Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Bars

These chocolate peppermint brownie bars were inspired by a sponsored post from McCormick.

Peppermint is one of my favorite holiday flavors.  Peppermint tea, peppermint bark, peppermint hot cocoa; you name it, I love it!  So when I saw these brownie bars, I just had to try them.  They’re so decadent!  If you’re looking for a recipe to bring to a Christmas party, this will be a hit!

When I was young, some of my favorite memories of the holidays were getting together with my aunts and making all kinds of holiday desserts.  That’s why I always include my children in my Christmas cooking.  Their eyes light up and they dropped whatever their toys I ask, “Would you like to help me make some Christmas brownies?”

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Bars

My uncle loves peppermint patties, and these taste just like those – except way better.  Sorry Uncle Pat, when I visit next time I’ll make you some 🙂

Find the original recipe at McCormick.com

Ingredients:

1 Package Family Size Fudge Brownies (Plus ingredients to make them)

2 1/2 Cups Confectioners Sugar

1/2 Cup plus 7 Tablespoons Butter, Divided

2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream (Original Recipe calls for 1 1/2)

1 1/2 Teaspoons McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract

12 Oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate

1/4 Cup Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes (optional)

Directions:

First, I had Emma mix up the brownies while I preheated the oven to 350 degrees.

Then, I poured it in an even layer on a baking pan lined with parchment paper.  The directions called for a 15x10x1 inch pan.

 

While my brownies cooked for about 15 minutes, Audrey mixed up the creamy peppermint filling.  She whipped the butter until it was creamy and then added the other ingredients.  It came out a little dry and hard to spread, so we added extra cream.

I took the brownies out to cool on a wire rack before I spread the peppermint cream over it.

It was a little hard to spread the peppermint over the brownie with a spatula so I opted for a metal knife and that worked a lot better.  Then, I popped it into the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

I melted the chocolate and butter in a bowl over simmering water, and spread it over the peppermint filling.  Then the girls helped me sprinkle it with candy cane pieces.

Next time, I might have the girls add the candy after I cut them into bars.  If I hit a candy piece it messed up my cut, but it didn’t take away from the taste!

Please visit McCormick.com for more Holiday recipe ideas.

What’s your favorite kind of brownie?

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