Peppermint Brownies

I fell in love with these peppermint brownies about four years ago!  One of my best friend, Bekah, and I would always check for them at Whole Foods whenever we went.  It was our tradition to buy one and slowly eat it, savoring every bite.  (It was about $4 a brownie, so we had to make every bite last as LONG as possible!).

We talked many times about making these, but with everything going on and life getting in the way, we somehow never actually go around to it.

One evening this past week, it suddenly donned on me.  It was TIME for peppermint brownies!

I've only actually seen these with green frosting (with I LOVE!!!), but somehow that seemed more "mint" rather than "peppermint," so Bri confirmed my decision to go with the red (SHOCKING!!!  I know!).

I hope you enjoy these as much as we did.  If you're looking for something a little different for this holiday season that's a little different, then why not try this?

Enjoy!

Brownie Base

3/4 cup butter (1.5 sticks)
4 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 1/4 cups white sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs

Preheat the oven to 325.

Over medium-low heat in a medium saucepan, combine the butter and unsweetened chocolate.  Allow both ingredients to melt completely, stirring occasionally to allow the two to come together.

Once fully melted, remove from heat.  Stir in the sugar, allowing it to melt a little.  Next, add in the three eggs, and mix completely to make sure their well incorporated.  Stirring constantly will also help to insure that the eggs don't accidentally cook if your chocolate mixture is still too hot.

Lastly, add in the vanilla, salt, and flour.  Mix just until combined.

Pour into either a 9x9 inch buttered pan or an 8x12 inch buttered pan.

Bake for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  If you don't over bake, the brownie layer will almost be like FUDGE (and AMAZING!!! - that might just be our personal preference, though).

Allow to cool and come to room temperature before continuing on to the next step.

Peppermint Butter Frosting

1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2 tbsp heavy cream
red or green food coloring (optional - color as desired)

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine all ingredients and whip until nice and smooth.

Once the brownies have cooled and come to room temperature, spread the peppermint frosting onto the brownies.  Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the peppermint layer to harden.

 

Chocolate Ganache Topping

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup heavy cream

In a small or medium saucepan, on very low heat, combine the two ingredients and allow to come together, stirring about every minute or so.  Once chocolate chips are melted and a smooth ganache is formed, remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before pouring over the peppermint layer.

Allow to harden for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best) before cutting into.

Enjoy!