Peppermint Brownies Chocolate Frosted (Printable Version)

Fudgy brownies blend peppermint, chocolate frosting, and candy crunch for an irresistible treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Brownie Layer

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter
02 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
03 - 2 cups granulated sugar
04 - 4 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

→ Peppermint Frosting

10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
13 - 2 tablespoons milk

→ Chocolate Drizzle & Garnish

14 - 1 cup dark chocolate melting wafers, melted
15 - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Remove from heat, add 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 cups granulated sugar, stirring until smooth.
03 - Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
04 - Add 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
05 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in pan.
06 - In a mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, and 2 tablespoons milk for 3-4 minutes until light and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
07 - Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using an offset spatula.
08 - Melt 1 cup dark chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute, stirring until smooth, then drizzle over the frosted brownies.
09 - Immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy evenly over the drizzled chocolate.
10 - Allow chocolate to set at room temperature for 1 hour. Slice brownies into squares and serve.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Ensure brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting. Use an offset spatula for smooth, even frosting application.