I had intended to share the tart from this past Sunday dinner, but I really wanted to get these out there for any holiday parties or cookie exchanges that will be going on this weekend. These brownies are a cool and minty treat with flavors that are perfect for the holiday season. Here we have a fudgy brownie layer topped with a sweet peppermint layer. As if that weren't enough, a thin chocolate layer studded with peppermint bits caps off this brownie indulgence. I'd call that four layers of flavor explosion!
Now that you're all amped up, I'll give you the particulars. To the original recipe, I swapped chocolate chips in the brownie instead of nuts and added a bit of espresso powder. I doubled up on the peppermint layer and added the crushed candy canes for a festive look and a little crunch. You can serve them at room temperature, but I think they are particularly nice with a little chill on them. Either way you serve them, they will almost certainly be devoured.
Triple Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
makes 20 small brownies
For the Brownie Layer
8 Tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 extra large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon espresso powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
For the Peppermint Layer
2 cups confectioners' sugar
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
2 Tablespoons whole milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 candy canes, crushed
For the Brownie Layer
Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving overhang for easy removal; lightly spray with non-stick baking spray. In a bowl set over a pan of simmering water or in the microwave, melt the butter and chocolate; set aside. In a medium bowl beat the eggs and sugar with a hand-held mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the flour, extracts, espresso powder, and salt. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir just until blended. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the chocolate chips. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Peppermint Layer
In a medium bowl, beat together the confectioners' sugar, butter, milk, and extracts until smooth and creamy using a hand-held mixer. Spread the mixture over the cooled brownies and chill in the refrigerator until set, about 1 hour.
For the Chocolate Layer
In a bowl set over a pan of simmering water or in the microwave, melt the butter and chocolate; cool slightly. Pour the chocolate over the peppermint layer and sprinkle with the crushed candy canes. Chill in the refrigerator until set, about 1 hour. Cut into 20 squares. Serve the brownies chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Source: Adapted from Epicurious.com
Those layers are beautiful, especially that creamy center one! I can imagine how delish these would be and just perfect for the holidays.
ReplyDeleteI love it, it`s perfect for Christmas. Thank you for sharing :) and greetings from UK
ReplyDeleteThis looks delicious! I would love if you shared this in my holiday dessert recipes Blog Hop. We're giving away a prize from Wilton to the blogger with the most "likes", come check it out! :) http://www.recipelionblog.com/december-blog-hop-holiday-dessert-recipes-giveaway
ReplyDeleteSarah @ RecipeLion
The combination is just what everyone is craving for during Christmas and perhaps with something this good, the whole year round...Thanks for sharing! I will have to try this really soon!
ReplyDeleteWish I had a whole tray of these layer bars right now! Time to pin them :)
ReplyDeleteThese look SO good!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks divine !
ReplyDeleteI've just bought peppermint extract so I was looking for a good recipe for it.
Thanks!
This brownie is gorgeous, its nice to see a plain old brownie all jazzed up for the holiday season!
ReplyDelete-Shan
Made these today....SO good!!! Thank for for the great recipe!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you enjoyed the recipe!
DeleteThese look AMAZING! I hope you will consider linking them up to our virtual Christmas cookie cookbook called Cookies for Santa. You can find the linky at kindredlive.com starting tonight and running through Christmas. These browinies are definitely on my list to make this year. Thank you for sharing! Holly
ReplyDelete