choc-mint-brownies1Christmas Chocolate Mint Brownies

My family has been making these for years…when I was young, we used to make them with Creme de Menthe (yikes), but now we use peppermint extract!

These are my absolute favorites and have become my kids’ favorite, too.  I only make them at Christmastime to keep it special.  Something about the rich dense chocolate brownies mixed with the butter cream peppermint frosting and then topped with a layer of decadent melted chocolate is just a taste phenomenon! Don’t take my word for it…make them yourself.  I usually have some on hand this time of year if you stop by…

INGREDIENTS

Brownie Layer:

  • 4 squares unsweetened chocolate
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 2 c. flour

Melt chocolate and butter in double boiler and cool.  Beat eggs, sugar until thick…add flour and chocolate mixture – blend.  Pour into greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 – 30 minutes or until done (knife in center comes clean)…do NOT overcook!

Frosting Layer:

  • 3 cups confectionery sugar
  • 6 T butter, softened
  • 4 T cream
  • 1-1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
  • small drop green food coloring

Beat all until smooth and chill until slightly firm.  Spread on cooled brownies and chill.

Glaze Layer:

  • 6 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 6 T  butter
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Melt chocolate and butter (in microwave or double boiler) and stir in vanilla.  Drizzle or spread over frosted brownies.

I store these in the fridge to keep fresh and firm.  Enjoy these decadent delights with a cold glass of milk!

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

I just made this yesterday and it was super fast & easy.  A few hours in the fridge and it was the perfect treat while we finished decorating our tree ~

peppermint1I just love white chocolate and peppermint mixed together. I love the creaminess of the white chocolate mixed with the sweetness of the peppermint. I also love quick and easy recipes. There is so much do this time of year!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk (I use fat-free)
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 cup peppermint baking chips (Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips)
  • 1/2 cup peppermint candies, crushed

andes-bagpeppermint

DIRECTIONS

  • Grease bottom of 8×8 glass pan
  • Melt white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a double boiler pan, stirring frequently until smooth
  • Remove from heat and add Andre’s peppermint crunch and peppermint extract until combined (some of the pink from the peppermint will swirl)
  • Pour into pan and then add crushed peppermints to the top
  • Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours….cut and enjoy!

 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DECADENT DESSERTS SOON!!