Tempting Tuesdays ~ Mint Chocolate Brownies

This week, I wanted to give a holiday flair to a fantastic favorite. I found this recipes for Mint Chocolate brownies on Jamie Cooks It Up.


Ingredients

Brownies

1 cup butter
2 cups cugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips


Mint Filling

(for extra thick layer, double these ingredients)

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp mint extract
2-3 drops of green food coloring
3 tbsp whipping cream
dash of salt

Chocolate Topping

(for extra thick layer, double these ingredients)

1/3 cup whipping cream
1 1/3 cups chocolate chips
1/3 cup butter

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place 1 cup melted butter, 2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 2 teaspoons vanilla into your stand mixer or large mixing bowl. Mix on low-speed until combined and smooth, should take about 1 minute.

Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one.

In a small bowl place 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss the two together with a fork to combine. Add these dry ingredients to the brownie batter and mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until smooth. Stir in 3/4 cup chocolate chips.

Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and spread the batter out into it. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes. Be sure not to over bake these babies. Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely.

While your brownies cool go ahead and make the chocolate topping. Toss 1/3 cup whipping cream, 1 1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips and 1/3 cup butter into a medium-sized sauce pan. Heat the ingredients up over medium high heat, stirring constantly until everything is melted and well combined. Should just take a few minutes. Set the pan aside to cool. You want this mixture to be lukewarm when you pour it over the mint filling.

To make the heavenly mint filling of wonder and bliss, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl or use your stand mixer. To the bowl add 2 1/2 C powdered sugar, 2 T softened butter,
4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/2 t mint extract, 2-3 drops green food coloring ad 3 T whipping cream. Beat the ingredients for 2-3 minutes or until everything is well combined.

When the brownies are completely cool spread the mint filling over the top. Pop the pan into the fridge and allow it to set up for about 20 minutes.

When the filling has had a chance to set pour the chocolate topping all over the top. Then spread it around with a knife.

Place the pan back in the fridge for an hour, or until the chocolate layer is set. When you are ready to serve slice them with a sharp knife. Top with a dollop of flavored whipped cream for an extra kick. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.