Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies

Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies

A simple and easy sweet treat just in time for the holidays,have some candy canes left over, then grab the kids and try the following peppermint candy cae brownies.


Brownies:

4 squares unsweetened chocolate (4oz)

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder




Frosting:




2 cups powdered sugar

4 tablespoons butter, softened

1 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 tablespoon milk

pink food coloring






Chocolate Glaze:



6 oz (about a cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips

6 tablespoons butter


Additional  1/2 - 1 cup crushed candy canes (use Bob's not Spanglers)




Directions:



Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roughly chop baking squares so they'll be easier to melt, then place them in a microwave-safe bowl along with the 2 sticks of butter (cubed).
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 butter mixture. Mix until just combined.




Combine flour and baking powder and whisk into brownie batter by hand until just combined.




Pour into a lightly greased 9x13 pan. If you want to make the job much easier, line your pan with foil first.


Bake 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).







Next layer is the 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 over top of brownies (spread quickly to prevent melting frosting).


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 and serve.



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