truly special is how approachable it is—you don’t have to be a seasoned baker to get fantastic results. So next time you want to impress yourself or loved ones with an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, have these bars ready on hand. I’m confident they’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorites, just like they are for me.
Print
Mint Oreo Brownie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Mint Oreo Brownies, a delightful twist on classic brownies infused with creamy mint Oreo cookies layered inside and sprinkled on top for added crunch and flavor. Perfect for mint and chocolate lovers seeking an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs (cold)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 15 mint Oreos (for layering inside)
- 5 mint Oreos (crushed, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the edges for easy removal later, and set aside.
- Melt and combine wet ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Then microwave for an additional 1 minute and stir vigorously to fully dissolve the sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk in the cold eggs one at a time until the batter is smooth and slightly thickened. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Fold these dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Layer batter and Oreos: Pour half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Arrange the 15 whole mint Oreos in the center of the batter, slightly spacing them. Then carefully spread the remaining brownie batter over the Oreos to cover them completely.
- Add crushed Oreos topping: Sprinkle the 5 crushed mint Oreos evenly over the top layer of batter to add a crunchy minty crust.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the brownies have set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and slice: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool fully on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into 16 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- For best texture, use cold eggs as they help achieve a thicker batter.
- Do not overmix batter once dry ingredients are added to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
- Let brownies cool completely before slicing to get clean, crinkle-top squares.
- You can substitute regular Oreos if mint Oreos are unavailable but it will alter the flavor profile.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 1/16th of the batch)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg