Peppermint Brownies

Oh people. I have not even eaten one yet, but the smell of these brownies are AMAAAAZZZZING. Seriously. Chocolate. Mint. TWO kinds of frosting. How could they NOT taste good?!?! Here goes (I'll come back with our verdict after we eat them!).

Brownies
1 box of brownie mix
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup water
2 large eggs
1/4 tsp peppermint extract

Place parchment paper into a 9x13" pan, & lightly grease. Beat all the ingredients together for 2 minutes (until moistened). Pour into prepared pan & bake at 350F for 30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool


Peppermint Buttercream
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
1 TBSP milk
1/4 tsp each of vanilla & peppermint extract

Beat butter together with 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients & beat until smooth. If you have to, add more icing sugar (up to 1/2 cup) so it's not too runny. You can tint this red or green if you want to make it more festive! Smooth over cooled brownies & refrigerate until buttercream is firm.

Chocolate Frosting
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
12oz chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup icing sugar

Bring milk & butter to a boil over medium heat. Pour over chips in a heat proof boil & let sit for a couple minutes. Add vanilla, then whisk until smooth. Using your mixer, beat in icing sugar until smooth & glossy. Spread over buttercream layer. You can use decorator's gel (red & white) & swirl across the top in a pretty pattern.

Seriously. Try these. You will drool hours before you even eat one & I can GUARANTEE that you will be asked to make this every Christmas!!!