Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies

By shelliec

Ingredients

• Brownies:
• 4 squares unsweetened chocolate (4oz)
• 1 C butter (2 sticks)
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 t vanilla
• 1 1/4 C flour
• 1/2 t baking powder
• Frosting:
• 2 C powdered sugar
• 4 T butter, softened
• 1 1/2 t peppermint extract
• 1 T milk
• pink food coloring
• Chocolate Glaze:
• 6 oz (about a cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips ,you could also use dark
• 6 T real butter
• Additional:
• 1/2-1 C crushed candy canes (Use Bob’s NOT Spanglers!)

Preparation

Step 1

Rough chop the baking chocolate so they’ll be easier to melt: Then place them in a microwave-safe bowl along with the 2 sticks of butter (also chopped)

Melt in 30-45 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Set aside.

In a stand mixer or with electric beaters, beat eggs for about 3 minutes until thick and frothy.

Add sugar and vanilla and beat to combine. Then add in the melted chocolate and butter that you set aside. Combine flour and baking powder and whisk into brownie batter by hand until just combined. Pour into a lightly greased 9×13 pan. If you want to make the job much easier, line your pan with foil first.

BAKE 350° for 20-25 minutes. Test with a toothpick for doneness and don’t over bake! When brownies are done, cool on a cooling rack. When completely cool, pop in the fridge to chill. (makes the frosting spreading easier)

Frosting:
Combine all frosting ingredients and beat until light and fluffy. Add extra milk by teaspoonful if you need a little more. Spread evenly over cooled/chilled brownies and place back in the fridge to chill again while you do the final step.

Chocolate Glaze:
Place chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in 30 second intervals until smooth.

Set aside for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, so it can cool off just a bit. Quickly spread on top of brownies. I say quickly because the frosting is cool and the chocolate is hot. If you take your sweet time and over do it, you’ll make a big gooey mess. Just spread it on quick.

Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top and return to the fridge until chocolate is set on top.

Remove from fridge a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares, eat, ooh and ahh, and then eat another one. Or two.