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Day 3: Peppermint Brownies

Who says a brownie can't be part of a Christmas cookie collection?




These are perfect for the winter season - rich and chocolatey with just a hint of peppermint. They're topped with chopped Hershey Candy Cane Kisses, way better than crushed candy canes or peppermints.  (No sharp edges!) 


And a little story... I don't typically bake brownies from scratch. I have before, and the results are always sub-par. As in, they aren't as good box brownies. Somehow Betty Crocker wins every time.




But these... are better than box brownies. Yes, it's true. Not cakey at all, rich and fudgy. I think part of that is because there are four entire Hershey milk chocolate bars stuffed into the center. 




I think you should make these sometime before Christmas. And perhaps grab a pint of peppermint ice cream to go with them. 

Peppermint Brownies


  • 8-oz. unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
  •  cups unsalted butter
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  •  teaspoons peppermint extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 1.55-oz. milk chocolate bars, broken into segments
  • 1 bag (about 60) Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses, wrappers removed and coarsely chopped

Method

Preheat oven to 350*F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.

Combine the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water; heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the heat. In large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar. Whisk in chocolate mixture until well-blended. Whisk in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk in the flour until just incorporated.

Spread half of brownie batter into prepared pan. Layer with the milk chocolate pieces. Spread the remaining batter evenly over the milk chocolate pieces. Bake 30-35 minutes, until almost set.

Remove the brownies from the oven. (Leave oven on.) Scatter the chopped Candy Cane Kisses over the top of the brownies and return to the oven for 3 more minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Chill the brownies until the candy topping has firmed up. Slice and serve.

Source: Annie's Eats

Comments

Unknown said…
These look delicious! I can't wait to try them.
Have Your Way said…
Yum!!!

Yes I did go to the Toledo Zoo! Its about an hour from Sandusky!! It was alot of fun!! You would LOVE the Christmas lights!!

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