Description
Delicious chocolate brownies topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (use less for a more mild peppermint flavor)
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Crushed candy canes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and water. Place over medium heat and cook until the butter is melted and the mixture starts to boil. Remove from the heat and add 3 cups of the chocolate chips (reserving the last 1/2 cup) and stir until the chocolate is melted.
- Add the eggs and vanilla and stir until the mixture is combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake until the brownies are set, about 30 minutes.
- Let the brownies cool.
- Once the brownies are cool, make the frosting.
- With a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat until well combined.
- Start mixing in the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once it is all combined, add 1 tablespoon of the milk and the peppermint extract and beat to combine. Add more of the milk to get a spreadable consistency. If desired, add a little bit of red food coloring to tint your frosting pink.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Cut into bars for serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your taste preference.
- The red food coloring is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg