Mint Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients For The Brownies

1/2 cup. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate chips

Ingredients For The Frosting

1/4 cup(1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1-2 drops green food coloring (optional)
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp. milk or heavy cream

Ingredients For The Chocolate Ganache

3/4 c. chocolate chips
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp heavy cream

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 baking pan with foil and lightly coat with baking spray, set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the melted butter, sugars and vanilla extract for 30 seconds on medium. With mixing speed on low, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until thoroughly combined.

3. In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. With mixing speed on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until no flour pockets remain. Remove the bowl from the stand and using a spatula, fold in the chopped chocolate or nuts if desired.

4. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading into an even layer. Place in the oven and bake for 23-26 minutes or until set, taking care not to overbake. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes or until brownies are no longer warm (you can speed up the process by letting them cool uncovered in the refrigerator).

5.  Meanwhile, to make the mint frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, food coloring, peppermint extract and salt until creamy, about 1 minute on medium high. Add the powdered sugar, then the milk (or heavy cream) until it reaches the desired consistency. Beat for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Frost cooled brownies, then toss uncovered into the freezer for 10 minutes.

6. During the last minute of freeze time, in a microwave safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, butter and heavy cream. Heat for 40 seconds, stir, then repeat in small increments of time. Stir chocolate until all of the chips are melted and it becomes smooth. Beat for 1 minute and then pour over the top of the cold frosted brownies. Spread evenly and place in the refrigerator uncovered to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.