Peppermint Candy Brownies

I made this at Christmas this year, but the pink color of the frosting would definitely go well for a Valentine's day treat.  And if you are like me, peppermint is an any time of the year thing, not just Christmas :) Anyway, these are pretty tasty and I would definitely make them again, but only going to give them a 9 out of 10, as there are other minty treats that I prefer over these.

Link to original recipe: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/peppermint-candy-cane-brownies/

Ingredients:

For the brownie batter--

4 oz. (usually 4 squares) unsweetened baking chocolate
1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pats
4 large eggs
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder

For the frosting and topping--

2 c. powdered sugar
3 T. unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp. peppermint extract
1 T. milk
red food coloring (if you want to make it pink)
4-5 peppermint candy canes, crushed (or peppermint candies)

Directions:

1. Butter a 9" x 13" pan and heat oven to 350°F. 

2. Break the baking chocolate into pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl, along with the pats of butter.

2. Microwave for 30 sec., then stir.  Repeat until just melted and smooth.  Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat eggs for around 3 minutes, until frothy.  Add the sugar and vanilla and beat until combined.

4. Stir in melted chocolate.

5. Stir in flour and baking powder until just combined (careful not to overmix!).

6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 23-27 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 

7. Transfer to cooling rack and let cool completely.

8. For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together all ingredients EXCEPT the crushed peppermint candies.  When brownies are cool, frost and then sprinkle the crushed candies over the top.  Enjoy!