Chocolate Mint Brownies

This is a great basic recipe that can easily be varied according to taste preference. The mint frosting becomes vanilla or almond flavored by swapping out extracts, and making blondies instead of brownies for the base layer provides a chocolate-free alternative.

Brownies:

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup baking cocoa
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Mint Frosting:

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
• 3 Tbsp whole milk
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• green food coloring (optional)

Chocolate Glaze:

• 6 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 Tbsp butter

Brownie Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350*.
2. Grease and flour a 9 by 13 inch pan.
3. Combine sugar, baking powder and salt; set aside.
4. Microwave butter in a microwave safe bowl for until melted.
5. Stir in sugar and vanilla.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Add the cocoa; beat well until well blended. Add flour mixture; beat well.
8. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from the pan sides. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in mixer; beat until smooth.
2. Add food coloring if desired.
3. Spread frosting over cooled brownies.
4. Place in fridge for 10 minutes to allow frosting to set.

Chocolate Glaze Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate and butter over low heat until combined.
2. Spread evenly over frosting.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until glaze is firm.